how to make mini fabric flags

Edited: This giveaway is now closed.

I was feeling kind of crafty yesterday so I decided to gather some pretty fabric and see what came of it.  As I started to pull out various prints and colors and laid them side by side it occurred to me how cute they would look waving hello as sweet little fabric flags.

And since it's been a while since I did a tutorial I thought this simple project would be perfect to
share with you.  If you can sew a straight line then you can do this...trust me they are that easy.

Supply List
- 8 strips of fabric measuring 2" x 9.5"
- 8 bamboo skewers
- white liquid glue
- sewing machine
- packing tag or heavy cardstock
- pencil or erasable pen
- scissors
- ruler

To start put together a collection of eight fabrics in your choice of colors and prints.  I suggest keeping the overall pattern on the small side since that flags are miniature.

Begin by cutting one strip from each fabric that measures 2" x 9.5".

Then cut each of those strips in half so that you now have two strips of each fabric that measure 2" x 4.75' and set aside.

Next we'll make the flag pattern or template.  I used a shipping tag but any heavy cardstock will do. Cut a rectangle from the paper that measures 2" x 2.5".  (If you're using a tag just cut two inches off the bottom of the tag.)

Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and place a mark .5" up on the folded side.

Using scissors clip from the corner of the open end to the drawn mark at an angle and open.  (You may want to draw the diagonal line with a pencil as a guide before cutting.)  This will be your pattern.

Now grab the 2"x 4.75" fabric strips you cut and begin by folding a strip in half.  Next lay the pattern on the folded strip with the flat side along the fold and the notched end on the open side of fabric.

Using a pencil or frixion erasable pen  (which I love because it disappears with the heat of an iron) trace notched edge.

Using fabric scissors carefully cut on the drawn line. Repeat for each strip.  Note- it may be tempting to fold all the strips and cut at the same time but I wouldn't cut more than three together at a time.  Too many at once may cause the fabric to slip and you will lose accuracy.

Now grab your notched fabric and head over to your sewing machine.  Begin by sewing a one quarter inch seam on each of the folded sides of your flags as shown.  I stripped pieced this portion, pushing one flag after another without cutting the thread after each one.

If you used the chain piece method, clip between each flag before continuing.

Next using your one quarter inch seam as a starting point, sew around the sides of the flag without crossing into the original seam along the fold.

Assemble the flags by placing a thin line of glue at the top inch of a wooden skewer and sliding the fabric flag to the flat tip going over the glue.  Wipe away any excess glue.  Set aside to dry.  Repeat for remaining flags.

Lastly, take a moment to enjoy your adorable little creations.

The flags are cute tucked into bouquets of flowers or as their own bouquet in empty mason jars. They also look sweet tucked into the bow of a gift or you can snip the skewer down with scissors and insert them into cupcakes.  The only limitation for their use is your imagination.

Let me know if you enjoyed this tutorial and how the instructions work for you.  And of course feel free to pin away!

And for you non-crafty types and anyone else, I am giving away a set of these here on the blog.  Just sign up to receive Lemon Lane Style by email (link in sidebar) and leave me a comment telling my so and I will put your name in a drawing for the giveaway.  I will choose a winner on Monday morning.

Happy crafting my friends!

xo, Patty

If you liked this post be sure you check out this one on how to make a scrappy tutu.