OT - flag making

I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my
Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run
(normally around 12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).


Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do
expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every
time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.


Thanks,
Hanne in London

On Aug 16, 4:38?am, Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my
Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run
(normally around 12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).

Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do
expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every
time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.

Thanks,
Hanne in London

Hanne, The adding maching tape sounds like a good idea! I've made
flags for a high school marching band, and the flimsy nylon fabric is
a little easier to cut when it's you place it on top of newspaper/
newsprint, and cut through both layers.

rusty, in extremely hot north georgia(g)

Your plan sounds just fine until we get to your question about appliquéing
12 to 15 numbers. For a fast and easy solution, maybe you can get some
durable (as in flexible and strong) white vinyl. You could cut out the
numbers and glue them on with perhaps some stitching for reinforcement. I
don't know what sort of shopping is available to you - but I frequently find
a good use for shower curtain liners. They usually cost only a dollar or
two and you could cut a lot of numbers from just one. Also, see what kind
of glue you can find. Aileen makes one that is flexible and waterproof. You
know, it can and will rain. Count on it. Good, good luck with your
project, Polly


"rusty" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 16, 4:38?am, Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my
Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run
(normally around 12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).

Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do
expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every
time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.

Thanks,
Hanne in London

Hanne, The adding maching tape sounds like a good idea! I've made
flags for a high school marching band, and the flimsy nylon fabric is
a little easier to cut when it's you place it on top of newspaper/
newsprint, and cut through both layers.

rusty, in extremely hot north georgia(g)

Shower curtains (liners) sounds like a good tip!

However, would vinyl not be too stiff, more durable than the nylon/poly,
and thus wear it out? I'm thinking of the nylon tearing along the edge
of the vinyl.

Hmmm, I'l have to think about that one.

I'm hoping the guys listened when we Cub Scout leaders said that colours
were better for differentiating than numbers, since if it is not windy,
you won't be able to see the numbers anyway :-) They wanted numbers
rather than colours, since Boy Scouts might think it childish to be told
to "proceed to purple station".

Hanne in London



Polly Esther wrote:
Your plan sounds just fine until we get to your question about appliquéing
12 to 15 numbers. For a fast and easy solution, maybe you can get some
durable (as in flexible and strong) white vinyl. You could cut out the
numbers and glue them on with perhaps some stitching for reinforcement. I
don't know what sort of shopping is available to you - but I frequently find
a good use for shower curtain liners. They usually cost only a dollar or
two and you could cut a lot of numbers from just one. Also, see what kind
of glue you can find. Aileen makes one that is flexible and waterproof. You
know, it can and will rain. Count on it. Good, good luck with your
project, Polly


"rusty" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 16, 4:38?am, Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my
Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run
(normally around 12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).

Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do
expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every
time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.

Thanks,
Hanne in London
Hanne, The adding maching tape sounds like a good idea! I've made
flags for a high school marching band, and the flimsy nylon fabric is
a little easier to cut when it's you place it on top of newspaper/
newsprint, and cut through both layers.

rusty, in extremely hot north georgia(g)

I don't really know, Hanne. I was only trying to think along with you.
You'll have to do some experimenting to see what works before launching into
a full production. However . . . I do have a shower curtain liner being
used as a table cover for my cutting (and assorted other acts of violence)
table. It looks nice, is soft and flexible and withstands lots of cleaning.
Even though it's been nearly 2 years since the Katrina storm, shopping here
is terribly limited and we just carry on with whatever we hope will do.
Polly

"Hanne Gottliebsen" wrote in message
news:fa1hh8$fm$1@qmul...
Shower curtains (liners) sounds like a good tip!

However, would vinyl not be too stiff, more durable than the nylon/poly,
and thus wear it out? I'm thinking of the nylon tearing along the edge
of the vinyl.

Hmmm, I'l have to think about that one.

I'm hoping the guys listened when we Cub Scout leaders said that colours
were better for differentiating than numbers, since if it is not windy,
you won't be able to see the numbers anyway :-) They wanted numbers
rather than colours, since Boy Scouts might think it childish to be told
to "proceed to purple station".

Hanne in London



Polly Esther wrote:
Your plan sounds just fine until we get to your question about appliquéing
12 to 15 numbers. For a fast and easy solution, maybe you can get some
durable (as in flexible and strong) white vinyl. You could cut out the
numbers and glue them on with perhaps some stitching for reinforcement. I
don't know what sort of shopping is available to you - but I frequently
find a good use for shower curtain liners. They usually cost only a
dollar or two and you could cut a lot of numbers from just one. Also, see
what kind of glue you can find. Aileen makes one that is flexible and
waterproof. You know, it can and will rain. Count on it. Good, good
luck with your project, Polly


"rusty" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 16, 4:38?am, Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my
Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run
(normally around 12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).

Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do
expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every
time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.

Thanks,
Hanne in London
Hanne, The adding maching tape sounds like a good idea! I've made
flags for a high school marching band, and the flimsy nylon fabric is
a little easier to cut when it's you place it on top of newspaper/
newsprint, and cut through both layers.

rusty, in extremely hot north georgia(g)

25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out
of nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal
yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray. I used nylon thread and
they just stitched up fine. Proper size needle was used for
thread and fabric. I don't remember any puckering or any problems
just stitching them up. A double hem worked great with that melted
edge. No stabilizer was needed.
So far as the numbers I wonder if simple glue stick would hold them
down while you appliqué? I made a BS flag or 2 in my day but never
got wrangled into 12. Good luck with them.
Taria

Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my
Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run
(normally around 12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).


Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do
expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every
time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.


Thanks,
Hanne in London

Taria wrote:
25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out
of nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal
yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray.

I'm wondering if a hot glue gun, suitable cleaned up, can be used to
seal the edges? I don't have any other of this kind of equipment, and
budget doesn't really allow for purchase :-) But I do have a glue gun.

What did you lay the fabric on while "cutting"?

Thanks,
Hanne in London


I used nylon thread and
they just stitched up fine. Proper size needle was used for
thread and fabric. I don't remember any puckering or any problems
just stitching them up. A double hem worked great with that melted
edge. No stabilizer was needed.
So far as the numbers I wonder if simple glue stick would hold them
down while you appliqué? I made a BS flag or 2 in my day but never
got wrangled into 12. Good luck with them.
Taria

Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my
Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run
(normally around 12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be
nylon or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag
fabric and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).


Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread
combinations would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags
will be used outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of
weather. I do expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not
completely clean every time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that?
I'm guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the
fabric would only take low temp iron.


Thanks,
Hanne in London

Well now, Hanne. If you have Boy Scouts, you're just bound to have a few
Daddys around. Maybe you could borrow a solder iron and metal straight
edge. Might could even borrow a Daddy. =) Polly

"Hanne Gottliebsen" wrote in message
news:fa1mid$282$1@qmul...
Taria wrote:
25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out of
nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal
yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray.

I'm wondering if a hot glue gun, suitable cleaned up, can be used to
seal the edges? I don't have any other of this kind of equipment, and
budget doesn't really allow for purchase :-) But I do have a glue gun.

What did you lay the fabric on while "cutting"?

Thanks,
Hanne in London


I used nylon thread and
they just stitched up fine. Proper size needle was used for
thread and fabric. I don't remember any puckering or any problems
just stitching them up. A double hem worked great with that melted
edge. No stabilizer was needed.
So far as the numbers I wonder if simple glue stick would hold them
down while you appliqué? I made a BS flag or 2 in my day but never
got wrangled into 12. Good luck with them.
Taria

Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts.
The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around
12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).


Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do expect
them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.


Thanks,
Hanne in London

I think until you get the fabric you just won't know. That might
just be fine. I think we just did it over a piece of bare flat
ply wood. One of the BS dads should have a solder iron but the
hot glue gun might do the job fine.
Taria


Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
Taria wrote:

25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out
of nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal
yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray.


I'm wondering if a hot glue gun, suitable cleaned up, can be used to
seal the edges? I don't have any other of this kind of equipment, and
budget doesn't really allow for purchase :-) But I do have a glue gun.

What did you lay the fabric on while "cutting"?

Thanks,
Hanne in London

OK, you have a point, however: mine are town folks (read London City
guys!). And we are spread thin - my district serves about 800 youth,
between the UK, Ireland and Norway :-)

But I will keep this in mind for when I actually get me hands on the fabric.

Hanne in London

Polly Esther wrote:
Well now, Hanne. If you have Boy Scouts, you're just bound to have a few
Daddys around. Maybe you could borrow a solder iron and metal straight
edge. Might could even borrow a Daddy. =) Polly

"Hanne Gottliebsen" wrote in message
news:fa1mid$282$1@qmul...
Taria wrote:
25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out of
nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal
yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray.

I'm wondering if a hot glue gun, suitable cleaned up, can be used to
seal the edges? I don't have any other of this kind of equipment, and
budget doesn't really allow for purchase :-) But I do have a glue gun.

What did you lay the fabric on while "cutting"?

Thanks,
Hanne in London


I used nylon thread and
they just stitched up fine. Proper size needle was used for
thread and fabric. I don't remember any puckering or any problems
just stitching them up. A double hem worked great with that melted
edge. No stabilizer was needed.
So far as the numbers I wonder if simple glue stick would hold them
down while you appliqué? I made a BS flag or 2 in my day but never
got wrangled into 12. Good luck with them.
Taria

Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts.
The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around
12-15).

Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know
what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon
or polyester.

Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the
"inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some
nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and
then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric
and the webbing).

I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing
(they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding
machine, so this is surely a good use).


Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations
would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used
outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do expect
them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every time.

Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I
need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm
guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric
would only take low temp iron.


Thanks,
Hanne in London