OT - flag making

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

Hanne,

You can get a soldering iron for very little cost from Maplin:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...17761&doy=16m8

for that price it would be worth it just to reduce the frustration, and
it is a useful tool, honest.

and they ahve stores in Central London
http://www.maplin.co.uk/StoreLocator.aspx?

Yes I am an enabler....

Lizzy

Those plastic/vinyl liners are pretty tough. I have very hard water and my
shower curtain liner gets nasty deposits on it. I throw it into the washing
machine with a load of towels and my regular washing detergent- the towels
seem to 'scour' it while it tumbles in the front loader. The latest cheap
liner is about 3.5 years old and doing fine with about every other month
washing like this- still flexible and doing it's job. I hang the liner
straight from the washer and hose it down with hot water to get the wrinkles
out. It's still going strong.... (You can wash your bath mat in the same
load and it will get nice and clean, too!)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

"Polly Esther" wrote in message
...
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)

Anything that gets pretty hot should work. I seem to remember running
the edge of some nylon stuff through a candle flame to melt it a bit and
seal it so it wouldn't fray. You do have to do it carefully so you don't
melt too much.

Julia in MN

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


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




--
This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus

http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/

To get letters the size you want -- (up to 10 inches tall or so) you can use
your word processor. Just change the font size. The list only goes up to
like 72 or whatever... but you can type in numbers like 250 or 400 (72 is
1").

Then you can use those as a template. Maybe attaching them via a satin
stitch? Just a thought. Maybe a little webbing around the letter before
you attach to the flag to keep it from fraying.

--
Kate in MI
http://community.webshots.com/user/K_Groves


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hanne Gottliebsen" wrote in message
news:fa12ea$r3s$1@qmul...
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

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.

Got an old table knife and a hot plate, gas ring, or camping stove?
Heat the blade in the flame, grab the handle with a hot pad, and
cut the nylon or polyester that way. Put the fabric on a piece of
glass or marble or wood while cutting. A "woodburning tool" can
also be used (basically a soldering iron without a decent thermostat!).

Or you can do it the old fashioned way (though it takes a bit of practice):
cut with scissors and sear the edge in a candle flame -- move the fabric
quickly but evenly, and practice on scraps first.

I'd prefer polyester over nylon for the project if UV-stabilized nylon
is not available. Nylon will fade in sunlight over time, while
poly won't.






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

Hi Hanne!
Here is a tutorial on garden flag sewing:
http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa042001a.htm

I wonder: will your flags be raised so the grommets are
at top or at the side? If at the top, try a casing
instead of grommets.

BTW: when I had to repair a garden flag, I used some
fine bridal tulle over the worn portion, and to protect
some vulnerable appliqué. That was over 8 years ago,
and the flag is still in use every November - December.

HTH. PAT in VA/USA

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).
........cut.....

Depending on what the fabric is there are a couple of different ways to
go with all sorts of things. Remember that a "hot knife" (aka
essentially a low temp soldering iron or wood burning tool) will seal
the cut edges of most of these fabrics. Especially true of nylon flag
fabrics. BG If nylon the two most common types are ripstop and "sport"
nylon. Ripstop looks like it has a "grid" that is a heavier thread that
runs about every half inch in both directions. You cannot tear this
stuff if you try. It is very light weight, though and often what is used
to make nylon "track suit" type clothing.
Sport nylon is a bit heavier and will ravel a bit more at first. Heat
sealing the cut edges is a good idea for either fabric, just to make
sewing the hems a bit easier. BG
A double hem will work fine for the edges. For the grommet edge, a
triple hem or just a strip of something like wide twill tape enclosed in
the hem will work just fine, in most cases. Check your grommets to see
how thick the fabric needs to be to hold the grommet securely. Webbing
might actually make the edge too thick..... again it depends on your
grommets. BG (Too thin of a fabric sandwich and the grommets will
pull out, too thick and you can't get a good "bite" in setting the
grommets and they come apart. sigh. Yes, voice of experience.)

Adding numbers..... you are right about heat.. not doable with either
nylon or polyester. BG
Color is definitely the way to go. If you do need to "applique"
something on, use a good fabric glue. The best one that I know of is
Beacon FabricTac. Is clear and stays flexible. You don't need much of
it. and it is washable. Or use a bit of temporary glue and straight
stitch around. If you have cut the whatevers out with a hot knife the
edges won't fray and you don't have to satin stitch or anything, just a
straight stitch close to the edge will hold. G Biggest problem is
that you will probably need to put one on each side, and that runs into
stitching overlapping the applique on the first side..............
Which is why most of the commercially available "banners" that are sold
to fly outside your house, are done as a cutaway applique, and don't
have letters/numbers since the back side is a mirror image of the front
side. VBG

Pati, in Phx who has made lots of banners/flags along the way....


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

Pat in Virginia wrote:
Hi Hanne!
Here is a tutorial on garden flag sewing:
http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa042001a.htm

I wonder: will your flags be raised so the grommets are at top or at
the side? If at the top, try a casing instead of grommets.

Normally at the side. However, it is a case of whatever tree or other
"flagpole" is available. I think grommets are more flexible.

BTW: when I had to repair a garden flag, I used some fine bridal tulle
over the worn portion, and to protect some vulnerable appliqué. That was
over 8 years ago, and the flag is still in use every November - December.

Pati C. wrote:

cut lots of good advice on fabrics and gromments

Adding numbers..... you are right about heat.. not doable with either
nylon or polyester. BG
Color is definitely the way to go. If you do need to "applique"
something on, use a good fabric glue. The best one that I know of is
Beacon FabricTac. Is clear and stays flexible. You don't need much of
it. and it is washable. Or use a bit of temporary glue and straight
stitch around. If you have cut the whatevers out with a hot knife the
edges won't fray and you don't have to satin stitch or anything, just a
straight stitch close to the edge will hold. G

Oh, this is the argument that will make me get a soldering iron (and an
underlay of some sort) if I need to do numbers!

After tonight, I'll know what the non-sewing boys have in mind :-)



Hanne in London