DIY Ribbon Flag: How to Make a Thrifty Patriotic Craft

A step by step tutorial on making an easy DIY ribbon flag that doesn't require a sewing machine. The perfect addition to your patriotic holidays.

Are you looking to add a touch of whimsy and charm to your living space without breaking the bank? Look no further than a DIY ribbon flag! When you don't want to deal with in-ground flag poles, this American flag home decor is the perfect option.

These fun and budget-friendly craft projects are the perfect way to infuse color and personality inside or outside your home. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating your own patriotic ribbon flag, from gathering supplies to displaying your finished masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, DIY ribbon flags are a fantastic way to display holiday decorating.

How to Create a DIY Ribbon Flag for 4th of July

Gather Your Supplies

First step, let's gather your supplies to make these charming DIY flags. Having everything you need at hand will make the crafting process smooth and enjoyable. You can find most items at craft stores. Once you have these essentials in front of you, you're ready to choose your colors and patterns for your DIY flag.

Large ric rac
Lace white ribbon
Red ribbon with texture
2 yards of red fabric
2 yards of white fabric
Blue star fabric
A long stick, piece of wood or wooden dowel
Scissors or rotary cutter

Choosing Colors and Patterns for DIY Ribbon Flag

When it comes to choosing your colors and patterns, feel free to let your creativity run wild. Whether you prefer a cohesive color scheme or a mix of vibrant hues, the choice is yours. Consider mixing and matching different patterns to add visual interest to your ribbon flags.

I opted to make this as a decorative replica of the US flag and tried to find patriotic USA flag ribbon to go with it. I ended up finding some adorable patterns of red and white fabrics, including solids and some with white stars. Different textures are fun too. If you opt to make a flag like mine, you will for sure need a square of white & blue star fabric to mimic the corner of the original.

Prep Work for Your U.S. Flag Decor

First thing, you will take your fabric and rip it into individual strips. Each fabric strip will need to be approximately 1 ½ inches wide. I like my strips pretty thick so it is a more durable flag. An easy way to do this is measuring first and adding small cuts along the edge where you will rip the fabric.

Use scissors or a fabric rotary cutter to mark your strips. Then proceed to rip the long way. This can be a somewhat lengthy process, but a great project nonetheless. I love the rustic look with unfinished edges.

This is what your beautiful ribbon should look like when you are done ripping. You can see that I have my solid white stripes, solid red, red and white star pattern and a red and white polka dot for my fabric flag.

Create Your Design

Next step, to create your design start by laying out your chosen ribbons in a visually appealing pattern. You can opt for a simple striped design, a chevron pattern, or even a more intricate geometric arrangement. Play around with different placements and combinations until you find a design that speaks to you.

To make my DIY ribbon flag, I chose a pattern of tying two red strips followed by two whites. Another great way to add to your design is painting your stick or "flag pole" with acrylic paint before adding the different colors of ribbon, if you would like.

Add Finishing Touches

For an added touch of personality and charm, consider adding some finishing touches to your own flag in the next step. Small details like plastic or wood bead, buttons, or sequins can elevate your design and make it truly unique. Get creative and let your imagination run wild as you enhance edges of the cloth with these decorative embellishments.

I added in strands of textured ribbon over the fabric strips on my DIY ribbon flag. Use quality nylon ribbon so you will get a long life out of this design. You can use lace but it may not have the longevity you desire. Any time you hang up decor outside, you want it to withstand the elements, like my DIY coffee filter wreath. I tied on my blue star square for the finishing touch.

Once you've put the final touches on your ribbon flags, you'll be ready to display them with pride for everyone to see.

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Display Your Ribbon Flag with Pride

Once you've put the final touches on your DIY ribbon flag, you'll be ready to display it. Grab some jute twine and hang it on a wall or your front door. Whether you hang it in your living room, office, or front porch, your handmade creation will surely get a quick view of anyone who passes by. So go ahead, showcase your crafty skills and let your ribbon flags shine for all to admire.

I absolutely love this festive display on my front porch for the upcoming patriotic holidays. It has just the right amount of vintage feel for our celebrations. I hung mine above my front porch bench to create a fun focal point in this space.

DIY Ribbon Flag

So there you have it - DIY ribbon flags are a simple, budget-friendly, and fun way to add a personalized touch to any space. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just starting out, this project is easy to design and customize to your holiday decor. Don't hesitate - grab your supplies and start crafting today!