Flags

[Rod or Sharon]

Hi everyone, I have been asked to do a full size flag for a school. We embroidery their uniforms. Due to size, embroidery is out of the question. Not sure where to go next.
Thanks,
Sharon

[Barbara Bunker]

Sounds like an applique opportunity. I think I would use Steam-a-Seam adhesive web on nylon flag fabric. I have a couple of Boy Scout patrol flags to make and that's what I'm using.

Barb

[Rod or Sharon]

Thank you Barb. The design is rather complex with lots of colors so it might be a real challenge.
Sharon

[Barbara Bunker]

I wish you good luck with your flag, Sharon. Seems like the biggest hurdle is getting it drawn or enlarged to the size you need. I'd love to know how you end up going about it.

barb

[KNC Designs]

Sharon,
I don't know if this flag needs to be sewn or fabricated together from pieces of fabric.But if not you could get the artwork from them in a vector format and get it printed on banner material. Signs365.com offers wholesale work. Just an idea.

Curtis

[signman]

I've had school flags made by one company that does double sided applique (actually 2 sewn together)- very expensive but we had to duplicate stolen 50 yr old flags.
Another method, digital printed flags, but one side will be in reverse (unless you have 2 sewn together).
Banner material will not work-it is too rigid for flags.
Alternative is to find a Quilt shop that has the long neck quilt sewing machine-and do it in applique, digital print or sublimate multi color areas.

[signman]

Barb...I would really test that steam a seam first-and then try washing the material to see if it sticks. Most of your nylon flag materials are water repellant which means iron ons won't stick for long. Been there-done that. Scout uniforms are also treated with water repellant and stain resistance stuff-which is why the scout store supplied 'iron on patches' will NOT stick to them!
What 'may' work better (and how I usually end up doing them) is the cadcut films (Stahls, Specialty Films, etc., and digital print diecut stuff) the same stuff used on soccer shirts and sports uniforms. Gorilla Grip is great stuff (Stahls).
For real super 'flowing' flags-if you can get the poly material used in soccer shirts-it is fantastic-and most of the time opaque enough to do a double sided flag.
Heat seal materials generally go on with 40 or more pounds pressure at 350 degrees to 425 degrees-you can't duplicate this with a home iron.

[Barbara Bunker]

Thanks, Signman!

I haven't tested the adhesive yet and definitely will do before trying to make the flag. I went to an applique seminar at Melco a few years ago. The instructor said that Steam-a-Seam was the best adhesive, topped only by the commercial applications. I don't have a commercial heat press so I'll do some testing soon and let everyone know the outcome.

Perhaps with stiff flag fabric, adhesive isn't necessary at all.

Barb

[signman]

I have several 'commercial' heat sealers (heat presses) and also the Roland Versacamm printer/cutter for full color images. And the Specialty Films and Stahls materials-so if you get in a jam, send me the info and I'll do it for you.
(I'm a Scoutleader myself!)
We just started doing custom Patrol Mascot patches- 1.5" on the Amaya...headache to get files small enough with detail but I had help! and they came out fine.