When Betsy Ross created the first flag for the United States of America in 1776, she impressed the officials who can to solicit her help by cutting a five-pointed star with one snip of the scissors. Betsy Ross was quick with her shears--a skilled upholsterer and flag maker. The story of her life and deeds has elevated flag making to the respected art it still is today.
In Betsy Ross' time all flags were sewn by hand, using cotton thread and cotton fabric. In these technological times we can choose from a variety of materials and methods. Direct printing on fabric is the most common method used today. Polyester is a popular material. Single ply polyester is an inexpensive material, well suited to special events that don't require long life. They are perfect for promotional use. Shetty knitted polyester is a heavier material that lasts longer and stands up to outside conditions. For both materials the recommended printing techniques are silk screening, dye sublimation, and digital printing. Simple designs are silk-screened, while flag makers use digital printing for detailed designs.
You can have a flag made from any design, which gives you tremendous creative latitude. There are, however, several categories into which most fall. Coats of Arms are family favorites. Pirate flags like the Jolly Roger are great fun. Rebel one symbolize days gone by. Rainbow ones serve a number of colorful purposes. Checkered ones come in any color combination. Military ones pay respect to all services and units. Message flags may announce sales, birthdays, or special events. Fire departments, police, and emergency medical services need emergency ones to protect public safety. Every nation has its own country flag. More and more businesses fly their company flags with their logos on their flagpoles. Small car flags can proclaim your allegiance or advertise your goods or services.
Standard size custom flags typically have two grommets for hanging them. Larger flags may require more grommets, but the flag maker knows how many to put in.
A custom flag means that the flag is created to your specifications. All you have to do is transmit your design electronically in the required format. You can order one flag or a hundred or more from a quality custom flag manufacturer. Most people request single sided flags, but you can also have yours made double sided.
If you need a banner instead of a flag, flag makers can create one for you. They use the same material and technique; the only difference is the size and the number of grommets. As with custom flags, all you need to do is provide the design.
Betsy Ross took a rough design and translated it into a colorful, finished hand-sewn flag in about six weeks. Unlike the Continental Congress who had to wait weeks for their flag, you won't have to wait more than a few days. And you will be as proud of your flag as Betsy and George Washington were of theirs.
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