Flag making

[steve12201]

Hello all,
I was wondering if there is any good reference material available on how to handmake a flag for our unit. I have one photo of an actual unit battle-flag and I would like to recreate it as accurately as possible.

I checked Google but only found a lot of stuff about Betsy Ross...nothing useful. Maybe I should ask her;)

I thought it would be kind of cool to add the names of the battles we attend when we travel to the east coast every other year.

Anyway, I figured it would be a good way to start learning how to sew.

Steve

[Silas]

A group local to me had a wonderful flag made for them. It was a handsewn replica of an ANV flag which was captured at First Hatcher's Run. (Spec's from the Museum of the Confederacy were consulted in the creation of this flag.) There were no battle honors on the original flag.

The group took that flag to the 135th Gettysburg event. Afterwards, they painted the word, Gettysburg, on that flag as a reminder of what a great time they had. But in so doing, they farbed and ruined a perfectly good flag. What was being honored by that flag, the original unit or their own participation at reenactment? That was one of the things which caused me and a few others to leave the unit.

The flag was eventually retired, cut into pieces, and given to members of the unit. Sober minds must have realized what a horrible thing had been done to such a wonderful flag.

If you're going to take the effort to make a flag like one used by your unit, don't goof it up. Is it your flag or the flag of the unit you portray? If you want something to show the events your unit has attended, think about streamers instead.

[steve12201]

Hey,
That is an excellent thought. I think that our unit would want to keep it correct as the original....which did NOT have battle honors on it. The photos show a square cut battle flag with "1st" in white on the pole side of the cross and "Va Infy" in white on the right side of the cross.....all in very small lettering.

I love the streamer idea as well. Do you know if they are also hand made or available for purchase at large events (We don't have anything like that here out west).

I have someone who is willing to teach me how to sew and help me with the process, I just don't know what the proper material to use is and the period-correct way to assemble it.

Thanks for the insight!
Steve

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I too would recommend not putting anything on a flag that isn't meant for or wasn't originally on it. Streamers are a modern item that the military uses today, and some reenactment units to display the events they go to. They are an option that some reenactment units choose to use since they can be removed from the pole for the flag to be used in battle or camp without modern intrustions. Since they are not a period device, and most events don't offer them for sale nor give them out, you would have to make your own from whatever you choose, be that cotton, wool, silk, etc. As for the flags themselves, some were constructed of silk, some of light to heavy cotton, but most I've personally examined were made of bunting, a material available from Ben Tart (Bentart.com). This material has a light but sturdy weave and hangs very well, but I would caution to pay attention when using it to sew, as it does fray a little. You will have to roll hem and fell all seams to keep away from raw edges. Flag construction varied as much as the flags themselves, particularly the handsewn ones, as some were depot supplied, some were made by local townsfolk, some provided by the state, etc. There is no one way to sew them, but get as many images of original flags as you can and compare the construction techniques. Some have sewn stars, some have painted stars, some have handsewn grommets to attach to the poles, while some have ties sewn to the flag. Some of the most rewarding things I've ever sewn have been flags for units because, like the originals, they hold special meaning to those that use them and see them. Best of luck on your project.

[steve12201]

Very interesting. Did you rely on your knowledge and experience to make the flag or did you have some reference material. We don't have any Civil War museums in Arizona that I am aware of......and our state isn't even 100 years old yet, so we lack a lot of preserved historical artifacts from the 1860s. As a result, I don't have the luxury of looking at a period-correct flag, Confederate, American, or even Mexican.

Thanks,
Steve

[VA Soldier]

Last year our unit decided they wanted their own flag, and got me to look into design specs and all that. I contacted the Museum of the Confederacy
to find out as much as I could about flags. While we were looking at a period Virginia flag, I am pretty sure what I was told would apply to most flags.

Size, whatever you like, they had squares, rectangles of from small, less than 3 ft square to huge. It all depends on what you plan on doing with the flag. Say if you plan on carrying it in battle you wouldn't want something huge and hard to manage, but if you are going to be flying it from a stationary point, say at HQ or a structure, you don't want something to small to make out.

Material, I believe someone has already spoke on this, but I will repeat it anyway. Wool, Silk, Cotton. Usually silk were reserved for parade flags or presentation flags that were not used on day to day basis, probably why they are the best preserved and most of what the MoC has. Once again choose the material based on what your plans of use are.

Some flags would have a bit of bunting along the fly edge, or even all 3 edges, but if this is going to be a simple unit flag that is going to go into battle, I would keep it simple.

Also, for your unit insignia, lettering, etc, you can either paint it on or sew it on, both was done. Like for the Virginia flag, the state seal, could be painted directly to the flag, or painted on a seperate piece that was then sewn to the flag, or pieices of fabric cut and sewn to the flag to achieve the desired look. Once again, the choice is yours.

After my discussion with the MoC, the basic rule of thumb is as long as the materials you are using are correct to the period, you are pretty much free to make it as you please. Since you have a picture to base it on, you can use that as a guide and run with it.

D. Jackson

[FloridaConfederate]

All great points...

I am of the mind that were I to do it...

Two words:

Natural dyestuffs

Cochinal (sp) or Madder for the red

Indigo for Blue

Some nice natural unfin'd material "X".....

The dyestuffs and instructions are online.....

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Very interesting. Did you rely on your knowledge and experience to make the flag or did you have some reference material. We don't have any Civil War museums in Arizona that I am aware of......and our state isn't even 100 years old yet, so we lack a lot of preserved historical artifacts from the 1860s. As a result, I don't have the luxury of looking at a period-correct flag, Confederate, American, or even Mexican.

Thanks,
Steve
A little of both. I have been blessed to see some original flags up close and personal, so I was able to use my knowledge of period sewing techniques to aid in the visual examination. You don't necessarily have to look in detail at original artifacts, although it does help, but you can go to individual state archives, as most of the southern states have photos of the flags in their collections, and even if the one you plan to make isn't listed, you can still take the characteristics of similiar flags and go from there.

[Rob Weaver]

I would also recommend researching nonofficial flags either associated with your regiment or company, or so-called "camp colors." Many of our units are really too small to justify a regimental flag, but even a small group of men with a private banner in their camp has historical precedent.

[IsleGuy57]

Steve,

Are you still looking for a Union unit for Gettysburg? You are welcome to join my unit for the event. I talked to the folks and they said you would be very welcome.

[steve12201]

Hey IsleGuy57,
Thanks! I hooked up with a reb unit....the 1st Va out of Maryland. I found them when I was back east at the Battle of Chancellorsville last weekend (Ile of Wright Co., VA). ....Good bunch of fellas.

I really appreciate you looking out for me....maybe we can hook up in PA. I'll toss in some spirits;) ...if you're game.

Sorry I didn't get back to you. I've been burried in work for a while and haven't been on the computer for any non-business reasons.

Steve

[Cannon Fodder]

It's work, but enjoyable to make your own. I made both our Regt'l and Nat'l flag. For Union the size is 6' by 6'6".

If you make it of silk beware that where you paint becomes brittle and the flag will tear along the paint. Special paints for cloth are available, but some of the modern paints are not opaque.

If you want one to last for years of reenacting and you are not worried about authenticity (looks close) use poplin or some polyesters. They won't tear in the wind and fly decently.

[IsleGuy57]

Steve, always glad to share the spirit...... :-) Any idea what organization you'll be with or where camped?

[steve12201]

Yep,
1st Va infantry, company D, ANV.


Do you know if the forum members are going to have a get-together? I know I would learn a lot by catching up with everyone face to face. I hate typing.

Steve

[IsleGuy57]

Steve, we will be camped with The Carolina Legion, Hood's Division. I don't know if any forum members have planned to meet but that would be an idea, if any are interested. When are you arriving? Why don't we try and meet near the food service area in the CS camp? That sounds like a good central place? Coincidentally, we have a member that has made flags before as well. Perhaps that may be of some help to you as well.