How to Fold a Flag Into a Triangle

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If you need to fold a flag into a triangle for a special occasion or to use as decor, there's a traditional way to make the folds. It's easier to fold large flags with another person, but don't worry -- it's also pretty simple to do if you're by yourself! After folding the flag according to tradition, you'll be able to present it with pride.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Folding the Flag in Half

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    Find a space large enough to accommodate the full size of the flag and unfurl it. Make sure there are no wrinkles or creases in the fabric. [1]
    • If the flag is made of nylon, you can iron it on the lowest heat setting to get rid of any stubborn wrinkles.
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    If you're folding the US flag alone, stand at the end with the stripes, not the stars. Don't worry, the stars will be visible once the flag is folded! [2]
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    Bring the bottom horizontal edge to the top and align the edges. The flag is folded in half lengthwise, so it should like a long rectangle. [3]
    • Be sure to smooth the fabric out to be perfectly flat.
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    Fold it in half by taking the bottom edge and aligning it with the top edge, just like you did the first time. Make sure there are no creases or wrinkles in the fabric. [4]
    • When working with a partner, walk away from each other to keep the material taut.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Making the Triangular Folds

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    Grab the left corner and fold it up and to the right to make a triangle. The slanted edge will be facing you. [5]
    • All the sides of the triangle should be an equal length, so refold the triangle if needed.
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    The corner of the first triangle should now be pointing at you. Grab it and fold it back onto the flag, then flatten the sides and corners so they look tidy. [6]
    • You've completed your first triangle fold.
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    The slanted edge of the triangle will face you after making this fold. Take the corner and bring it back onto the flag.
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    Continue making triangles using the same process until there's not enough material to make another equal fold. You should be able to fold at least 13 triangles with a large flag.
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    There will be a little bit of material left unfolded. Tuck the excess material into the gaps of the triangle folds and make sure it looks tidy. [7]
    • If you're folding an American flag, the remaining triangle should consist of only stars.
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    A triangular flag can make a good decoration. Take the back off your display case, then slide it in. Make sure you don't wrinkle the fabric as you do so. Then, re-attach the back of the display case.
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    You can put it into a box or plastic bag to protect the flag from gathering dust. Your flag should maintain the folds as long as it remains undisturbed!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/how-fold-flag
      2. ↑ https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagfold.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/how-fold-flag
      4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/how-fold-flag
      5. ↑ http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html
      6. ↑ http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html
      7. ↑ http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html

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