How to Fold a Flag

Folding a flag the correct way is an important part of or military and country's hertigage. In order to complete this task in the correct and respectful way you'll need to know how to do it right. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, which is actually emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the War for Independence.

In the folding, each step has meaning and should be carried out in a professional way. We've put together a quick step by step guide on how to fold a flag so you can be fully prepared next time you're given this important task.

Step 1

To properly fold the Flag you'll want to have another person with you to help. You'll begin by holding it waist-high with the other person so that its surface is flat and parallel to the ground.

Step 2

Simultanteously you'll then fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely ensuring a smooth fold. This effectively folds the flag in 1/2.

Step 3

You'll then want to fold the flag one more time lengthwise with the blue field on the outside of the new fold.While folding make sure that the flag is taut and the folds are all as smooth as possible without wrinkles.

Step 4

Now that you have the flag folded into a slim version you'll want to start making triangular folds. Make the first fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag (see diagram for pictures of open verses folded).

Step 5

Step 6

Using this method you'll then continue the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. 

Step 7

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible as shown in the diagram above. This triangle is often stored or even encased in a glass box to be displayed inside or until it's ready to be unfolded and flown again. 

Learn more about flag maintainance, flag repair, and flagpole repair from other pages on our site. The flag care professionals at Accent Banner and more than willing to help you through any stage of the flag care and treatment process. If you find that you have a flag project that is too big for you to take on, such as a full flagpole installation, please call our on-site professionals to get a free quote before attempting such as task yourself.