How to make a flag into a dress

Flags act as a symbol representing any number of things on behalf of their owners. Whether you want to show your patriotic pride for your country or support a local college, there are many different ways you can display your favourite flag and its meaning. If you have access to a sewing machine, making a dress from a flag will allow you to both show off the flag and create an interesting addition to your wardrobe. With only some basic sewing knowledge, you can whip up a flag dress of your own in no time.

Lay the flag so it is wider horizontally than vertically and with the right side facing down. Fold the right, vertical edge horizontally until it rests directly on top of the left vertical edge. Sew the left, open edge closed so you end up with a wide tube that is open at the top and bottom ends but closed on the right and left sides.

Arrange a tank top that fits you on top of the flag to create the armholes. Line up the left shoulder seam of the shirt with the top, horizontal edge of the flag. Position the left side seam of the top along the left vertical seam of the flag.

Draw a line along the arm hole onto the flag to create the left armhole. Move the tank top over to the right side of the flag and draw the right armhole in the same way.

Cut away the fabric from the flag above the marked armhole lines, but add an extra 1 inch above the drawn lines. The extra inch that you leave above the armhole lines will allow you to create a clean, hemmed armhole.

Fold down the excess fabric above the arm hole lines by 1/2 inch, then fold the edge again by 1/2 inch. The cut, raw edges of the flag are now enclosed inside the double folds. Sew the folds down to finish the armhole hems.

Fold the upper, top horizontal edge of the tube down and sew it closed with a 1/2-inch seam. Turn the flag over and fold down the remaining top horizontal edge then sew it closed in the same way. The 1/2-inch seam will allow you to feed the ribbons through.

Turn the flag right side out and feed the ribbon through the 1/2-inch seams at the neckline. Pass the ribbon all the way through one side then through the other side. Tie the ribbon ends together when you have passed it all the way through the neck.

Untie the ribbon to slide the dress over your head then pull the ribbon to close it once it is on. Tie the ribbon into a large bow or make a small knot for a less noticeable neck closure.