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The proper way to fold a flag varies depending on the specific flag being folded. National flags require more attention and care compared to flags of lesser significance. Continue reading to discover how to fold an American flag, Canadian flag, British flag, Australian flag, and more.
Instructions
Folding an American Flag
Hold the flag at waist height. Enlist the assistance of another person to help hold and fold the flag. Both individuals should hold the flag at waist height, ensuring the flat surface of the flag is parallel to the ground.
- Both parties should grasp the flag at its width ends (sides) rather than its length ends (top and bottom).
- The person holding the flag closest to the field of stars should remain stationary throughout the entire folding process, while the person holding the fully striped end will perform the folding.
Fold the bottom over the field of stars. Lift the bottom edge to meet the top edge, firmly grasping the corners at both ends.
- Fold the lower half of the striped section lengthwise over the field of stars.
Make another lengthwise fold. Fold the new bottom edge up to meet the new top edge, exposing the field of stars on the outside.
- The flag should now be folded into quarters lengthwise.
- The most recent open edge should be at the top, and the most recent folded edge should be at the bottom.
Create a triangular fold at the flag's corner. Bring the bottom corner of the flag up to meet the top edge, forming a triangle of fabric with the stripes perpendicular to the rest of the flag.
- Ensure the triangle's sides align evenly with the flag's sides, with no overlapping material.
Fold the triangle inward along the entire length of the flag. Tuck the triangular tip into the flag to create a flat edge.
- Continue folding this triangular section into the flag until the entire length forms a triangle.
Observe the folded flag's appearance. After folding, only a triangular section of the field of stars should be visible, with no red and white stripes showing.
Ceremonial Folding of a Canadian Flag
Organize enough participants. For a ceremonial flag folding, enlist the help of eight individuals.
- This method is reserved for ceremonial occasions and is not required for everyday folding of the Canadian flag. For daily folding, simply fold the flag with respect and dignity for appropriate storage.
Maintain tautness in the flag. Individuals 1, 3, 5, and 7 should grasp the bottom edge of the flag at equal intervals, while individuals 2, 4, 6, and 8 should do the same with the top edge.
- Ensure the flag's face is parallel to the ground.
- Odd-numbered participants should face even-numbered participants, and vice versa.
Pass the sewn edge underneath and adjust positions. Odd-numbered participants holding the bottom edge should fold it under to meet the top edge.
- Wait for the command 'Prepare to fold. Fold.'
- Simultaneously, individuals 2 and 8, or those closest to the top corners, should move their hands toward the center outer edge to grasp their respective corners.
- Individuals 4 and 6 should remain stationary.
- Odd-numbered participants should hold the folded edge taut.
Repeat the lengthwise fold. Follow the same procedure to fold the flag lengthwise into quarters.
- Wait for the command 'Prepare to fold. Fold.'
- Upon completion, ensure the tip of the maple leaf is facing upwards.
Fold approximately one-third of the length upwards. Participants 7 and 8 should bring their end forward and up, aligning the edge with participants 5 and 6, respectively.
- Wait for the command 'Prepare to fold. Fold.'
- Participants 3, 4, 5, and 6 should assist in maintaining the flag's tautness during folding.
- After completion, participants 7 and 8 should step back.
Repeat the double fold. Participants 5 and 6 should bring their end forward and up, aligning the edge with participants 3 and 4. Then, participants 3 and 4 should fold their end up and forward, aligning the edge with participants 1 and 2.
- Wait for the command 'Prepare to fold. Fold.' for both folds.
- Maintain tension in the flag as it is folded.
- Each participant should step back and stand at attention after releasing the flag.
Execute the final fold. Participants 1 and 2 should fold the flag over, preparing it for presentation.
Procedure for Folding a British Flag for Disposal
Maintain tension in the flag. This can be accomplished with just two individuals. One person should stand on each side, near the heading, ensuring the flag's face remains parallel to the ground.
- The term 'heading' refers to the part of the flag connected to the pole.
- Ensure the flag's face is parallel to the ground.
Fold the flag in half lengthwise. Both participants should fold the bottom edge of the flag under to meet the top edge.
- Ensure even alignment of the bottom and top edges.
- The center stripe, previously extending from side to side, should now be halved and at the new bottom, folded edge.
Fold the flag into quarters. Make another lengthwise fold, bringing the new bottom edge up to meet the top edge.
- Align the edges evenly.
- The half of the center stripe, formerly facing downwards, should now face upwards. This half of the center stripe should become the new top edge.
Bring up the bottom third of the length. The individual holding the side farthest from the heading should fold a third of the length widthwise.
- Fold the edge upwards and inwards.
- Ensure the flag remains taut during folding.
Roll the remaining length up towards the heading. Starting from the most recent folded edge, the person not holding the heading should roll the flag up until the entire remaining length is rolled.
- Roll tightly to maintain the flag's shape and prevent unraveling until the breaking ceremony.
Secure with light cotton. Use light cotton twine to tie a slip knot and secure the folded and rolled flag, keeping it in place until the breaking ceremony.
- During the breaking ceremony, release the knot to unfurl the flag.
Guide to Folding an Australian Flag
Maintain tension in the flag. One person should grasp the heading edge, while another holds the opposite side of the flag.
- There's no need to secure the top and bottom.
- The bottom edge of the attached halyard should face upwards, with the halyard dangling down.
- Ensure the flag's face is perpendicular to the ground.
Fold the flag lengthwise. Bring the bottom edge up and over to meet the top edge.
- The flag's width should now be halved.
- The red and white 'Union Jack' should be visible on the outside.
Make another lengthwise fold. Bring the newly folded bottom edge up and over to meet the top edge.
- The width should now be quartered.
- The 'Union Jack' should be concealed by this additional fold.
Align the sides. Fold the side farthest from the halyard, bringing it up and over to meet the halyard edge.
- Ensure even alignment of the edges.
Create an 'accordion' fold along the length. Fold a small square of the newly folded edge back, aligning it with the flag. Then, fold this double-layer square forward, pressing it flat against the flag.
- Continue alternating folding backward and forward towards the hoist edge, or the halyard, until the entire flag is compressed into an accordion fold.
Secure the bundled flag using the attached halyard. Wrap the halyard around the flag and tuck it underneath itself to keep the folded flag bound and firmly secured.
