How to Make LGBTQ+ Flags
Are you looking for a fun, creative way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community? How about making your own flags with pride? Here’s how to make an LGBTQ+ flag of your very own. So grab some fabric, a needle and thread, and let’s get crafty!
Let’s Get Crafty!
LGBTQ+ Flag Basics
The first step is understanding the different colours associated with each letter in the acronym. The most commonly used colours are pink for lesbian, blue for gay men, yellow for non-binary or transgender people, and purple for everyone in the community. You can also add black and white stripes to represent other gender identities. Depending on which flag you want to make, you may need more than one fabric colour.
Here's what you need:
- For your flag or banner base, cotton, muslin, or even just a large white handkerchief will work well – just glue or stitch a hem around the edges to keep them from fraying.
- Felt - All the rainbow flag colours, plus pink, light blue, brown, and black.
- Scissors and/or craft knife.
- Glue gun (or needle and thread): While you could sew it together, hot glue makes assembly faster and allows you to concentrate on the design.Glue gun (or needle and thread): While you could sew it together, hot glue makes assembly faster and allows you to concentrate on the design.
- You'll need a wooden dowel that's about an inch or two wider than your banner or long enough to wave a flag.
- For hanging banners, use string or baker's twine.
- Cutting board - to protect your work surface.
Getting Started
Once you have your materials gathered, it’s time to start crafting. First, decide what size flag you would like to make. You can use any size fabric; just be sure that it is large enough to fit all of the colours that you will be using. Next, measure out the appropriate length and width of the fabric. Cut out a rectangle that is the desired size of your flag—this will be your base fabric piece.
Adding Colours
Now it’s time to add colour! If you are making a lesbian flag, cut two strips of pink fabric that are as long as your base piece but narrower in width than it is tall (we suggest making them about one-third of an inch wide).
Pin or sew these onto either side of your base rectangle so that they are evenly spaced apart from each other (like stripes on a regular flag). For each additional colour of the rainbow spectrum that you want to include on your flag (whether it be blue or yellow or something else), repeat this process until all colours have been added onto your base piece.
When finished sewing all colours onto the background rectangle, trim off any excess fabric at the edges so that they look nice and neat.
Conclusion:
Now you have yourself a beautiful little creation! A handmade LGBTQ+ flag is truly something special—it shows pride in both yourself and others who identify with any part of this incredible community.
Hang yours up proudly wherever you choose—on a windowpane or near a door frame—and enjoy seeing its bright colours light up your space every day!
Happy crafting!