How to Sew Nautical Flag Quilts

Nautical flags, or signaling flags, are used internationally to communicate between ships. The flags are square and include all 26 letters of the alphabet, referred to in military terms as "alpha," "bravo," "charlie," "delta" and so on through "zulu." While specific flags in and of themselves convey certain messages, the individual flags can be arrange to spell out words and names.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton fabrics in solid colors
• Pencil and seamstress chalk
• Ruler and straight edge
• Graph paper
• Quilt batting
• Scissors
• Sewing and quilting thread
• Sewing and quilting needles
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

1. Decide on a design for the quilt. Consider spelling out a name or creating the monograms of a couple or family members.

2. Review the nautical flags A to Z and note the colors and design of each. Use graph paper to create templates for the flags to be used in the quilt. (See Resources)

3. Purchase fabric in solid red, royal blue, bright yellow, black and white as required to complete each flag block. Choose a print or solid fabric for the border as well as the backing.

4. Use a straight edge to mark the individual pieces of each flag and cut them out, adding a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

5. Piece each block or, for the letter "O," appliqué the design to the foundation fabric. Press each "flag" and block the seams. Lay the "flags" out on a flat surface in the order they will be presented in the finished quilt.

6. Add strip borders around all four sides of each quilt block. Sew the bordered blocks together in strips first, then join the strips together to create the quilt top. Take care to line up seams carefully.

7. Layer the quilt top with batting and the backing. Stitch through all three layers, highlighting the design of each "flag" in the process. Add a binding to finish the quilt.

Resources

• Nautical flags A to Z in standard colors