TERMINOLOGY

Applique: Process of sewing a precut pattern, logo, and other designs to fabric.

Badge/Charge/Emblem/Seal: Icon or symbol that can indicate heritage, significant events or locations, or any other special callouts on a flag.

Blend: Chemically, heated or woven together material/composition to form new material for strength, softness, or other consumer needs.

Block-out/Silver: Heavier polyester material that is a tight or non-woven variety which has virtually 0 (or near 0) light penetration. Often used in double-sided flags to increase viewability of each printed side.

Canton: Any quarter of a flag but commonly means the upper left (hoist) quarter, such as the field of stars in the flag of the United States or the Union Flag in the Australian Flag.

(Country in) Distress: Act of displaying the flag upside-down.

Denier: Material weight measurement determined by the density and thickness in relation to physical weight.

Double Sided: Design reads correctly on both sides of the flag. Typically, this flag is 2 single sided flags sewn back-to-back with a block-out liner between. Please note that double sided flags are heavier than a single reverse flag and may have more wear on connection to pole or another structure. example

Embroidery: Method of creating patterns, logos, and other designs by sewing directly on a fabric.

Field: The background of a flag; the color behind the charges.

Fimbriation: Narrow edging or border, often in white or gold, on a flag to separate two other colors.

Flag Cut: The rough shape of the flag. example

• Rectangle: Standard flag shape.

• Dove Tail/V-Cut: General term for a “V” cut and removed from the fly end of a flag.

• Guidon: Dove tail cut with no taper on the long sides of the flag.

• Pennant: Triangular shape.

• Swallowtail: Dove tail cut with gradual taper on the long sides of the flag.

Fly End: The half or edge of a flag furthest away from the flagpole.

Fringe: Fringe can be found on ceremonial flags used indoors and for outdoor ceremonies. In the US, the fringe has been a standard decorative addition to military colors since the French and Indian War. In some organizations, the size and color of the fringe can be used to indicate rank. example

Grommet: Metal ring place along the hoist of a flag to attach to a pole or structure. A flag with grommets is the most displayed flag style and is typically flown on a vertical outdoor flagpole. The hoist edge material most often reinforced canvas with brass grommets.

GSM: Gram per square meter. This is a material weight measurement determined by tightness and number of threads in relation to physical weight.

Gusset: Small reinforcement piece added to a flag at stress points. Made with like material to maintain flexibility and to hide the piece.

Half Staff/Half Mast: Flag display in which the flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the available flagpole. Usually this is done by first raising the flag to the top, then lowering it halfway. (Equally valid 'half-masting' is flying the flag at two-thirds of its normal height.) This usually denotes distress or a show of grief, such as mourning a death.

Halyard: Nylon braided rope used to hoist a flag up a flagpole.

Header: Heavy cloth strip, usually canvas, sewn to the hoist edge of a flag and often with grommets for hoisting.

Height: Span of a flag down the side parallel to the flagpole.

Hoist: Half or edge of a flag nearest to the flagpole. This term also sometimes refers to the vertical width of a flag or the height. Can also be the act of raising the flag on a halyard or large pole system

Pole Hem/Pole Sleeve: Sewn sleeve instead of grommets. A pole can be inserted here to keep the flag attached usually with sewn in tabs. The hem/sleeve can be either on the top of the flag so it can be hung on a horizontal pole like a banner or along the side of a flag so it can be hung on a vertical pole. This type of flag is typically hung on smaller poles either outside a home, indoors on smaller freestanding flagpoles or carried in parades. example

Single Reverse: Design is only done on 1 side of the flag but shows through to the other side in a reverse image. Most flags are created this way, including most state flags and corporate flags. A single reverse flag is lightweight and is most cost-effective. example

Staff: Alternate name for pole or dowel.

Threading: How a yarn is created by a material substrate. Typically applies to Cotton but can be applied to all knitted materials.

Tube Insert: Sewn in plastic insert that can be added to Golf flags. The interior diameter is set so that the flag can spin (even when locked in) and not slip off pin. example

Width: Span of a flag along perpendicular to the flagpole. Length is also used here.

POPULAR FLAG MATERIAL TYPES

Cotton: Cotton is a traditional and great looking flag material. It combines extremely bright, long-lasting colors, good wearing quality, and excellent overall appearance. Cotton flags are NOT recommended for outdoor use. Many American flags are available in this material.

Nylon: Nylon's combination of strength and brilliant display, along with its quick drying ability, make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Great in rainy areas, its light weight and close weave enable it to fly in the slightest breeze, giving the fullest visual effect. Check out these additional benefits:

• High resistance to damaging ultraviolet radiation

• Typically, a dense 200 Denier weave

• High flexibility and locomotion in wind

• Provides the bright pre-dyed colors for a great appearance

• Can be blended with polyester for a material named “Oxford”

Polyester: This material is a relatively new and improved flag fabric technology, quickly becoming the norm. Its construction combines durability, strength and fly ability with a rich feel and look. These flags are ideal for all weather conditions without excess weight. These are the longest lasting flags on the market today. More notes on Polyester flags:

• Naturally flame retardant

• Many blends, weaves, and weights available

• Very high ink penetration/Sublimation print

• High durability versus sun and weather

• 100% Recycled and Eco-friendly variations available

Rayon: Silk-like polyester material mainly used on stick flags.