UK Ministry of Defence certified woven polyester base 'stock' fabric ('ground' for stitched flags)
There is a limited choice of stock flag base fabric colours available in the manufacture of sewn flags. We source our MOD spec (Ministry of Defence specification) woven polyester in the UK and it is among the most durable and vibrant of woven flag fabrics available on the world market.The weight of this fabric is 155gsm.
We DO NOT source these fabrics from overseas, so you can be sure that these fabrics are color-run-resistant and fit for purpose.
The appearance and texture of the woven polyester is not dissimilar to linen - the range of blues below give a good representation of the texture of the fabric.
Please note that the Y02 'cream' listed on the chart is what we prefer to call 'buttermilk' as it is actually more yellow than the off-white cream linen we use as a substitute.
Exclusive colours
We also exclusively have a limited quantity of MOD spec woven polyester fabric colours as shown below.
Stitched client flag showing brown MOD spec woven polyester (limited quantity available, discontinued)
Sherbet pink MOD spec woven polyester (limited quantity available, discontinued)
Duck egg / sage green MOD spec woven polyester fabric (positioned next to pale grey fabric to show contrast) (limited quantity available, discontinued)
British Rail 'red' MOD spec woven polyester fabric produced for a special commission in the 1980s (limited quantity available, discontinued).
Linen substitute for the MOD spec woven polyester
More and more often we're being asked to make flags using natural fibres - whether from an ecological or aesthetic standpoint and we use a strong woven linen as a substitute for the MOD spec woven polyester. Linen has a fantastic drape and is perfect for adding detail or being used as a ground / back ground / base for a display flag or banner (internal use only recommended). We frequently use an ivory cream linen (see below) for vintage style flags which require an alternative to the bright optic white MOD spec woven polyester.
There are many colours to choose from, from creams through to darkest reds, blues, greens and greys. We're happy to supply samples of these and all fabrics before you decide on the format of your flag.
Knit polyester fabric (PRINTED FLAGS)
There are lots of varying quality of printed flags and fabrics available. We source our MOD spec (Ministry of Defence specification) fabric in the UK and ONLY print to quality knit polyester NOT economy (cheap) sheet nylon or thin short-life polyester. The fabric we use in all our printed flags is eco friendly and Oeko-Tex certified.
We print your design to sublimation paper and then transfer the image at very high temperatures to fabric through a series of rollers on a calender press. The weight of this fabric is 115gsm.
Printed flags are usually single layer, print through with mirror image on the reverse and the show through on the back of the flag is usually at around 95% of the front of the flag. The fabric is lightweight and fairly transparent. Designs are clearly visible when the flag is flying.
If you require your flag to have two 'left to right' facing images or text, then we offer a bagging service, which involves printing two flags and sewing them back to back with a lightweight polycotton 'jam' layer between. We don't recommend this format for flags as the two layers tend to pillow out and put strain on the pole. A single layer print through with mirror image on reverse is the correct and standard format. For further information on this, please check in the footer of this website for the section on flag format.
COTTON AND POLY printed flags
Flags are always best as a single layer, rather than two layers printed and then stitched back to back (see our page on flag format in the footer menu of our website). We do offer to print your design to eco and cotton fabrics and a selection of these are listed in the image below. Please contact us for more info on this option - subject to availability. See description and fabric properties in the list below.
Eco and poly PRINT fabric properties
Please note that prices are available for these fabrics on a quote by quote basis only as part of an order for a product made by Flag Studio - and are subject to change by the supplier.
Royal Silk chiffon (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Max Print:1.33 m
Weight:26 gsm
Roll Width:1.35 m
Expected Shrinkage = Weft: 1.2%
Super fine luxury pure silk chiffon. Floaty, light, buttery soft. Uses, scarves, shawls, garment making.
Mulberry silk habotai (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Highest quality 100% Mulberry silk Habotai. Silky, smooth and luxurious. Lightweight 8 momme quality, for scarves, linings, lingerie. Printed with reactive inks for strong colour and good show through to reverse.
Real 100% silk georgette (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Real Silk Georgette 50gsm. 10 Momme Weight. Light, thin, soft, wavy, sheer, luxury. Uses: scarves, lingerie, fine detailing. Super bright colours & deep blacks using reactive ink chemistry
Real silk 100% silk satin (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Real Silk Satin 50gsm. 12 Momme lighter weight. Shiny face, luxury handle, beautiful drape. Soft, strong colours, good detail. Uses: light scarves and accessories, fine detailing. Super bright colours & deep blacks using reactive ink chemistry
Real 100% silk crepe de Chine (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
100% pure Silk.16mm or 60gsm. Off white base colour with a sparkle. Soft lightweight fine quality, with a crepe finish and light ribs in the weft. Airy, light, flowing, soft yet strong. Super bright colours & deep blacks using reactive ink chemistry
Real 100% silk satin
Real silk Satin 85gsm. 19 Momme Weight. Shiny face, luxury handle, beautiful drape. Soft, strong colours, good detail. Uses: garments, lingerie, scarves. Super bright colours & deep blacks using reactive ink chemistry
Fine cotton muslin (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
100% Cotton Muslin fabric, light flowy and super soft. Printed with reactive inks for bright colour and strong wash fastness.
Mulayam 100% cotton muslin (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Very soft yet strong, gauzy open weave 100% cotton mulmul fabric. Rustic look fabric with frequent slub yarns and lots of unique character.
Pima Lawn 100% cotton wash reactive
Soft, light and airy. Silky smooth surface, flows and drapes beautifully. Softer washed finish. Plain weave 100% cotton lawn. Super bright colours and deep blacks, strong wash fastness, using reactive ink chemistry.
Silk impression poly (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Stiff, Shiny, Semi-Transparent, Woven, Poly. Cost effective alternative to natural silk. Fantastic shimmer and drape. Use: quilting, clothing embellishments, bag linings.
Crepe de Chine poly
Classic Crepe de Chine fabric, light flowing fabric, with textured crepe face. Great for scarves, and light garments.
Silk sensation poly
Soft, light, satin faced. Lovely drape and feel. Use for garment linings, decorative cushions, light flowing clothing.
Twill elegance
Soft, light floaty silk feel 100% Polyester Twill. Perfect for durable machine washable accessories, garments, linings.
Organza (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Soft, Matte, Holes/Net, Woven, Poly. Soft and dry handle. Use: embellishments, clothing, curtains, drapes.
Paris Chiffon (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Soft, thin, very wavy, little shiny, semi-transparent, woven, poly. Twisted filament soft sheer and dry handle. Use: dresses, clothing , embellishments, scarves, drapes, shawls, lingerie, nightgowns, layering.
Mulmul soft muslin (Recommended for double sided fabric, single layer, print through, mirror image on reverse, good show through)
Soft, smooth and strong poly muslin fabric. A classic voile like weave, open net. Dresses, scarves, blouses, shirts, craft.
Poly georgette
Soft and dry Georgette fabric, with twisted yarns. White base colour fabric. Made from synthetic fibres, stunning colour and wash fastness. Scarves, trim, bridal wear.
Poly georgette beige
Soft and dry Georgette fabric, with twisted yarns. Off-white beige base colour fabric. Made from synthetic fibres, stunning colour and wash fastness. Scarves, trim, bridal wear.
Lustrous seduction poly satin
Opalescent, fluid fabric. High-shine surface and light reflection. Use: Evening/cocktail wear & formal occasions but also daywear. Shimmers beautifully.
Plain cotton (for applique element)
Cotton drill (clothing weight)
Printed cotton drill fabric
Taffeta
To give depth and texture to coats of arms and gonfalon, we use taffeta (two tone and one colour) - available in rainbow of colours too lengthy to include here. We always try and source as close a colour as possible to your requirements as its not possible to print a specific pantone to order.
Satin
To give depth and texture to coats of arms and gonfalon, we use satin - available in rainbow of colours too lengthy to include here. We always try and source as close a colour as possible to your requirements as its not possible to print a specific pantone to order.
