Comparing stitched and printed format flags

Sometimes a printed flag can be more fit for purpose than a stitched flag.

We're here to help and we try and make the process of making a flag for you as interesting and un-nerdy as possible.  We give no nonsense advice and no obligation quotes and we will do whatever we can to answer all your questions and help you realise your flag.

The stitched flag format (please note other flagmakers describe this as 'hand sewn' implying a needle and thread process but in truth this means stitching pieces of fabric together using an industrial sewing machine) is the historically traditional way of producing a flag.

Visual differences between printed and traditional stitched flags

Here we show a printed flag and stitched flag side by side. Both are made by us and both are really great quality - the decision to buy either version is really down to where you're planning on flying your flag, what you want the message to be, your budget and how long you're planning to fly the flag.  

Traditional stitched flags

When creating a stitched coat of arms flag for instance we ask you to consider a variety of textiles and textures to bring your investment piece to life.  This may include taffeta, linen, two tone fabrics, matt polycotton, MOD spec woven polyester and satin amongst others. There are many visual examples of the variety of combinations we use throughout our website.

For very many years, we followed a traditional process of projecting an image to scale onto a purpose built and finished studio wall which we then traced to paper.  We then took the given choice of fabrics, traced each detail to each piece of fabric and layered and pinned them each on the front and back of the flag ground in reverse order.  We then appliqued the design in close zigzag stitch and trimmed each element as we went to reveal the finished image. 

Flag Studio applique technique

With the growth in print technology in the world of fabrics we now applique flags in a completely different way but the applique process itself remains fundamentally unchanged as the stitching of one fabric to another using (in our workshop) a tight small strong zigzag stitch.

We digitally break down the large portions of the design detail, print each to the fabric of choice, whether matt cotton or sheen taffeta, shiny Duchess satin or textured lightweight wool fabrics, pin each to ground fabric (with a matching colour fabric to the back of the ground), applique/stitch the detail, cut away/trim, then repeat with the next colour - again building up to the final design but now with the ability for precision and the benefit of additional detail, not necessarily possible previously.

Our go-to standard fabric for applique is lightweight 100% cotton (see below) but the applique fabrics can be absolutely anything, from Duchess satin to taffeta to wool to paper to real flowers and a combination of any and all.

In addition to this method of applique we offer what we call our 'HALF AND HALF' technique which works along the same lines but is a single rather than a multilayered applique method - click here for more info: HALF AND HALF

Click the image below to watch a short clip (Youtube) on how we do this.

Choosing the right fabric format for your stitched flag

In terms of the ground, the background and main colour of each flag, there are a number of options available to you for flags in stitched format and it all depends on whether you plan on flying the flags around the clock or only occasionally or display it indoors.

We make our traditional stitched and appliqued flags using a variety of flag-specific fabrics.

Flag-specific within the following context means that it is standard flag fabric. Non flag-specific means this is a suggested alternative which is single layer format is not as durable as the flag specific fabrics including:

• UK MOD spec woven polyester
• Knit polyester
• Cotton drill fabric
• Linen fabric
• Lightweight cotton weave fabric

Woven polyester for stitched flags

Our default ground/base/background fabric we use to make stitched flags is the UK Ministry of Defence approved 155gsm woven flag material - a fabric that offers the durability and is used the preferred option used by the British armed forces on land and at sea. SEE STOCK COLOUR OPTIONS HERE

Knit polyester for printed flags

We dye sublimate our printed flags using strong knit polyester flag fabric 115gsm on state-of-the-art textile print systems here in the UK. 

This fabric has strength and durability is a knit format polyester (rather than woven as per the MOD woven polyester) and although more transparent in density is a great choice for clients looking for a good quality and great value for money flag. 

Please note this is not the same fabric as used in 'economy flags', disposable flags, lightweight flimsy flags - which we don't make.

Knit polyester for stitched flags

We dye sublimate our strong knit polyester flag fabric 115gsm on state-of-the-art textile print systems here in the UK to create pantone specific colours.  The colour show-through from front to back of fabric is 95% so a good option if the brand or specific colour required for a flag is not readily available in the woven polyester format. 

We then applique detail to the ground as we would with any other fabric to create a brand specific traditional stitched and appliqued flag.

Cotton drill and linen eco option fabrics for stitched flags

Where a double sided cotton or linen eco option flag or drape is required, we source the medium weight fabric from our suppliers - the availability of colours is quite extensive and we use this as the ground to which we applique detail. 

However it should be noted that COTTON DRILL fabric in any weight (light, medium and heavy) is NOT generally a viable option for flags that are intended to fly. The weave is too tight and the flag will struggle to lift and float as would the poly options.

Depending on how much or little detail is required to be appliqued to a LINEN ground flag, the flag will float and fly but won't last as long as the polyester fabric flags. The fabric is more fragile than the sturdy polyester so if you're planning on flying a linen flag for a weekend or short week then linen is fine, but if its for longer in high wind conditions, you may find the flag deteriorates as the fibres break down.

Cotton drill and linen fabrics are excellent fabric options for indoor, display and ceremonial flags but when printed, the ink only rests on the front facing and does not show through to the reverse, so we offer to either line the flag in a plan cotton fabric or recreate the front facing and stitch it to the back in either left to right reading format or a mirror image as required.

Lightweight cotton fabric

When all other options for eco fabrics have been exhausted (and by that we mean a ready made and colour double sided fabric), we print your specific colour to fabric BUT as colour show through is minimal, we print 2x panels, stitch them back to back and applique the detail through from front to reverse. This gives a similar density of colour to the UK MOD spec woven polyester.

Flag finish

The standard flag finish format is to stitch a strong off white canvas to the halyard (left hand side facing with rope stitched into the edge, a top loop for the ash toggle and a tail of additional rope to tie to your flagpole halyard.

The three remaining sides of the flag are double hemmed for extra durability and triple hemmed on the fly end. Antifray and other fittings are also available on request.

Front and back view of flag

When a flag is PRINTED to strong knit polyester, the image is printed through from the front to the back of the fabric which gives a mirror effect on the reverse.

Choosing the right flag PRINT option for your needs

We are often asked about the difference between single layer mirror image on reverse and double-sided flags — and which might be best for your specific needs. Both are standard options in the flag industry but they behave very differently when installed on a flagpole and flying.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right format for your flag or banner.

Single layer PRINTED

A single layer flag is printed on one side, and the colour is pushed through the fabric with heat and pressure so the design is visible on the reverse in mirror image.

This is the standard format for outdoor flags such as national, regional or company flags displayed on flagpoles.

• Lightweight and flies freely, even in light winds
• Durable and cost-effective
• Ideal for everyday outdoor use
• Design appears reversed on the back (standard for flagpoles)

Please note that this is NOT the same as what some flagmakers may refer to as SINGLE SIDED flags.  All our flags have detail on the front and back facing.

Double-sided ('bagged') PRINT format

A double-sided flag is made by stitching two printed panels back-to-back with a light block / shadow eliminating interlining in between. With this format the design reads correctly on both sides

We do not however recommend bagged (double-layer) flags for outdoor use.

• Double layer format renders the flag significantly heavier, especially when wet
• The flag is less able to fly freely in the wind
• The extra weight puts strain on fittings and flagpoles
• Typically the flag costs twice as much as a single layer mirror image flag

Double-sided (bagged) flags are best reserved for indoor displays, parade use, or wall-mounted banners — not for continuous outdoor flying.

A bagged flag alternative

For customers who would prefer their flag design to read correctly on both sides but still want a lightweight flag which flies beautifully, Flag Studio offers a premium appliqued badge alternative

• The main flag remains as a single lightweight layer
• The logo, crest, or emblem is appliqued or printed as two separate 'badges'
• These badges are then stitched back-to-back on the single-layer flag

This creates a refined, traditional finish that looks correct from both sides, without the stiffness or extra weight of a bagged flag. It’s a perfect balance of appearance, performance, and durability

At a glance

Flag type	Appearance	Weight	Best for	Flag Studio recommendation
Single layer mirror image on reverse	Design reversed on back	Light	Outdoor flagpoles	Best all-round option for performance and value
Double-sided ('bagged')	Design correct both sides	Heavy	Indoor or parade use	Not recommended for outdoor flying
Single layer with appliqued/printed badges	Design correct both sides	Light–medium	Outdoor flags with detailed logos or crests	Premium alternative – light, elegant, and long-lasting

Designing your stitched flag

Bearing in mind our suggestions on format, the next step in the deisgn of your flag is to send us an image you'd like to have either PRINTED or APPLIQUED to your flag. This can be a screengrab, a picture of a picture, a sketch - whatever you have which we will then import in digital format and draft it to the scale and format you require and return it back to you as a non vectorised draft format for review.

Whether you decide to go for a printed or stitched end product, we will need to have vectorised crystal clear artwork and if you don't already have this, we can create it for you - prices from £42 per design (up to 3x drafts) - and the client keeps the digital file and copyright for future use across all media - so a great investment.

During the design process we will send you a no obligation 14 days quote with all the suggested print and stitched and fabric type options for your consideration and then its up to you how we proceed.

Embroidered flags

Its important to remember that traditional stitched and appliqued flags are not the same as digitally embroidered.

Embroidered flags can only be made in a front facing / one side format (see example below) and is a service we offer but absolutely not the same as a fully stitched and applique flags. Embroidered designs are generally more suitable for clothing and framed items.