How to Make an Easy American Rag Flag for 4th of July Decor

A Simple and Charming 4th of July American Rag Flag DIY

I’ve been seeing all kinds of adorable American rag flag DIY ideas popping up lately and I just had to make one for myself! This easy DIY project is perfect for using up leftover scraps of fabric—and the end result is so darling and full of homespun charm. Whether you’re sewing, gluing, or hand-stitching, this little flag is the perfect touch for your 4th of July decorations.

Let me walk you through how I made mine and how you can make one (or five!) too.

Supplies You’ll Need:

Drop cloth (or neutral canvas fabric)
Red, white, and beige fabric scraps
Dark denim fabric for the “stars” section
Wooden dowel
Needle and thread, hot glue gun, or sewing machine
Scissors
Ruler or measuring tape

Step 1: Create the Base

Start by cutting your drop cloth into a rectangular shape. I chose 6×8 inches but feel free to play around with the size to fit your space or display idea. Once it’s cut, pull some threads around all four edges to get that perfectly imperfect, rustic farmhouse look we all love.

Step 2: Add the Stripes

Tear or cut your red and white fabric into long, skinny strips. The torn edges add that sweet vintage texture that makes this flag feel like something you’d find in your grandmother’s attic (in the best way!).

I laid mine out across the drop cloth base first to get the spacing just right, then stitched them on using my sewing machine and a long stitch. If you don’t have a sewing machine, a simple hot glue gun works just fine—or grab a needle and thread to add an even more handmade touch.

Step 3: Attach the Denim “Stars” Section

Next up is the top left corner. I cut a small rectangle of dark denim to represent the stars section and frayed the edges a bit. Then I stitched it down securely on top of the stripes. You could even hand-stitch a little star or two with white thread if you’re feeling fancy!

Step 4: Attach to a Wooden Dowel

To create your flagpole, use a thin wooden dowel. I made two small slits on the left side of the flag—one near the top and one near the bottom. Then I ripped two thin strips of drop cloth and threaded them through the slits to tie the flag onto the dowel. So easy and so cute!

Display Ideas for Your Rag Flag

Now that your American rag flag is done, it’s time to decorate! Here’s how I’m using mine:

Grouped in a vase for a charming centerpiece
Tucked into a wreath for a front door refresh
Placed in a vintage pitcher on my entry table
Used as a party favor or table setting detail

I’m planning to make a whole bouquet of rag flags to use as a 4th of July centerpiece—wouldn’t that be adorable in a galvanized bucket or rustic vase?

Tell Me Your Ideas!

Have you ever made an American rag flag? I’d love to know how you’ve used them in your home. Tag me on Instagram @KarinsKottage or leave a comment below so I can see your creativity!

Happy 4th of July crafting, friends! 🇺🇸

Karins Kottage

Welcome to Karins Kottage! There is always something fun going on! You would think after becoming an empty nester couple that our nest would be very quiet and empty but our Kottage nest is usually more full than what we started out with! You might find me hosting a birthday party or graduation party and a baby shower on the same weekend or a big outdoor get together with 25 of our friends and family in the backyard or maybe I might be in the kitchen trying out a new recipe for my hubby and I to grill on the BBQ for a quiet night for the two of us. I am passionate about entertaining and setting a beautiful table! I may or may not have an addiction to cloth napkins and fun salad plates oh and goblets too! I think I will always have a home decorating DIY project in the works as long as my hubby is on board with me haha. We have painted A LOT in the 6 homes we have owned in the 35 years that we have been married as well as re-done multiple pieces of furniture, added wall and ceiling treatments, replaced lights, bathroom fixtures and even tiled floors! I have sewn what seems like a million window treatments for our home as well as for family, made slipcovers, and duvets and even a formal dress or two!