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| Flags & flagpoles |
| Flags are becoming increasingly popular as a front yard feature, so Shirl investigates how they're made. |
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You mostly see flags flown in places like schools, government buildings, universities, clubs and on corporate buildings, but flags are becoming more popular for a feature in the front yard. Shirl visits a company in Brisbane that makes flags of all types.
Flags of All Nations have been in operation for ten years and employ fourteen people to make flags from all over the world. They use the sewn appliqué method of flag making as opposed to screen-printing, as dye colours can cost up to $100 each which makes it costly when the flag has many colours. Screen-printing is appropriate when there are many flags to be printed of the same design.
The flag is sewn in layers with the design on each side of the flag body fabric. There are five steps in the flag making process when the appliqué method is used.
1 The design and layout of the pattern is worked out. The design is then projected on a large screen and drawn on brown paper to make up a pattern.
2 The cutter cuts out the body of the flag.
3 An artist draws the pattern on to the appliqué material and pins it onto both sides of the body.
4 An appliqué machinist stitches the design pattern through all three layers and trims close to the stitching to leave a neat design.
5 A straight sewer sews the strip down the side that is connected to rope which will hoist the flag. The edges are hemmed.
Flags of All Nations can make any nation's flag, family crests and they also make personal designs. Flags have become very popular over the years heightened in Australia especially because of the Republic debate.
The flags can be made in all sizes, from small car flags up to giant flags, one of which is 50ft, flown in Thomastown near Melbourne. Although flags can be made in different sizes their proportions are standard. The Australian flags are 2:1, American 19:10 and many other nations are 3:2.
The quality of the workmanship on a flag will determine how long it will last. A flag from a Flag of All Nations which is flown in the temperate climate of the eastern coast of Australia and flown 24 hours a day, 7 days a week will last approximately 15 to18 months. In areas of high wind, the fabric will wear faster as the fibres rub.
An Australian flag and pole kit can be purchased for $280 or the flag for just $70. The cost of other flags depends on the complexity of the design to be sewn.
ETIQUETTE FOR FLAG FLYING:
Some important rules to follow in accordance with the Commonwealth rules from "The Flag Book" by Arthur H. Smout, published by authority of Lions International.
- When flying two national flags outside, the Australian National Flag must be on the left of the viewer from the street, both national flags the same height and preferably the same size.
- The flags of two nations should never be flown from the same flagstaff.
- International practice forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
- When flown with the flags of other sovereign nations, all flags should be flown on separate staffs and at the same height, all being the same size if possible. The Australian National Flag should, however, be hoisted first and lowered last unless the number of flags permits of their being hoisted or lowered simultaneously.
- In an east-west street, when the Australian National Flag is suspended vertically in the middle of the street, the Union should be towards the north. In a north-south street, when the Australian National Flag is suspended vertically in the middle of the street the Union should be towards the east.
- The Australian National Flag should be displayed only in a manner befitting the national emblem; it should not be subjected to indignity, nor displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign.
- When the flag becomes dilapidated and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be destroyed in a dignified way by burning privately.
- The Australian National Flag should be displayed from 8am until sunset, and should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremonially. It may be displayed at night but only where it is properly illuminated.
- Official days on when the flag should be flown:
January 1 Anniversary of the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia
January 26 Australia Day
February 6 Anniversary of the accession of the sovereign
April 21 Anniversary of the birthday of the sovereign
April 25 Anzac Day (flag to be flown at half mast until noon and at the masthead until sunset)
May 9 Anniversary of the inauguration of Canberra as the seat of Government of the Commonwealth (Canberra only)
June 2 Anniversary of the Coronation of the Sovereign
June 10 Birthday of the Consort of the Sovereign
June Official Birthday of the Sovereign and Commonwealth Day (actual date of Queen's Official Birthday proclaimed annually)
August 4 Birthday of Queen Mother
October 24 United Nations Day
November 11 Remembrance Day (flags to be flown at the peak from 8am to 10:30am, at half-mast from 10:30am till 11:03am and at the peak from 11:03am for the remainder of day)
November 14 Birthday of the Heir Apparent
Half-Mast: on a short flagstaff the flag should be flown at half-mast or as near as practicable. On a long flagstaff a satisfactory position for half-mast would normally be when the top of the flag is one third of the way down from the peak. The important point is that it be lowered to a position recognisably half-mast to avoid the appearance of a flag that has accidentally fallen away from the truck because of a loose halyard (rope). The flag should be brought to the half-mast position by first hoisting it to the peak for an instant and then lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The flag should again be hoisted to the peak before being hauled down for the day.
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More Info
Flags of All Nations, 8 Burke St, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102
Ph: 07 3391 8188
Flags of All Nations have copies of "The Flag Book" by Arthur H. Smout available for sale.
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Disclaimer
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