Advice - Float Mounting a Folded Flag

[YBFramed]

Hello All,

I am working on a military shadowbox for my client who wanted both his grandfather's and great-grandfather's military flags displayed (included is my design). I am looking at "float" mounting the folded flags in the bottom quadrant of the design. As the flags won't be resting on the bottom of a traditional flag display frame, I am looking for advice/suggestions on achieving this design. One original thought was to build a "V" shaped shelf to attach to the backing board so the flags can rest on it and help support some of their weight.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, especially if you have tackled this type of project in the past.

 

[Ylva]

Build a sink mount. So cut out the shape in matboard and fill the sides of the triangle with foam board to create a 'box'. Usually flags are rotated from yours, so the support is not just on the corners of the triangle. The triangle that is cut out I use into the folds of the flag for extra support.

I press it with plexiglass on top for extra support and build a less deep sink mount so the flag compresses a little bit when the plexiglass goes on top. You can also add batting in the opening, for the flag to nest in a little bit and to add for compression. I show customers what I mean and what it would look like. You might have to use more inserts.

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

I just sew mount them when I want to do a float. I try to be tactical and hide my stitches under the top fold, along the sides, or along the seams to minimize puckering... and use a really long sharp needle with help from a hammer to push and a pair of pliers to pull through. They aren't easy, for sure, but yeah they look awesome when you can pull off a float without having to sink mount them.

 

[Bruce Papier]

I did them the same as Mary Beth. Look for a needle like is used in doll making. They are longer and much thicker than a standard needle, but they won't break from the stress.

 

[YBFramed]

I just sew mount them when I want to do a float. I try to be tactical and hide my stitches under the top fold, along the sides, or along the seams to minimize puckering... and use a really long sharp needle with help from a hammer to push and a pair of pliers to pull through. They aren't easy, for sure, but yeah they look awesome when you can pull off a float without having to sink mount them.

View attachment 52726View attachment 52727

THANK YOU... this look is exactly what I am envisioning. What thread are you using, traditional sewing thread, or?

 

[YBFramed]

I did them the same as Mary Beth. Look for a needle like is used in doll making. They are longer and much thicker than a standard needle, but they won't break from the stress.

Thank you... I will look for a long needle!

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

THANK YOU... this look is exactly what I am envisioning. What thread are you using, traditional sewing thread, or?

Cotton thread. I have used multipurpose or upholstery thread in the past, but it's not appropriate for something this heavy... Cotton has the least stretch to it comparatively, and the last thing you want is the flag to sag after you've done a perfect sew mount. The tension may be something to get accustomed to, as no stretch means easiest to snap, but it's still going to hold best over time.

 

[YBFramed]

Cotton thread. I have used multipurpose or upholstery thread in the past, but it's not appropriate for something this heavy... Cotton has the least stretch to it comparatively, and the last thing you want is the flag to sag after you've done a perfect sew mount. The tension may be something to get accustomed to, as no stretch means easiest to snap, but it's still going to hold best over time.

THANK YOU!

 

[MnSue]

(FYI: for those not aware, there are display case procedures and etiquette guidelines: When displaying a flag in a case, it's crucial to show respect and honor to the flag and its symbolism. The flag should be neatly folded, preferably in a triangular shape with only the blue field and stars visible, and placed in a case designed for the purpose. The case should be cleaned before placing the flag, and the flag should be positioned so that the stars are centered and facing up and outward.)

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

(FYI: for those not aware, there are display case procedures and etiquette guidelines: When displaying a flag in a case, it's crucial to show respect and honor to the flag and its symbolism. The flag should be neatly folded, preferably in a triangular shape with only the blue field and stars visible, and placed in a case designed for the purpose. The case should be cleaned before placing the flag, and the flag should be positioned so that the stars are centered and facing up and outward.)

Yes, also each country has their own flag folding technique. The one I shared was Polish. I watched a flag folding ceremony like 5 times to make sure I got it right...
When it was dropped off, it was improperly folded, probably by an American friend who assumed it would have been folded in a similar fashion as ours

 

[Julia]

That is a beautiful design Mary Beth!

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

That is a beautiful design Mary Beth!

Thank you! It was the first time I tried the floating panel technique to group medals. 10/10 would recommend! I got a spot of glue on one and rather than having to redo the entire shadowbox, I just had to recut and resew the ribbons to that one panel. So much easier, and it looks sharp and organized

 

[Rick Granick]

I sometimes do that too, to keep small items organized in a shadowbox. I think Jim Miller wrote an article on this in PFM, referring to these as sub-assemblies.
Rick