How to Fold a Flag: Step-by-Step Guide

Folding a flag properly is a sign of respect and keeps it neat for storage or display. The most common method is the ceremonial triangle fold used for the US flag, but the same basic technique applies to many flags. You’ll need a flat, clean surface and, ideally, two people to make the folds crisp. If you’re alone, you can still do it, but it takes a bit more care.

What You’ll Need

A flag (clean and dry)
A flat surface (table or floor)
Optional: a second person to help hold the flag taut

Step-by-Step

Lay the flag flat. Spread the flag out completely on a clean, flat surface. Make sure it’s free of wrinkles and the union (the blue field with stars, if it’s a US flag) is on the top left when viewed from the front. Smooth it out with your hands.
Fold lengthwise in half. Bring the bottom edge (the stripe end) up to meet the top edge (the union end). Make sure the corners align perfectly. Crease the fold with your hands, working from the fold outward to remove air bubbles.
Fold lengthwise in half again. Bring the new bottom edge up to meet the top edge again. The union should now be on the outside, and you’ll have a long, narrow rectangle. Crease well.
Start the triangle fold at the union end. Take the corner at the folded edge (the end with the union) and fold it diagonally upward to form a right triangle. The folded edge should align with the top edge.
Fold the triangle inward. Flip the triangle over and fold it straight down along the top edge, creating a smaller triangle. You’ll now have a triangle shape at the end.
Continue folding triangles. Repeat the process: fold the next triangle upward, then flip and fold down. Each fold should be even and tight. Keep going until you reach the other end of the flag. The folds will create a series of triangles that stack neatly.
Tuck the final edge. When you reach the end, you’ll have a small flap of fabric. Tuck this flap into the pocket formed by the last fold. This secures the flag without any clips or ties.
Shape the final triangle. Stand the folded flag up on its flat end. The flag should form a neat, symmetrical triangle. Gently adjust the folds if needed so it stands upright and looks crisp.

Common Mistakes

Not aligning corners: If the corners don’t meet exactly, the folds will be uneven and the flag will look messy.
Skipping the second lengthwise fold: This makes the triangle folds too wide and the final triangle too bulky.
Folding too loosely: Loose folds create a floppy triangle that won’t stand up.
Folding the wrong end: The triangle fold should start at the union (stars) end, not the stripes end.

Tips

Use a clean, ironed flag for the best results. Wrinkles make it hard to get sharp creases.
Work on a table rather than a bed or carpet; a firm surface makes creasing easier.
If you’re folding alone, use one hand to hold the flag taut while the other makes the folds.
For a US flag, the triangle fold is traditional, but for other flags, you can simply fold into a rectangle for storage.
Store the folded flag in a cool, dry place, ideally in a protective case or box.

Troubleshooting

The flag won’t stay folded. This usually means the folds are too loose. Re-fold, pressing down firmly on each crease. If the flag is old and stiff, it may need to be ironed first.

The triangle is lopsided. Check that each fold is exactly diagonal. If one fold is off, the rest will be off. Unfold and start again from the point where it went wrong.

The final flap doesn’t tuck in. If the flap is too short, you may have folded too much at the end. Leave a bit more fabric before the final fold. If it’s too long, tuck it deeper or fold it over once.

You’re unsure which end to start folding. For a US flag, start at the union (stars). For other flags, start at the end that will leave the design visible on the outside when folded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold a flag by myself?

Yes, it’s possible. Lay the flag on a table and use one hand to hold it flat while the other makes the folds. It takes practice but works fine.

Is the triangle fold only for the US flag?

The triangle fold is traditional for the US flag, but it’s also used for other flags as a sign of respect. For most other flags, a simple rectangle fold is acceptable.

How do I fold a flag without creases?

If you want to avoid creases, roll the flag instead of folding. Lay it flat, roll it from the fly end toward the hoist, and secure with a band. This is common for storing flags.

What should I do if the flag is dirty?

Clean the flag before folding. For most flags, hand-wash in cold water with mild soap and air-dry. Check the care label for specific instructions.

Can I fold a flag that’s on a pole?

No, you need to remove the flag from the pole first. Folding a flag while attached will damage it and the pole.

How do I store a folded flag?

Store it in a cool, dry place. For a triangular fold, you can place it in a display case or a box. For a rectangle fold, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper.

Sources: US Flag Code (Title 4, United States Code). Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.