How to make a Flag Bag

Old Post I made years ago on an Angelfire website that I can no longer access!

Flag Bag
A Flag or Equipment bag means a big difference in caring for your colorguard equipment!

Bags can be purchased at online stores (Make sure you get the personal equipment bag). Some of these stores offer Flag bags AND equipment bags. Your best bet is to buy the equipment bag to store a couple of flags, weapons (rifle, saber), and any small props you may be assigned. Most online shops sell the bags for around $19 plus shipping and handling.

If you purchase a "flag bag" from one of these sites, be aware that it may only hold one or two flags, and will not have room for other props or weapons in it! It may also be less durable (which means it won't last as long). That's why you should go for the equipment bag.

You can also use a Ski Bag (NOT a snowboard bag) to store equipment. They are durable, and when purchased as used, can be pretty inexpensive. They are usually very roomy and you can fit 5 or 6 flags, a couple of rifles, and a few sabers in it safely. Trust me, I've done it! Ski bags are fairly inexpensive at sporting goods stores in the spring and summer (although they're harder to find at those times), especially those "pre-owned equipment" stores like Play It Again Sports. I bought one there for about $15. New ski bags can be VERY expensive-- I've seen them for over $80!! If you know someone who skis, maybe you can get a free one if they're buying new ski gear! :)

Another inexpensive method is to make your own flag bag. This method costs the least (free, or for around $3), but it does take some time, and you will need a sewing machine (or know someone who does, and will show you how to use it!!) It's also the easiest way to let your personality shine through in your equipment bag. I've included directions of how to sew one of your own.

The EASIEST way to make your own flag bag is to cut the legs off an old pair of jeans or pajama pants. Sew one end shut.
If you want to make a longer flag bag, place the legs together so they make a long tube shape. Sew them together, then sew one end shut. TA DAAA!

However, if you like to sew or enjoy the challenge of something more difficult, just follow the directions below! Good Luck and Have Fun!

Online Flag Bag Shops

* http://www.fjminc.com
* http://www.bandshoppe.com
* http://www.bandhall.com

How to make a Flag Bag

* Go to a local store that sells fabric
*(Walmart often has bargain fabric for $1 or $2 a yard).
*The thicker the material, the more durable it will be, but the more difficult it will be to sew
*Good Fabrics include Denim, Reinforced Nylon, Gabardine, and Muslin
*Don't buy lace or delicate materials like that.
* Buy at least 3 yards--9 feet--of fabric
*Another option is to use old material around your house
* Cut a large rectangle at least 6 and a half feet long and 14 inches wide
If you decide to use material around the house... cut the legs off some old jeans or cordoruoy pants!!
* If you have your equipment handy, place it in the fabric and fold the material over so that it covers the material.
*Leave at least 3/4 of an inch on each side of the material
* (You'll need this space for folding/sewing the edges)
*This will ensure enough room to put your equipment in the bag once it is finished.
* Fold the outer edge of the material over 1/2inch, then fold it from the outer edge again 1/4 inch
*You should now have an edge of about 1/4 inch in width
* Pin the edges of the folded material together (top and bottom layers of material).
*Place pins on the
* Put the material in a sewing machine (This is where you may need more help)
*Use any stitch you like to sew between the pinned edge and the outer folded edge of the material
*You've now created a hem around the material
* Remove the pins from the Hem. Fold the Fabric in half, so that all
* Sew the edges of the material together to create a bag
* Stitch again to reinforce the bag
*Some people like to strengthen the bottom of the bag by sewing a patch on it (denim, cordouroy, leather, etc.)
*DO NOT SEW THE TOP OF THE BAG CLOSED!~This is a very important step~
*NOTE: If you are an experienced sewer, you might want to put a zipper in the long edge of the bag and sew all the other sides shut
**If you sew a zipper in, place it close to one end of the bag so that placing equipment into the bag is easier. Do not put zipper directly in the center of the bag!
* Remove the pins, then turn the bag
* Sew some material strips to use as handles to the outside of the bag.
*Try sewing a zipper or velcro-close pocket to the outside of the bag to hold gloves, pencil, dot book, etc.!
* There you have a Flag Bag!