How to Make a 13 Star Flag
Easy DIY Instructions for this USA 4th of July Patriotic Decoration
Jun 1, 2008
The 13 star flag was the first official USA flag. Approved on June 14, 1777, the 13 stars and stripes were flown for the next 18 years. Each star and stripe represented a Colony of which there were thirteen, formed by the USA Declaration of Independence the year before. This flag was flown during the presidency of George Washington and used by the US Navy. If one can draw a straight line and use a stencil, it's incredibly easy to make this historic, patriotic flag plaque.
There were a few different star arrangements commonly used on this first flag. This project gives instructions to arrange the stars in a circular pattern.
First, assemble the supplies. They are available at most larger craft stores or stores such as JoAnn's Fabrics or Wal-Mart having a sizable craft department. Those handy with a sewing machine could also translate this pattern to fabric.
Supplies to Make the 13 Star Flag
- Wood plaque. The official aspect ratio for USA flags is 1:1.9. This project isn't meant to represent a USA flag, merely a patriotic decoration. Purchase a plaque in a rectangular shape as shown on this page.
- Red, white and blue craft paint.
- Star stencil that is appropriate for the size of the plaque.
- Common household items such as a ruler, circle template, compass and paint brush.
- (optional) Painter's blue tape or straight edge for painting the stripes.
Instructions to Make the 13 Star Flag
- Divide the length of the plaque by 13. That figure is the width for each of the stripes. With a pencil, lightly draw a straight line across the plaque as a guide for painting the alternating red and white stripes.
- Next, lightly pencil in a square on the left side of the flag that extends to the middle of the plaque to the top of the fifth stripe from the bottom.
- Paint the red stripes first, allow to dry, then paint the white. After the stripes have dried, paint the blue block. After the blue has completely dried, use a circle template or compass to lightly pencil in a circle.
- Use the image on this page as a general idea as to the diameter and placement of the circle within the blue block. Don't own a circle template or compass? Use the bottom of an appropriately sized drinking glass or plate.
- Stencil 13 white stars around the circle using the same general placement as shown in the image on this page.
- Allow the flag to completely dry. Allowing for dry time, this project should take less than 2 hours.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
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