Make a… flag card

Step 1

STITCH your bunting flags onto a 6x4.5cm (2¼x1¾in) piece of 14 count aida using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch. Leave six blank aida squares at the top of each flag, one square either side, and two squares at the bottom (see diagram).

Step 2

LAY a 6x4.5cm (2¼x1¾in) piece of vilene on the ironing board (enough for five flags), shiny side up, and then place a stitched flag on top. Turn your iron up to a medium setting, without steam. Test the iron temperature on a fabric scrap; it will need to withstand 10-12 seconds without scorching. Once you are happy with the setting, lay a cloth over your stitching and vilene, place your iron on top and press down without moving for 10-12 seconds. Lift the iron and your vilene will be attached to the stitching.

Step 3

WITH a pair of small, sharp scissors, cut out the flag following the diagram opposite. Repeat for all five flags.

Step 4

FOLD over the blank aida squares at the top of the flag. Add double-sided tape to the back of this flap, then hook the flag over a 33cm (13in) length of baker’s twine, working from the middle of the twine, and without leaving a gap between the flags. Squeeze the flap against the flag to hold it in place. You could add a few stitches at the back to hold the flag securely onto the twine. Repeat for all flags.

Step 5

PLACE the string of flags across the front of the card, taking the twine ends inside the card. Cut the twine, and then using strong glue, stick the twine to the inside of the card. With the remaining twine make two small bows and glue them to the front of the card, at either end of the flag line.