The entire process, step-by-step For more information on historical methods, please see our article “Medieval Painted Flags - A Study” in our research section.
Lay full size template on flat surface.
Place silk over template.
Secure silk by taping it over template.
Trace template onto silk.
Add waste fabric to silk.
Use a large zigzag stitch, with fabric overlapping.
Stretch silk onto frame and staple.
Spread primer evenly on silk.
Let primer dry completely.
Paint smaller areas first.
Closeup of detail work.
Work in progress.
Do large areas next.
Let area dry before painting adjacent space.
Save outlining for last.
Once dry, remove silk from frame.
Painted silk is laid flat on clean newsprint...
... and then rolled onto steamer core.
silk and paper are secured to core with tape.
Once steamed, dye is set...
...and brighter! Cut and sew flags.
Rinse out excess dye with synthrapol & milsoft.
Let flags air dry for best results.
