Flag Folding

If you are considering transport, displaying, or presenting the U.S. flag, it is best to do so in an honorable and aesthetically appealing manner. There are twelve steps to folding the U.S. flag, and each fold holds its own meaning. When folding the flag, you want to make sure it never touches the ground. To ensure this, it is best for at least two people to fold the flag together or for the flag to be folded atop a table.

Always start with the flag parallel to the ground. The stars and stripes section represents the ‘top’ while the stripes only section represents the ‘bottom’. 

Fold the bottom half (stripe section) lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom (stripes) and top (stars and stripes) edges securely. The flag should appear to have all stripes and no stars but a small portion of blue.

Take the bottom with the small portion of blues and fold the flag again lengthwise. The flag should now show both stars and stripes, with its full length but only a quarter of its width. The new 'bottom' has a complete fold (folded edge) while the new 'top' has folds and openings (open edge).

Now is the time to make a triangular fold by bringing the bottom of the striped corner to meet the top edge of the flag.

Now that the flag resembles a trapezoid with a triangular end, fold the triangle inward to form the second triangle. While there are now 2 triangles folded inward, the flag should resemble a rectangle.

Continue the triangular folding process (from trapezoid to rectangle) until the entire length of the flag is folded leaving only a 'triangle pillow'.

Step 5 - The Hardiness Fold

Step 6 - The Valor Fold

Step 7 - The Purity Fold

Step 8 - The Innocence Fold

Step 9 - The Sacrifice Fold

Step 10 - The Honor Fold

Step 11 - The Independence Fold

Step 12 - The Truth Fold

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible. 

Now the U.S. Flag is ready to travel, present, or be showcased.