Rope - Nylon rope that runs through the header and around each thimble. The thimbles are usually made of galvanized steel for strength, durability, and to avoid rust. Thimble - The thimble is a horse-shoe shaped steel piece with a channel. This type of attachment also allows a bigger flag to fly better. The extra weight could cause the header to tear off the flag, so the solution is a rope and thimble. Large flags require more support in the header.

But, historically, a banner is stretched between two points and often has text. The term 'banner' is used broadly and includes flags in general, so often the terms are interchangeable. This tab is used to secure the flag to the pole.īanner - An American flag with a pole sleeve is often referred to as a banner. It is usually leather and can be found at the top, just inside the sleeve. Tab - A button-hole will be sewn into the sleeve. Sleeve - The sleeve is the opening (sheath) on the pole side of the flag that slides over a pole. If extra material is added it is usually white and looks like a traditional header. When the flag material is extended the colors of the stripes and canton continue and the flag appears to be elongated. Pole Hem -The term pole hem refers to a sheath on the hoist side used to fit over a pole. In order to create the sleeve, either the main flag material is extended or additional material is added. These are often used with indoor pole sets, porch flags and parade display. Instead of grommets and a header they are designed so that a sleeve slides over the pole. US Flags with a pole hem are sometimes called banners. Australia is now independent but the flag of Australia 🇦🇺is a good example. Many colony flags use this area to honor their ruling country. This is also commonly referred to as the canton. Position of Honor - The position of honor is generally the upper hoist. Lower Fly - bottom right quadrant of the flagįly End- The fly end is the edge of the flag that is furthest away from the pole - the end that 'flies' freely. Upper Fly - the top quarter of the flag furthest away from the pole It can also be used to describe the length (horizontal measurement) of the flag. Lower Hoist - lower left quadrant of the flag, nearest to the flag poleįly - The term fly is used to describe the half and edge of the flag that is furthest away from the pole. Upper Hoist - Imagine the flag is broken into four quadrants and each quadrant is named for the edges it borders, the upper hoist is the upper left corner. This is confusing since it is a vertical measurement, but describes the flag's width. It also refers to the distance from top to bottom of the flag. Hoist - The term hoist is used to refer to the half (and edge) closest to where the flag is hung. Position Terms Used to Describe the American Flag By nature, it 'flies' freely and endures the most stress or whip. The term fly is used to describe the length of the flag, and the fly end is the side that is not secured. The canton of the US flag is also called the Union - the blue background where the 50 stars are sewn or appliqued.įield - the background or predominant color of the flag.įly End - The fly end is the edge of the flag furthest away from the pole. In modern flag design it usually refers to the top left corner (upper hoist), which is the position of honor. These are usually made of brass and used to secure an outdoor flag.Ĭanton - Technically the canton can be any quarter of the flag. Grommet - A metal ring or eyelet embedded in the header. The header is usually made of a thick cotton/poly blend that feels like canvas. Header (or heading) - The header is a band of material placed on the pole side (hoist) of the flag, it serves to secure the flag to the halyard line. The flag of the USA can be configured differently for unique applications. Some terms refer to the physical pieces used to assemble the flag, and some terms refer to the elements of the flag, identifying their position and location regarding flag design.Īnd not every flag is created equally. Specific terms are used to describe parts of the US flag.

Flag with red and white stripes