Flag Fan

Flag fans were a beautiful Italian Renaissance accessory, but how were they made? I decided to try digitizing one using my computer and stitiching it out on my brother quattro. The process was really neat, and once completed, I was able to assemble the fan with the following:

1. 1 1/2” dowel cut to 18 1/2”

2. 2 dowel caps with 1/2” hole

3. 1 silver sharpie pen

4. 1 flag fan lace piece from DSA Threads

5. 1/4” linen tape

6. 1 bag of 1mm x 6mm brass nails for crafting

For the starch:

1 cup water

2 tbs tapioca starch

Essentially, I stitched out the lace part, starched it well (use wax paper while it is drying and heavy book on top (when it’s almost dry in the wax paper) to keep it flat! Then I cut the dowel to desired length, glued on the top and bottom caps, used a silver sharpie to paint it silver. The lace itself does need a sturdy surface to nail through, so I added a twill tape to the edge, and then used tiny tiny nails to hammer it on. I suggest using pliers to hold the nail so you don’t hurt your fingers!

I highly suggest you watch the video of the process, where I show you how I made starch, how to apply it, to dry it, and assemble. I hope you get to make a lovely flag fan as well and dazzle your friends at your next renaissance gathering.