Sublimation Flags: How to Make a Garden or Party Flag

Making DIY sublimation flags is a simple project that anyone can handle! You just need a sublimation print with sublimation ink and a polyester flag. After that, it is just a matter of applying heat with a heat press. Let’s take a look at the process of making both a sublimation garden flag as well as a flag that is perfect for parties. Whichever one you make, you are sure to love the results! 

Sublimation Flags Video

Just click play on the video below to see how I sublimation on polyester flags. Then you can use this same technique to make some cute flags for your home or your next event.

Can’t watch the video or miss some of the steps? You can also follow along below.

Supplies Needed To Make Sublimation Flags

• Party Flags 
• Garden Flags
• Car Flags 
• A-Sub sublimation paper (8 1/2 x 14 size may be needed)
• Sublimation printer 
• Sublimation ink 
• Heat Press  
• Lint Roller
• Heat Resistant Tape Use code CCC10 for 10% off
• Artesprix Protective Paper Use code CCC10 for 10% off!
• Truck file

How To Make Sublimation Flags

I’m going to make two different flags – one that’s intended for parties and one that’s intended to be used in a garden. They make tons of different flags for cars, parties, gardens, and more. Pick and choose the flag blank that you would like and follow any directions on the manufacturer’s website. They should all be fairly similar.

Printing Designs

Step 1: Determine Size Of Flag Design

For the small flag, I intentionally used the 8 x 14 sublimation paper so I could fit two flags on one sheet with a bleed around the outside edge. If you’re going to sublimate the entire flag, there may be some differences in the size between your flags. I kept my design away from the side that goes in the flag pole. If you do go all the way to the edge, you will have a line because the back will be white.

Step 2: Print Flag Design

For the garden flag, I did a design in Photoshop and then I added some text on the bottom. This will go in the center of my flag because I don’t have a very large heat press. If you have a larger printer and a larger heat press, you can sublimate this entire garden flag with a full bleed design. 

Prepping The Sublimation Flags

Step 1: Preheat & Lint Roll Flag

I preheated my heat press to 400 degrees and set it for 55 seconds. Pre-press each of the flags for 5 to 10 seconds at degrees to remove any moisture. Then lint roll the side where you are adding the sublimation print.

Adding Paper To Sublimation Flag

Step 1: Tape Flag Design Into Place

Locate the design on the flag. For the small flag, I left some bleed around three of the edges as discussed previously. Then, tape the print into place. You will also need to use protective paper on the bottom as well as the top. Remember that the side with the sublimation print will be the top when it is in the heat press.

I did want to note here that the large flag I am using is a single layer of fabric. If you get flags that have a double layer of fabric, you can put a design on both sides, but you will need to put protective paper in between those two layers. 

Pressing In A Heat Press

Step 1: Add Flag To Heat Press

Add to your heat press with the sublimation print on the top. Ensure everything is covered with your protective paper on the top and bottom and press. This requires medium pressure. Once it’s done pressing, lift up the handle, remove it, and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

For the larger flag, I’m going to press the truck portion first with the name portion hanging off the press. Then, I’ll flip it around and press the other side. When it’s been pressed on both sides, we’ll allow it to cool for a few minutes. 

Revealing The Design

Step 1: Remove Protective Paper

Remove the top protective paper and peel back the print from the flag. Remove any tape. The smaller flag is for something like a party and you will want to add the pole to the side. This one I made is ready for a football bash.

Remove the top protective paper from the garden flag as well. Then, remove the print with the design. You can see just how gorgeous this flag looks and how great it’s going to look in my garden this spring.

These are permanent as soon as you press them because this is sublimation ink on a sublimation blank. There’s no need to do anything else – this can just go outside.

As you can see, the process is super simple for making sublimation flags. Grab your sublimation printer, a few sublimation blanks, and you’ll be well on your way to making some cute flags for parties, for your garden, for your car, wherever you would like them. 

FAQs About Sublimation Flags

If you have questions about these sublimation flags, I have answers for you! Please leave your question for me in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below!

Do You Have A Video Showing How To Print On Sublimation Paper?

Yes, I do! If you want to see how to print on sublimation paper, check out my video titled How To Use A Sublimation Printer: Your Guide to Software and More.

I Have 8.5×11 Inch Paper, How Can I Print And Press A Larger Print Onto The Flag?

I would recommend printing each of the elements separately and then pressing them twice onto the flag.

When You Center A Design On A Flag, Do You Exclude The Part That Has The Insert For The Pole?

This is a personal preference, but I would!

Can You Make This Project With Infusible Ink?

Yes! You can use Infusible Ink with these as well, and the process is exactly the same!

Can This Be Done On Both Sides Of A Flag?

It depends on the flag. The large flag I used above is a single layer of fabric so it wouldn’t be ideal for printing on both sides.

However, if you get flags that have a double layer of fabric, you can put a design on both sides, but you will need to put protective paper in between those two layers. 

My Flag Stuck Together So I Can’t Add My Pole. Do You Have Any Tips?

This sounds like a poor-quality sublimation blank. If this happens, I would try less heat to press or hang the rod pocket out of your press.

5 More Sublimation Crafts

Do you love these sublimation flags, and are looking for more sublimation crafts? Then check out the projects below!

• Sublimation License Plates: Step-by-Step Tutorial
• Glow In The Dark Sublimation Shirt Perfect for Halloween
• Adding Sublimation on Flocked HTV
• How to Do Sublimation on Mugs in an Oven