Step 1:

A team of at least two people** hold opposite ends of the flag (more people can help hold up the sides if necessary). Stretch the flag horizontally at waist height, parallel to the ground, and fold it in half lengthwise with the stripes facing up and the blue field facing down. The flag should now be half of its original width.

**Note: If you don't have another person's help, it is possible to fold the flag by yourself.

Lay the flag onto a flat clean surface such as a dinner table. Perform the same steps on this page as best as you can while trying to keep each fold tight. It may help to weigh down the union of stars end with a heavy book or object prior to starting the triangular folds.

Step 2:

Together with your partner, fold the flag in half lengthwise again. The union (blue field with stars) should be showing on both sides of the fold. The flag should be half the width it was at the end of Step 1.

Step 3:

Now to start the triangular or diagonal folds. The person holding the union of stars end remains still and keeps the flag taut. The other person at the striped end makes triangular folds, folding to the open edge first.

Step 4:

Continue the triangular folding at 90-degree angles one after another towards the union of stars until the end is reached. Tuck the remaining portion into the crease, ensuring to hide the white edge completely and any portion of the red and white stripes. Only the blue union of stars should be showing on both sides and the form resembling a three-corner hat or triangle.

Depending on your flag length, it typically takes 13 folds before this step is finished — a tribute to the original 13 colonies. The triangular product at the end of this step is meant to resemble the hats worn during the Revolutionary War. Your flag is now ready to be stored until you are ready to fly it again.