How to Fold a Flag

The American flag is an icon that has endured for generations. The proper way to fold the flag is taught by the people from one generation to those of the next. Many people are offended if the flag is not folded in the proper manner. It is considered an insult to the country if great care and patience is not provided when folding the flag in the tidy triangular fashion that is customary.

1. First: Fold in the flag in half

   With the flag completely open, fold the bottom of the flag directly in half long ways, or "like a hot dog". Make sure the stripes cover the blue shield.

2. Second: Fold in half again

   Fold the flag in half again. At this point, the flag appears folded in four layers long ways with half of the blue shield showing in the corner.

3. Third: Fold to form a triangle in the corner

   Fold the bottom right corner up to meet the top right corner, so that a triangle appears to form in the corner.

4. Fourth: Create another triangle and overlap

   Fold the triangle in a downwards motion overlapping the fabrics and creating another triangle. Continue alternating the triangle up and down, until the entire length of the flag makes a neatly folded triangle.

5. Fifth: Store the flag

   Storing the flag of the United States in a safe, secure and dry location is the last act of respect for the flag. There are a number of rules for the proper handling of the American flag, and folding it properly is key to keeping the flag looking nice.