I made a quilt for my SIL last Sept. when he was promoted to Chief, using a cotton Navy pillow panel as a center piece. It turned out beautifully and has been washed many times already since he used it all winter. I was fortunate that one of our board members sent me the panel but I have also seen them on Ebay for each of the military services. I would recommend something like that rather than the flag which may not wash well.