I was asked by a friend who works at our local Hospice center, if I could make a flag quilt that would cover a deceased veteran in transport from their home to the funeral home.

They can't use a regular flag which is the approximate size I would need. The flag blanket would be kept by hospice to use as needed. Any suggestions? It really needs to be simple as they need 10 or so of these coverings. I'm thinking that I could just piece a top and back it with fabric and no batting. Maybe tack or tie.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Does it have to be a flag? There is fabric out there for each branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines). There is even fabric that has a large emblem of the branch (like the Marine Eagle, Globe and Anchor). You could make one quilt for each branch of service by using the emblem for the center panel and adding borders around the emblem.

Can you use the 4x6 flag itself as a pattern? the star portion needs to be a certain % of the flag(I want to say like 58% star/blue then rest strips). I have made several flag blankets but they were out of a flag panel. I have made the flag using red/white blue fabric just made sure

This is what I would do also. For the stars, you could use fusible web to attach them, then top stitch near the edge of the fabric to make sure it stays in place.

50 x 10 stars.. = 500..Thats a lot of stars..

Does it need to really be a flag? Could you use blue fabric with white stars printed on it? Not the full size stars, but you would get the effect..

http://www.compuquilt.com/blockimg/2...ks/US_Flag.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=300471127614

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=170449248754

A couple of these are small, but wouldn't really be any big deal to use the concept and make the size you need.
One is the right size.

I hesitate to say anything because sometimes I put my foot in my mouth, but I think I would discuss a concept like this with the veteran's advocate for your area. It really isn't any of my business, but my husband was a service connected disabled American Vet and I would want to know what they think about making a copy of a US flag in a project like this.

Thanks for your suggestions, I know they can't use the real American Flag. They are in the beginning of setting up this service and don't want to show any disrespect, only honoring the veteran. I like the idea of the different branches to use in the covering but don't know how feasible that would be, then we would have to have many more tops done.

The simple one on Ebay may be the way to go. Maybe with each branch in the center of the star. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=300471127614

Lots to think about, keep the great ideas coming.

It is a wonderful thing for you to do, I just wasn't sure of what was proper and respectful. I tried to call a friend of mine who helped us a lot when my husband was alive, but her office is closed today.

My husband died while in active service and I don't understand why Hospice would think an actual flag would be disrespectful. I would suggest you have your local Hospice administrator contact the national Hospice organization, the Veterans Affairs office as was earlier suggested, and possibly the funeral home. Surely someone has previously done whatever it is they are planning and these decisions should not be left in your hands. Hospice should tell you specifically what it is they want. There's a lot of ways to go wrong on something like this, so it would probably be best to be sure you are right.

I think you have a point, I am ex forces not American I know but if there is a reason they cannot use the real flag maybe the quilt one wouldn't be okay either, please contact an forces or ex forces society. Perhaps you know the reason already from the hospice and I am talking out of turn if so I am sorry no offence is meant. My concern is for you.

I think it is awesome that you are trying to help hospice like this (((HUGS)))

A thought came to my mind about this though, they may want to check with the health dept before you start this project. They may object over this quilt being used in this manner for health reasons. Sorry, don't mean to rain on your project, but I would rather it be mentioned now, than after you have finished it.