Learn how to make a wooden American flag using vintage spindles. This easy patriotic DIY adds rustic charm to your home or porch for the Fourth of July and more.
Looking for a creative way to decorate with patriotic flair this summer?
This easy DIY shows you how to make a rustic wooden American flag using vintage spindles.
It’s a fun, budget-friendly project perfect for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or everyday Americana style—with a unique antique twist.
DIY Wooden American Flag with Vintage Spindles
This vintage-inspired DIY wooden American flag is the perfect way to celebrate patriotic holidays with charm and creativity.
Made with old spindles and a touch of red, white, and blue, it’s a unique decor piece that feels both nostalgic and handmade. Whether you display it indoors or out, it adds a heartfelt, personal touch to your summer home.
Antique Farmhouse-Inspired Spindle American Flag Set
This DIY project was inspired by the charming Antique Farmhouse’s Spindle Post American Flag Set I first spotted on Pinterest. I loved the rustic, handcrafted look and knew it would be easy to recreate with vintage spindles for a one-of-a-kind patriotic decor piece. These wooden American flags work beautifully indoors or out and add timeless red, white, and blue charm to your summer decorating.
DIY Materials Needed to Make a Wooden American Flag with Spindles:
Why I Wrote This Post:
This DIY wooden American flag project came together after I found a bundle of antique spindles at a local shop. I didn’t know what I’d use them for at the time, but they turned into one of my favorite patriotic crafts—simple, nostalgic, and full of summer charm. I’m sharing this tutorial in hopes it inspires you to look at your vintage finds in new and creative ways.
Easy DIY Home Decor Projects with Vintage Style
Explore our easy DIY home decor guide with vintage style, using thrifted and repurposed finds. Simple, beginner-friendly ideas to decorate your home with charm.
I found these 10 antique wood spindles last Christmas at a local antique shop—just $10 a bundle! At the time, I had no idea what I’d use them for, but I couldn’t pass up the beautiful wood grain and vintage charm. Fast forward to summer, and they’ve become the perfect base for this rustic DIY wooden American flag project—just another reason to always grab those unique vintage pieces when you see them.
Recommended Reading
And see how I transformed the remaining vintage spindles for the holidays in this 3 Decorative Wood Spindles Finials Holiday Craft Ideas post.
How to Make a Wooden American Flag with Vintage Spindles
This DIY wooden American flag is incredibly simple to make—and it’s a great way to give new life to vintage spindles. It’s a versatile decor piece you can display for summer holidays, and when the season’s over, the flags are easy to remove so you can repurpose the spindles in future projects. A quick craft with a lot of impact—and zero permanent commitment!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Wooden American Flag with Spindles
Step 1 – Remove the Flag from Its Original Pole
Start by carefully pulling the American flag off its store-bought flagpole. I was able to remove both the flag and staples by hand—no tools needed.
This gives you a clean edge to work with when attaching it to your vintage spindle.
Step 2 – Align the Flag to Your Spindle
Place your flag against the spindle and line it up so the top edge of the flag matches the straight edge of your chosen spindle.
I used standard small flags, but you can modify this project with larger or smaller antique wooden dowels and different flag sizes—like the 4×6 flag shown below—for a custom fit.
Step 3 – Glue the Flag in Place
Flip the flag over and use a hot glue gun to run a line of glue along the edge that will attach to the spindle. Flip the flag back over and press it gently onto the wood. That’s it—it really is that easy!
Step 4 – Let It Dry and Display
Let your DIY wooden American flag dry completely. I like to give mine 24 hours to fully cure before styling them in a centerpiece, porch bucket, or tabletop arrangement.
Styling Tip – Skip the Staples!
I originally tried using a staple gun for this project, and let’s just say… it didn’t go well. The staples looked messy, and it was nearly impossible to get them into the antique hardwood. Hot glue worked faster, looked cleaner, and held beautifully.
If you’re looking for guidance on proper American flag etiquette, check out the official U.S. Flag Code here.
Decorating Ideas for DIY American Flag Spindles
These DIY wooden American flags made from vintage spindles are perfect for adding patriotic charm to any corner of your home. Whether styled in an antique blue pitcher, arranged as a centerpiece, or displayed on a mantel, they bring a warm and nostalgic Americana feel to both indoor and outdoor spaces. I used a beautiful A.E. Hull blue pitcher to hold a few of my flags—such a simple, elegant way to show them off.
Recommended Reading
You may also find more A.E. Hull inspiration in this Antiques in Maine & Summer Vintage Haul post. post.
Here are a few simple and creative ways to decorate with your DIY wooden American flag spindles throughout the summer season.
More Patriotic and Americana Decorating Ideas You’ll Love
Looking for more red, white, and blue inspiration? Explore these vintage-style patriotic decor ideas, table settings, and DIYs to celebrate summer in timeless American style.
How to Start Collecting Vintage Home Decor
Are you new to vintage collecting? This beginner’s guide will walk you through what to look for, where to shop, and how to style your favorite finds with an eclectic and personal touch.
Final Thoughts on This Wooden American Flag DIY
This simple wooden American flag made from antique spindles is one of my favorite ways to celebrate summer holidays with vintage charm.
Whether you style it indoors or out, it adds a handcrafted, heartfelt touch to your red, white, and blue decor.
Feeling inspired? If you make your own wooden American flag with vintage spindles, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below and share how you styled yours for the season. And don’t forget to browse more patriotic decor ideas before your next summer celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Wooden American Flags
To make a wooden American flag, remove the flag from its original pole and attach it to a vintage spindle using hot glue. It’s a quick and easy craft that adds nostalgic, handmade charm to your patriotic decor.
Antique wood spindles, dowels, or reclaimed wood with visible grain give the best vintage look. You can also use furniture legs or porch posts for a rustic farmhouse-style DIY flag.
Yes, just be sure to use weather-resistant glue and consider sealing the wood with an outdoor-safe finish. These flags look great on porches, in planters, or tucked into outdoor displays for the Fourth of July or Memorial Day.
Check thrift stores, flea markets, salvage yards, or antique shops. Spindles are often sold in bundles and can be repurposed into unique patriotic crafts like this one.
Use them in centerpieces, vases, porch buckets, or grouped in vintage containers. They make great tabletop accents or can even be styled in a patriotic wreath for extra impact.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
Pin forLater!
Shop This Post
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
I made your flag diy. After seeing the idea, I was lucky to find a packet of 10 small spindles in an antique shop yesterday. But I didn’t glue the flags onto them. They were attached to thin dowels so I slid them into the vertical holes in the spindles. Worked perfectly! Thanks for the idea!
Oh Barbara, how lucky are you? I bet they are adorable. Don’t the spindles make them look so charming? Send me a photo and I’ll feature your flags in our reader’s showcase series. [email protected] Happy summer!
These are so fun, Ann! Your “diy” came out great! I love patriotic decor!
Thanks kindly Molly!
Your flags turned out awesome, and the Hull pitcher sealed the look!
Thank you so much I’m so glad you liked them!
Oh my gosh. These are so adorable, Ann. I can’t wait to share them in my weekly recap tomorrow!
Thanks so much Jen! I always appreciate your kind shares. Happy Father’s Day!
I love the article
Thanks kindly Adam!