July Free Pattern: International Maritime/Signal Flags
Perfect simple alphabet for DIY nautical monograms and stitching in code
Happy summer, stitchers!
It sounds as though many of you are spending some time by the sea, on the lake shore, or aspiring to get away for a weekend on the water this summer. I would love to hear about your summer plans if you’re willing to share!
I am embarrassed to admit that I cannot remember who recently DM'd me asking for the chart below, so I am sharing it here in hopes that it will reach the lovely stitcher and inspire some of you to try some summer stitching!
It is a chart I made several years ago to include in kits when I made an oopsie.
Maritime flags, also known as signal flags, not only represent the alphabet, but also effectively signal specific need-to-know meanings to other vessels without radio use. (Think Naval battles and fleets).
These flags, standardized through the International Code of Signals, allow for the exchange of information regarding vessel identity, intentions, and even specific messages. They evolved from simple visual signals in ancient times to a sophisticated system used for both military and civilian purposes. (I am sharing some resources below.)
For example:
C – Charlie – affirmative (yes)
U – Uniform – you are heading into danger
E – Echo – altering course to starboard
I think it would also be amazing to knit a sweater personalized with signal flags! (This chart can translate to cross-stitch and knitting, too)
Each flag is 15 stitches x 15 stitches, although if you are keen on symmetry, please feel free to modify. The traditional flags inspired these colors with a fresh, modern spin. I recommend Midnight or Classic Navy, Pink Cow, Glacier or Natural, Mustard, and Admiral Blue or Delphinium Blue by Silk & Ivory.
Stitch your initials, “WTF,” or a cheeky code. Create “do not disturb” signs or embed messages in your stitching. Add to keychains, belts, wallets, or other summery projects.
This chart was inspired by my grandparents’ love of the sea. They were sailors and had little acrylic appliqués of their maritime monograms on various surfaces and prized possessions. On my dad’s side, my grandfather had little acrylic flags below the driver’s handle of his car that spelled out his initials.
My brother, Willie, now carries a keychain that once belonged to our maternal grandfather. The keychain is of the maritime letter “T” for his last name, Thorn. It bears a resemblance to the French flag—very fitting for a young man who married a French woman and followed her to France.
Do you have maritime flags anywhere in your home? Do you remember seeing them in a museum, on vacation, or learning about them during sailing camp? Let me know!
Learn more about Signal Flags:
If you’d like to learn more about the flags, their origins, and what they mean, I am sharing some sources below:
AmericanSailing.com: Nautical Flags: Origins, Meanings, and Resources
Boatsetter.com: Understanding the Nautical Flags, Sailing Flags, & the Nautical Alphabet
Discoverboating.com 5 Tips for Understanding Nautical Flags & their Meanings
Nauticalchannel.com The meaning behind nautical flags and how to understand them
Wikipedia: International maritime signal flags
Thank you for sharing this, I love nautical flags & have spent a fair amount of time on the water but have never learned all the letters!
I have them on a license plate on the front of my car! I grew up on the river and we had them on tervis tumblers, needlept belts and anything we could monogram. I have started needlepointing again and using a larger version to make a bag tag for a cane tote that I have! Thanks for sharing your work and talents. Loved reading your story! ⛵️ Happy July! 🇺🇸