Union Flag / Union Jack Flags To Buy
Our hand-sewn Union Flag, also known as the union jack flag, has been our trademark flag since 1872, having been used at some of the most historically significant battles, events, and state funerals since that time.
Each Union flag is made from individual coloured panels cut and sewn together to create the iconic design. Our method of using hand-sewn materials has been – and continues to be – the highest quality way to manufacture a national flag. The material we use is 155gsm woven fabric, giving excellent durability and a look of quality. The flag is stitched with a double sewn hem, and comes complete with a headband, rope, and toggle to ensure it can be flown immediately from any standard flagpole.
We manufacture every Union Flag here in the UK at the Flag Institute. Our flags are also produced to the standard 2:1 design ratio, meaning they will match any other national flags flown side-by-side.
You don’t have to take our word for how good our flags are…we have been supplying the Royal Navy and other military branches for many years. We pride ourselves on the quality and heritage of our flags.
Union Flag or The Union Jack?
The name ‘Jack’ had been used in the maritime world since the 1600’s. Historically, jacks were small flags flown from the masts of ships. In the early 1600s, a smaller version of the Union Jack was flown on ship masts. As a result of these changes, the flag would be referred to as the jack, the jack flag, or the King's jack. It wasn't until 1674 that this nickname was changed to His Majesty's Jack or the Union Jack.
Union Flag Trivia
The terms the “Union Jack flag” or “Union Flag” are equally correct and can be used in whatever context required. (This issue is discussed by The Flag Institute in a publication that can be found here
If you’re interested in buying a union jack flag, click below.
Technical Specifications
| Adopted | 1st January 1801 |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 3:5 on land, 1:2 at sea |
| Design | A white-fimbriated symmetric red cross on a blue field with a white-fimbriated counter-changed saltire of red and white. |
| Colours |
PMS - Red: 186, Royal Blue: 280 |
Brief History of the Union Flag
In 1606 King James proclaimed that there would be one flag that would represent the whole of the United Kingdom and it was created using the Saltire of Scotland and the St. George's cross. This was known as the Flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain.
At this time Wales was considered to be part of England and it is therefore represented on the flag as part of the English St. George's cross.
In 1800 the Act of Union enabled the kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland to join together and in 1801 the cross of St. Patricks was added to the Flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain to create the Flag of the United Kingdom – the Union Jack (flag) we have and use today.
What Flags Make Up the Union Jack Flag?
As the national flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Flag is also known as the Union Jack. As its name suggests, it combines the crosses of the three kingdoms united under one Sovereign: England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Why Is The Welsh Flag Not In The Union Jack?
When the three countries formed the United Kingdom, Wales was historically under England, as a principality, and was not incorporated into the flag’s design.
Unless one of the countries votes to leave the union, the Welsh dragon will not appear on the flag. With Scotland flirting with independence however, there may be a change to the Union Flag - we previously mocked up some designs of a Scotland-less Union Flag for your entertainment and intrigue here.
Other Uses of the Union Flag
The Union is one of the most distinctive flags in the world. It has formed the basis for many other countries' national flags and is often included as a canton or similar in deference to past histories and associations.
In the UK the Union is also used on civil and military / nautical flags too as a way of distinguishing the source of origin. The most common uses are shown below in the red, white and blue ensigns.
The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom
The Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom is the official coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth II. They are used by her in her official capacity as monarch of the United Kingdom.
Other members of the Royal Family have variants of the Royal Arms for their use as does the British government in connection with the administration and government of the country.
In Scotland, the Queen has a separate version of the Royal Arms, a variant of which is used by the Scotland Office.
Union Jack Flag Gallery
Whether hand sewn or dye sublimated, our union jack flags have been used on some of the UK's most iconic buildings.
Useful Links
Buy Our Union Flag
Now you know all about the history of the union, why not take a look at our premium quality hand made flags.
United KingdomDownload Our Brochure
Download our electronic brochure to check out the full range of products we can supply you with.
Download NowContact Us
See a flag you like? We can manufacture any flag design in any size, speak to one of our experts to find out more.
Contact UsHow to Make a Union Jack Flag
How To Make A Correct Union JackBuy Our Union Flag
Now you know all about the history of the union, why not take a look at our premium quality hand made flags.
United KingdomDownload Our Brochure
Download our electronic brochure to check out the full range of products we can supply you with.
Download NowContact Us
See a flag you like? We can manufacture any flag design in any size, speak to one of our experts to find out more.
Contact Us
