Here are two ways to avoid potential problems
Cutting the First Stripe
The method of “cutting” the first stripe, used when a flag has been folded many, many times and is now stretched out to where it will not end up positioned properly for the tuck at the end, creates a very small initial triangle helping create more cloth for later folds.
Here is what the flag looks like before the triangle folds. The small fold to the left is only to show the two horizontal folds.
Pulling the Inside
At the last fold into the blue, which should look like the picture below, if the tip does not fall into the space within the two lines, it may be difficult to tuck at the end of folding.
If the tip does not fall in between those lines, back up one fold, pull the inside folds forward and continue. If the tip comes nowhere close to the blue, as pictured below right, accomplish the same procedure, without backing up a fold.
After finishing the triangle folds, make the last fold at an angle to give the right corner a little more cloth to tuck. It works very, very well for most every flag.
Comments 2
We are preparing for a competition and have a set route for posting the colors with mildly vague instructions. We were told to follow the U.S. Flag code and Army Manual 3-21.5. We are entering from the right corner of the room and make a horseshoe (forward, left wheel, forward, left wheel, forward) where we will end up facing the flag stands and facing the same direction as the audience when we have to come to a stop. This is where it is most unclear. Do we step off with a right flank then two column left’s to get behind the flag stands (facing the audience) which will have the Federal to the right? Do we post with our backs to the audience? If we go to the back of the stands (facing the audience), how do we exit if there is not much room? They included a picture but no measurements, it looks like there is only room for a right face and straight into a column left. I can send you the diagram if that will help.
Author
Mr. Nettles,
I began to write a reply here, but it became lengthy. So, I just wrote and published this article for you and others: https://thedrillmaster.org/2026/02/14/when-the-route-forces-your-back-to-the-audience/
I hope that helps. If you have any other questions, please ask.