What you will learn
- Use a checked reference to plan a Caribbean flag.
- Transfer a design to fabric with suitable materials.
- Describe colour, shape and respectful display.
A flag is a national symbol with a particular design. We will make a small fabric artwork based on a checked Caribbean flag reference. For a first model you may use Trinidad and Tobago’s flag: a red field crossed by a black diagonal band with narrow white borders. A craft copy helps us study the design; it is not a claim to manufacture an official flag.
Look closely at the reference
Study the flag in its usual horizontal position with the hoist, the side attached to the pole, on the left. Trinidad and Tobago’s diagonal runs from the upper hoist side to the lower fly side. Mark the top and the hoist lightly on a paper plan so you do not reverse it. Identify the large shapes before adding colour. For another Caribbean flag, use its own checked reference rather than guessing the order of bands or symbols.
Worked example 1
Why use a flag reference?
Show me how
Read the situation and identify the important idea.
To check the design accurately
A reference helps check direction and colour placement.
Prepare and paint
An adult selects a clean piece of fabric and suitable non-toxic fabric paint, following its label. Put protective card beneath it so colour does not transfer to the table. Practise a brush stroke on scrap material. Sketch the main outlines lightly, then paint one area at a time with controlled strokes. Keep paint away from eyes and mouth. Children do not use irons or heat-setting tools; an adult handles any fixing process required by the product.
Worked example 2
In the usual horizontal reference, which way does the band run?
Show me how
Read the situation and identify the important idea.
Upper hoist to lower fly
Marking the hoist prevents reversing the band.
Watch out! A common mistake
Do not copy a flag from memory if you are unsure of its direction or colour order. Use a checked reference.
Check and display respectfully
Let the work dry flat as directed. Compare it with the reference: is the diagonal the right way, are the colour areas in the correct places and are the white borders visible? Describe a correction rather than treating a small craft error as disrespect. Display the work as a class artwork, with the country’s name and your materials. A paper version or textured collage is an equal alternative when fabric or paint is unavailable. Avoid paint on skin or clothing not intended for the activity.
Worked example 3
What should happen before display?
Show me how
Read the situation and identify the important idea.
Let the work dry as directed
Drying protects the artwork and surroundings.
Make, practise or plan
Make a labelled paper plan, practise on a scrap, then create a small fabric flag with an adult’s approved materials. Compare the result with the reference and describe one careful choice.
You may explain your plan, arrange picture cards or use an adapted version agreed with the teacher. Describe one choice and how it helps the task.
Try it
TRY ITArt: Paint a Caribbean Flag on Fabric lab
Let’s practise
Work each one in your copybook. Open Hint if you are stuck, then open Show answer to check.
1. Why use a flag reference?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
To check the design accurately. A reference helps check direction and colour placement.
2. Which colours are in Trinidad and Tobago’s flag?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
Red, white and black. Use the checked national design.
3. What does hoist mean?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
The side next to the pole. Hoist identifies the pole side.
4. In the usual horizontal reference, which way does the band run?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
Upper hoist to lower fly. Marking the hoist prevents reversing the band.
5. Why place card beneath fabric?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
To protect the work surface. Paint may pass through fabric.
6. Who handles any required heat setting?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
The responsible adult. The adult follows the product’s instructions.
7. What should happen before display?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
Let the work dry as directed. Drying protects the artwork and surroundings.
8. What is an acceptable alternative to fabric?
Hint
Think about the lesson explanation and give the answer in your own words.
Show answer
A labelled paper design. The same design skills can be practised on paper.
Quiz
Lesson quiz: 10 questions
Answer every question, then press Check my answers. Score 8 or more to earn the Flag Designer badge.
Art: Paint a Caribbean Flag on Fabric: worksheet
Name: ____________________ Date: ______________
Part A: Let’s practise
1. Why use a flag reference?
2. Which colours are in Trinidad and Tobago’s flag?
3. What does hoist mean?
4. In the usual horizontal reference, which way does the band run?
5. Why place card beneath fabric?
6. Who handles any required heat setting?
7. What should happen before display?
8. What is an acceptable alternative to fabric?
Part B: Quiz
1. Why use a flag reference?
(a) To avoid observing shapes
(b) To remove every outline
(c) To check the design accurately
(d) To invent new national colours
2. Which colours are in Trinidad and Tobago’s flag?
(a) Blue, green and gold
(b) Purple and orange
(c) Only red
(d) Red, white and black
3. What does hoist mean?
(a) The side next to the pole
(b) The brush handle
(c) The middle of the table
(d) The paint lid
4. In the usual horizontal reference, which way does the band run?
(a) Straight down the centre
(b) Upper hoist to lower fly
(c) Lower hoist to upper fly
(d) Straight across the centre
5. Why place card beneath fabric?
(a) To heat the fabric
(b) To replace the design
(c) To protect the work surface
(d) To make paint edible
6. Who handles any required heat setting?
(a) A child alone
(b) Any pupil with a match
(c) Nobody reads the label
(d) The responsible adult
7. What should happen before display?
(a) Let the work dry as directed
(b) Fold wet paint onto itself
(c) Rub it on clothing
(d) Put it in the mouth
8. What is an acceptable alternative to fabric?
(a) Using unknown chemicals
(b) A labelled paper design
(c) No learning at all
(d) Painting on skin
9. What should you check first in a flag copy?
(a) The price of the brush
(b) The number of paint pots
(c) Major shapes, direction and colours
(d) Only the maker’s handwriting
10. How should you describe a small error?
(a) Mock the maker
(b) Call the whole country wrong
(c) Hide the reference
(d) Name a correction calmly
Answers (for the adult)
Part A
1. To check the design accurately. A reference helps check direction and colour placement.
2. Red, white and black. Use the checked national design.
3. The side next to the pole. Hoist identifies the pole side.
4. Upper hoist to lower fly. Marking the hoist prevents reversing the band.
5. To protect the work surface. Paint may pass through fabric.
6. The responsible adult. The adult follows the product’s instructions.
7. Let the work dry as directed. Drying protects the artwork and surroundings.
8. A labelled paper design. The same design skills can be practised on paper.
Part B
1. (c) To check the design accurately
2. (d) Red, white and black
3. (a) The side next to the pole
4. (b) Upper hoist to lower fly
5. (c) To protect the work surface
6. (d) The responsible adult
7. (a) Let the work dry as directed
8. (b) A labelled paper design
9. (c) Major shapes, direction and colours
10. (d) Name a correction calmly
Recap
- Use a checked reference to plan a Caribbean flag.
- Transfer a design to fabric with suitable materials.
- Describe colour, shape and respectful display.
- Do not copy a flag from memory if you are unsure of its direction or colour order. Use a checked reference.
Words to know
- hoist
- The side of a flag next to its pole.
Example: Remember: The side of a flag next to its pole. - fly
- The side of a flag away from its pole.
Example: Remember: The side of a flag away from its pole. - diagonal
- A sloping line across a shape.
Example: Remember: A sloping line across a shape. - reference
- An example used to check a design.
Example: Remember: An example used to check a design.
Try it at home
- Make a labelled paper plan, practise on a scrap, then create a small fabric flag with an adult’s approved materials. Compare the result with the reference and describe one careful choice.
- Explain one choice to an adult or a classmate. A paper plan is enough; do not attempt a risky practical task at home.
Test tips
Tips for class tests
- Read the complete question before choosing.
- Use the meaning from the lesson rather than memorising an answer position.
- Explain one reason for your answer, then review any mistake.
For parents and teachers
After this lesson, your child should be able to:
- Use a checked reference to plan a Caribbean flag.
- Transfer a design to fabric with suitable materials.
- Describe colour, shape and respectful display.
Use invented examples and voluntary participation. No learner needs to disclose private information. The quiz assesses understanding; it does not certify practical skill. Adapt tasks to the learner and setting.
Quiz scores and badges are saved only in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere. If the browser data is cleared, or another device is used, the badges will be lost.
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Next: Dance: Fast and Slow
Course: Standard 3 Arts
Updates
2026/11/07
– First draft of this Arts lesson, with two hands-on activities, practice, a quiz badge, a worksheet and credited pictures.
Attributions to media used in this post:
National flag design by Carlisle Chang; public-domain flag file from Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago.svg
© 2026 Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved.