3x5ft American flag: in need of technique & stitch suggestions!

Hi y’all! It’s my first time posting in here, but i figured there is no better place to ask for crochet advice than here. I’m getting ready to begin my next project but I am struggling with how I am going to approach it. I’m making a 3x5ft American flag to hang long ways on a dowel rod of some sort. I made a much smaller version to test stitches, and as I was making it, I came across an issue. I made each piece individually, so each stripe, and the star section and was planning on sewing them together at the end. However, it was obvious that my tension was very inconsistent because my stripes were different lengths even though they were the same number of stitches long. I considered approaching this project in more of a tapestry style, like switching colors throughout the row when needed. I was curious if anyone had any advice or other suggestions on how I should go about this project. I’m also open to stitch recommendations. I would love to have very clean edges for my stripes, so this is making it difficult when deciding on a stitch. Any help would be appreciated!