I have a question about rag quilts....I'm going to make my first one and I don't understand why some people are sewing an X, and then also do I have to have batting in this? can I just use another piece of felt?
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I have a question about rag quilts....I'm going to make my first one and I don't understand why some people are sewing an X, and then also do I have to have batting in this? can I just use another piece of felt?
I wouldn't use felt at all. Maybe you meant flannel. I would use either flannel or cotton for the top and back and flannel for the batting. The X is sewn to hold the batting in place. Wash your flannel first as it shrinks dramatically. I does however make the best rag quilts.
ya I meant flannel...oops...so the x is jut to hold that in place...so if I don't do a batting would the x be necessary?
No unless you want to. I am making a rag quilt for a bassinet and I am backing it with fleece so i won't be doing the x.
Lisa, you do realize that fleece does not rag, or fray.
Kapree if you do flannel in the middle just think how cute and fluffy it will be! I want to make one now! I have so many ufo's though. I guess I will have to wait for a sale :)
I had never thought of using flannel until I saw someone post about it on this forum.
I have used batting in the three that I have made. I just cut it smaller than my squares so that it doesn't stick out.
I was curious what size square everyone uses. or your favorite size for these?
Attachment 36967
This is one that I did and I did not sew the X instead I sewed around some of the squares - I like to do large blocks but you can do any size you like.....
I'm going to cut them 6.5 I hope that will be good...what has everyone else done?
when you back it (lisapc) are you going to do like a quilt top then back it, or back each piece and rag the ends?
Auntimern, fleece does rag. I have been making rag blankets with fleece for years. I am not using batting and only ragging the top which is made of a charm pack and the edges of the fleece with the top to connect the two.
I recently bought some fleece from JoAnn's and maybe you are referring to that. The quality of horrid. I will be using fleece from Madlen Mills/Polartec.
Wait a minute, do you mean unravel. No fleece doesn't and it shouldn't It is a different look.
Yes that is what I meant. If you wanted all the fabric to unravel for a full rag effect I would suggest flannel for the back and batting.
so 3 layers of flannel right? for a really raggie look. how much of that middle one will be seen? does it matter what I used?
lisapc do you have pics?
None of it is going to show except a little color in the raggie part. I only mentioned using three layers because I came across one on google and it was so fluffy! Is this for your little girl?
I make lots of rag quilts and I always use three layers of flannel...no batting. I always sew the X because I think it adds something to the quilt and makes all the layers stay together nicely during the construction process. Sometimes I use a decorative stitch or just a simple zigzag.
ya its for her...thats what she gets for being the first and only kid...so far ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Hulamoon
thanks for all the help guys this is awesome info!!
I have made several rag quilts and I use flannel, denim or homespun cotton. I have only done a small one with three layers of flannel and the "frayed" edges turned out so much "fluffier" than those I have done withonly two layers. I typically cut my squares @ 6 inches, only because that is the width of the ruler that I use so it makes it easier. I did one with denim and fleece and it actually turned out pretty nice as well. The denim frayed but the fleece did not but it still looked pretty to me. Here is how it looked.....
Attachment 36975
I haven't made mine yet but when I do I will take a picture. I never took pictures of anything I have made in the past. It never occured to me except for the book I keep with 8x10's for the brides I work with. This forum is changing that. I will definitely take pictures and post them. In the meantime here is a fleece rag quilt.
http://www.morganic.com/TLC/quilts/babyfleece.html
I am not making this. I have made versions in the past. The one I am making is tiny, 5 x 5 charm squares of cotton ragged for the top, no batting, I am using fleece for the backing and will connect the two by ragging the edges of the fleece with the cotton top. I am hoping to get to it before the weekend. It shouldn't take much time because it is so small.
6.5 is a good size. I would use another piece of solid flannel as batting as it makes the rag look fuller and curls better. I cut mine the same size as the other squares and just sew three peices together.
I just finished making my 5th one since Christmas...I have used 9 1/2 - 10 inch squares, because I have a 9 1/2 inch ruler and the 10 inch because I used a layer cake. I sew the X's and I just use 2 layers...the front and back, both of flannel. I live in the Chicago area and they have been plenty warm enough.
Lori
The fleece doesn't fray or ravel so it doesn't really "rag" like flannel or cotton. When using fleece you get more of a fringe effect.
I cut my squares 8" and my batting 6 3/4" Here is the one I made for my son.
Attachment 36994
Tanya that is so cute! I love it!!!
I have another question....k so after I sew everything together then do I sew around each square?
I made my one and only rag quilt a little over 2 years ago, before I started learning how to make regular cotton quilts. I used instructions on Beverlys.com but did not know I should cut the batting flannel a little smaller than the top and back blocks. I cut all the blocks 8 inches square and sewed them together, also sewing a big X through all layers which makes it lay flatter and adds some interest. I ended up with nice thick ragged seams that showed the different colors of the top and backing but also the white flannel from the middle. It is VERY hard to clip all those seams when there are so many layers especially at the joined corners of 4 blocks, but I made it through! So, it can be done if you like the extra fluffy, thick ragged seams....just takes more time and your hands will get a real workout even with the rag snip scissors! :icon_happy:
Attachment 36995 Attachment 36996
I really like yours Linda...the colors are nice.
I have the accuquilt go rag cutter and its 8 1/2 inches with a 1 inch seam, so it's a 6 1/2 inch finished square. They also have a rectangle one.
I have done most of mine with 6 1/2 or 7'" blocks. You don't need to sew around each square, just attach in rows. If using 3 layers of flannel or flannel for the batting cut everything the same size. I sew the X for added effect. Then sew your blocks, once they are all sandwiched, with at least a 1/2" seam. I usually make mine about 5/8 so plenty of ragging, nice and fluffy.
Do you all rag the edges of your quilts too or have you made borders or made the edges smooth? I am adding a border on at least one of the quilts I am working on so thought I would make the edges smooth. I didn't bind them; just sewed the outer edges together, right sides together and then topstiched all around. The edge connected to the large part of the quilt is ragged though, if that makes any sense.
Jenny has a tutorial on a rag quilt she made with minke and flannel - just 2 layers and no batting.
she used charm squares.
from the above posts, is sounds like adding the 3rd layer would make it fluffier - so will plan on that.
got the minke charm squares from a daily deal so planning on making one soon!
ok I love this! is that lil hat on Beverlys too? I love it all!!! maybe I'll do a pillow too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sewbee
I understand that this is the quilting forum but the term rag quilt is the term to use when making a rag fleece quilt. I actually went to a class at Malden Mills before they were bought out and the class was called, "learn to make a no sew rag quilt". But yes it does look like fringe.Quote:
Originally Posted by K. McEuen
