Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

[Marta]

Good morning I am going to make a rag quilt using flannel layer cakes and white flannel instead of batting. I saw in several posts that if you use three layers of flannel it is not necessary to quilt an X in the blocks. Other posts say you do need to quilt. Welcome hints from my M* forum buddies.

[Bubby]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

In my User Notes I have a lot of information on making rag quilts. I always use three layers of flannel and no batting. I DO sew an X in each block. I make my blocks a little larger so I can have a 3/4" seam so I get really full fringe when the quilt is washed and dried.

[Marta]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

Thank you Bubby. Your notes are very helpful.

[iluvbaking]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

I used 3 layers of flannel on the few rag quilts I've made so far and I also always sew an X through the centers. I've never read about not doing so but in trying to visualize it, I think you'd lose a little charm and texture.

Thanks from me too Bubby for referencing info in your User Notes. Very helpful! When you don't sew the X corner to corner, is it still possible to chain piece or do you sew each set of squares individually?

[auntiemern]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

I always use 3 layers of flannel in my flannel rag quilts. I think if you didn't do the X your squares may get distorted after a few washings, due to the fabric ending up in different directions (WOF vs LOF) if that makes any sense.
You can still chain piece also.

[stationarymom]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

Don't forget you need to cut your middle flannel square smaller than the outer squares,so without the x it would be easy for the fabric to shift.

[K. McEuen]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

Don't forget you need to cut your middle flannel square smaller than the outer squares,so without the x it would be easy for the fabric to shift.

You don't have to cut the middle layer smaller when it is flannel because it rags nicely. You only have to cut the middle layer smaller it you use batting.

[Snip Snip]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

If you use white flannel inside darker flannel, is the look of the ragging adversely affected? Would it be better to not see the white flannel?

[Sandy Navas]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

I personally think the white flannel in the middle would really add an interest - maybe you can do a small sample and wash it to see if you'd like it.

[Marta]

Re: Flannel instead ob batting for rag quilt question

The flannel layercake I am using is Little Ruby - nice bright colors. I thought I had ordered cream but must have clicked wrong button. Think I would have learned not to do my shopping late at night. Thank you all for your input.