Working with rag quilts

[tnwaltz1]

As stated in the last newsletter QIAD is offering kits for rag quilts. Talk about fun sewing. I have made a few but never from a kit. They are not hard to cut out or put together. In otherwords your don't have to be THE quilting expert. However, one tip I would like to pass along might be useful. You don't wash any fabrc before your start, but to get that ragged edge you need to wash the quilt when it is finished. If you are not in an area where you have "city" plumbing and are on a septic system, I suggest you do your 1st wash at a laundromat The reason is there is so much lint coming off of the fabric both in the washing and in the drying it was recommended to try not to wash at home with a septic system to prevent problems later. I have done both and it is worth the trouble to get your quilt washed at a laudromat.
Also another comment. The price on the kit that QUID is offering is not bad, as if you want to make a rag quilt a quality flannel is a must. Lesser price will not guarantee a great result.
If you have never tried this type of quilt do so. It is a lots of fun to sew up and use or give to someone to use. They are very toasty on a cold night!

[Oasis]

I just made up my first Rag quilt. It was a lot of fun and the best part is being done all at once. I just used 6 inch flannel squares and had fun.

[lucieshouses]

Oasis, did you put batting in the middle? Being in California I don't imagine a need but...Lucie

[Oasis]

Yes, I put a thin batting of 5 inch squares. You are right, I probably didn't need it, but the pattern called for it. The quilt did come out a little heavy. If I was making a smaller one, say receiving blanket size, I probably wouldn't use batting.



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[Chrissy1]

I love making rag quilts. Our grandsons call them Raggies. One tim I amade one with a combination of homespun and flannel and just used leftover flannel squares for the batting. If you want a lighter weight that is way I do, when I want a good old warm winter one, I use the batting.
Washing is definitely a problem. I usually end up at the laundromat. Two washings really raggs them well but one washing works good also. They really are a favorite around here and even I can do them. If you need any flannel let me know, I alway have a stash. I usually use and 8" square and the batting is 6"ish

[Joannequilts]

Oasis, I love your quilt!! I see that you put a binding on yours...I never do...just "rag" all around the outside! Super easy!

[MsSewNSew]

I do wash my rag quilts at home but I use the foot/leg from an old pair of panty hose to catch the lint before it goes down the drain. I simply stop the washer when it's getting ready to drain the water. I pull the drain hose out of the drain behind the washer and put the panty hose over the end and hold it in the drain. You have to hold on to the panty hose to keep them from going down the drain. I have to stop the washer a few times to empty all the lint and threads out of the panty hose but it's worth it not to clog up my drains. I do this during both the wash and rinse cycle.

Some older machines have that lint catcher in the middle which catches some of the lint but not all of it.

Then, In the dryer, be sure to check the lint trap often and empty it until it is dry.

I have made lots of these quilts with various sizes of squares, usually 8" squares. Baby size, I make 5 x 7 squares. Regular size , I make 7 x 9 squares. I made a large one for my BIL it was 9 x 11 squares because he is very tall.

[Rose92]

Here is a tip..........To provide better stability to the outer edge seam so the cuts don't "bleed" into the quilt after lots of washing, I use a close, tight decorative stitch instead of just a straight stitch. Works for me!

Linda

[quilterbee]

I am proud to announce that I am making my very first Raggy from a Moda layer cake my DH gave me. It's the Love U layer cake with the cute little snails, owls and things. I'm excited to do one of these Rag quilts! Amie )

[cindyg]

I put binding on my rag quilt. I'm anal.