Rag Quilt Question
 

I've noticed that on some rag quilts the ragging looks fluffier than on others. Does anyone know why? Could it be that the middle layer is cut the same size as the top and bottom layers? I've never made one but like them a lot, and I plan to make them for my family for Christmas.

One reason could be the types of fabrics being used. Flannel rags the best, 100% cotton rags ok, and fleece doesnt rag at all. I've seen some raq quilts that have a mix of fabrics (a different type for each of the 3 layers) and I've seen them all flannell or all 100% cotton. Each mix will give you a different look and feel to the rag. HTH

it depends on the fabrics used- and the size of the (joining) seams- and the clipping-
i make pretty (full) raggy quilts- i use heavy double sided (expensive) flannels- usually on the back- regular cottons on the top (sometimes) an extra layer of muslin as a (foundation) cotton batting- the batting squares are cut 1" smaller than the outside squares. i put them together with 1/2" seams and clip at least every 1/4" sometimes closer. (i don't really measure the clips- i just sit & snip) then i take it outside and give it a good shake- put it into the washer on a regular cycle- when it spins out between wash/rinse cycle i take it outside & give it a good shake- put it in to rinse- when it spins again i again take it outside for another shake before putting into the dryer= i check it & empty the lint trap after 20 minutes of drying time- outside for another shake- back in- if i'm getting alot of (fluff) i check it again in another 20 minutes- empty the lint trap again- shake it again-
seems like alot i know- but worth every minute of it!

I really appreciate your detailed reply. These are the instructions that I will use. Thanks for the tips about the double sided flannels and extra layer of muslin. It's these kinds of details that make all the difference. It does seem like a lot of work, but the beautiful results will be worth it.

ckcowl gave you an excellent reply. I was going to say that of the rag quilts I've seen (only made one myself), the ones that seem fluffier are the ones that have wider seam allowances and are clipped narrower. JMO.

Thank you for another great tip.

Rag Quilt Question
 

Thank you ladies, I really appreciate all of your great tips. I'm fairly new on the board and having a problem posting my replies. Can't wait to get started.

CKCOWL--If your batting squares are cut 1" smaller than the outside squares, do they get sewn into your seams, or are they only held in place by the "X"s that you sew across them?

I made 6 rag quilts for Christmas this year. They were all made out of flannel, and I used flannel for the batting too. 2 of the quilts ragged beautifully, and the other 3 did not. All of them were sewn the same way - 1/2" seam allowances, cut the seam allowances in less than 1/4" spaces. I posted before asking the same question, and didn't get a response. So I will be interested to see if anyone has any other thoughts. I think I remember someone posting on this site that she used a toothbrush to help fluff the seams. Does anyone else remember this, or am I having a senior moment?

All the explanations here are good, but I tend to think the fluffiest are the ones that use three layers of flannel that are cut to the same size and then clipped. I never make them with batting anymore. It's too much work trying to center the batting, and I like the fluffy look. I also wash the quilt a number of times to make sure the edges are really raggy.