When sewing your strips together do you open your seams or fold them over, one one way and one the other? This is my first one and I don't want to mess it up. I read somewhere that you shouldn't wash your flannel before making the quilt (if using flannel) but I'd already washed mine but I think I know why she said that. I think it might be because it makes it stretch when sewing it. I know mine did. Thanks for your help.
Nett

When I have made them I fold them over .. since they will get snipped open later.. It really doesn't matter either way is fine.

I second what Dawn said--I fold them over. You'll snip them all before you're done, so it doesn't matter, but if they're folded one way you won't have to snip on both sides.

I never clipped that close to the seam line. Just too risky. When I accidently cut through I stop right then and sew it up--or I'll lose the spot.

Good luck!! :D

I have made 6 rag quilts so far and I have opened my seams but I don't think that it really matters as you are going to be cutting them. but it is less bulk going thru the machine if you open them. As for washing your flannel that is up to you. Rag quilts are very forgiving and if your seams don't totally line up it will be okay. When you wash the rag for the first time just make sure to keep checking your lint filter in your dryer it will fill up fast. I empty my out at least every 10 minutes. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask and please post a pic of your finished quilt. We'd all love to see it. Good Luck.

I too press mine open. One reason is because it is helpful when you snip the quilt because you butt up against your seam and it helps you avoid cutting into it.

You also have less bulk to cut through. Yes, you have to clip each side that way but, if you are using regular scissors (whether they are high quality or not) cutting through 4 layers of flannel, your hand is going to be hurting. If have Rag Quilting Snips (Olfa and Fiskars makes them), they are much easier on the hand and cut through the multiple layers very well.

Either way works. You will learn alot about what works for you on this first one. Then, you'll most likely change things for the next one!

Post a pic when you're done.

i press my seams open. seems to work. but if the other way works for you, go for it. :D

Thanks everybody. I'll post a pic when I get it done but that may be awhile. I don't work as fast as most of you and I'll have to take it to the laundrymat to wash it in one of the big machines. It's going to be between a queen and king size so it won't fit in my washer.
It will probably take me as long to make myself go to the laundrymat as it does to make the quilt.
Have a happy new year,
Nett