Have you had good luck with this kind of a quilt? I'm making one from flannel. I didn't prewash the fabric because I kind of thought it didn't make sense to "pre-ravel" it. I purchased good quality fabric, but I'm worried that it will completely fall apart when I wash it. I'd hate to put in hours and hours of work for nothing. Can anyone reassure me?

it won't fall apart, but it will definitely shrink. just use all fabrics unwashed and hopefully they will all shrink the same amounts. your cut seams will "ravel" or "rag" when washed. clean the lint trap often and you should end up with a lovely quilt.

I nearly always use flannel on the back. Never had a problem. I do use fabric from a quilt shop. It is a tab heavier than the regular craft/sewing shops. Have made a dozen like that and all flannel as well. They are easy to make, I have a couple different patterns. I don't prewash.

I have made many rag quilts....never had a problem. They tell you NOT to prewash the fabric...I always do. I dont want to make something and then have the dye run all over everything. Even then, when I wash it, I still use a color catcher sheet with it. Make sure to use at least at 1/2 seam AND SHORTEN YOUR STITCH length. Good luck...I LOVE rag quilts.

Margie

Thanks. That helps. My colors are all dark browns, blues, and burgundies, so I'm not worried about the colors running. I just don't want it all to come apart! Sounds like it'll be okay. I've never heard of a "color catcher." Is that something I can find in the grocery store with the detergents?

Yes, Color catchers are where you find laundry products. They look like fabric softner sheets(well heavier but the same idea). They are really great. If the colors I am washing are strong(reds, blacks, purples, browns) I have even put more than one in the wash....they work great!!

Margie

OOPSSSSSSS they go into the WASHER not the dryer...absorb the dye from running...when I said like fabric softner sheets didnt want you to think they went into the dryer lol...they just look similar

Margie

I have read to reinforce the seams, use a really short and narrow zig zag stitch and 1/2 inch seams on rag quilts.

I use regular stitches for the blocks 1/2" and make 1/4ish inch cuts for the fringe. I have used 1" seams as well. Both look good. Then I use a decorative stitch around the outside border.

Yes, I double double that statement - shorten your stitch, and use at least 1/2 in seams. Your "rags" come out better with a wider stitch, and the flannel won't try to slip so much.

I am almost done with a rag quilt and my LQS owner suggested I bind it instead of clipping the edges. I think I am gonna give it a try. When I finish I will post a picture for ya!

I am up to row 10 on a 15 row denim and flannel rag. I prewashed everything (some of the flannels are light some dark). I am a manic pre-washer, mainly because lots of my fabric is from op shops etc. and I do worry about dye running and getting rid of musty smells (some of this fabric is ancient!). I am doing 1/2 inch seams on a close stitch. It is getting heavy (I put thin fleece as a batting) but looking reasonably good (most seams match!). I have been EPP but, life is short so I am seeing how I manage machine work. Missi, I have thought of binding the edges, but I just want this one done! Maybe the next one (I think I like this machine business!)...Would love to see your pics and hope to post mine when complete.

I've made a few of these and the seams, hold up great! I've made one for our bed (queen size), plus a denim and one for my Halo finatic son...they've all held up wonderfully!

I used homespun fabric and did prewash all that fabric, but the flannel and cotton I didn't.

I sandwiched 3 extra pieces of flannel between my denim quilt for extra ragginess!. *L*

I

I bound the one I made and I really like the look a lot better.

Thanks for all these good ideas. I've been thinking I might bind it too just because there are four layers between the blocks, but only two around the edges. It seems like the edge won't be as "fringy" as the rest of the quilt. Haven't made up my mind yet. I'm just glad to know it will hold together. (The flannel fabric was expensive because I needed so much of it!)