This is my first time ever doing a quilt. I figured out the lay out last night and got all the blocks sandwiched and pinned. Please excuse my ignorance (I have never quilted and am just going by a tutorial I found online) and I have a couple questions.

A co-worker asked if I was going to double stitch the seams (when I put the blocks, rows, etc together). Do I need to double stitch the seams?

Also, (this is probably the ignorant question lol) what should my thread tension be set at?

Here is my quilt top (picture isn't the best - used cell phone to send to my sister)

I'm getting ready to make one and I'm not going to double stitch the seams. There is no right or wrong. Do what you feel comfortable with. Do make your seems 1/2 inch rather than the usual 1/4 inch we use in quilting. Hope this helps. You will have to adjust your tension according to your fabrics and machine. Do a test run and see what works. You may not have to change anything.

Thanks for the info erstan!!

That will be so pretty when you get it done! Pink is my favorite color. I have quite a few rag quilts and haven't double stitched the seams. They are still holding up great.

I use a quarter inch seam and I've never had a problem with the quilt falling apart. Maybe it makes the ragged edge fluffier. Are you going to sew an x on each piece before you put the blocks together. I've done it both ways and either works. I love your choice of fabrics. Looks like something my daughter would like, too.

I do not double stitch the seams. And as erstan947 said, make sure you sew with 1/2 inch seams. You will need that for the ragging part. Good luck and just go for it. You will do fine.

I forgot to add, your lay out is very pretty. I am sure it is going to be a beautiful quilt.

Thanks everyone! I hope she loves it and I don't mess it up.

I will be doing a 1/2" seam and sewing the X's on each piece before I put the blocks together. I will start sewing the X's tonight after work.

I do not double seam. I use 1/2" seams and I just use a regular tension. Your quilt will be beautiful! I also clip with rechargeable scissors, because it is so much easier on my hands.

Thanks Sadie. I did get some of the spring-loaded scissors. I'm excited to start sewing....

Great color and layout. I use 1/2 inch seams and lengthen my stitching a bit when sewing the X from corner to corner using a walking foot. I also use spring loaded scissors to make clipping the seams easier and less fatigue on your hands.

Angel - thanks for the info. Which brought up another question for me: Can I use the walking foot for the whole quilt or do I use a quilting foot? I have the Brother cs6000i.

Thanks so much. You all are gonna be tired of me by the time I get this finished LOL

I use my walking foot for the whole quilt. On my Bernina walking foot, it's exactly 1/2" from the center needle position to the outside edge of the foot.

Another point, is your material flannel? You'll want to clean out the feed dogs as the lint will build up fast under the feet. And remember, if you're on a septic tank you don't want to wash at home, take it to the laundry mat. Cotton doesn't break down in the tank.

Thanks again Angel!

Most of the pieces are flannel (all the backing) and on the front only the fabric that isn't flannel are the little black dress blocks and the minky.

We are on city water so I presume it should be ok to wash it at home. . . .

Using your walking foot for the whole quilt will be helpful with the thickness of these fabrics :D:D:D
Most of all have fun with this quilt!

Thanks amma - I wish I could just go home right now and start!

I made one for my new born grandson. Can't tell you how many washings it's gone through and survived just fine with a single seam. He's 14 months now and it's going just like the energizer bunny.

That is good news nanny - thanks!

OK I must really be tired (woke up every hour last night) because for some reason I can't figure out how to "edit" my original post. I thought there was an "edit" bottom on the bottom of the post but no. I tried clicking on the # and arrow in the right hand corner - nothing.

Anyway -- here is the backing for the quilt. I couldn't find what I wanted but since my dd loves cats and fashion - I thought it was appropriate.

On some of my rag quilts, I used a decorative stitch to do the X. It gives it an extra special look IMO. Not sure if your machine has decorative stitches or not. Have fun!

I use the triple stitch on my sewing machine. It makes the seams very secure. Definitely use your walking foot, it will make the job of assembling much easier!

I've also done several rag quilts and did not double stitch the seams - and years later, they are still fine.