I'd like to try my hand at a rag quilt but all of the pictures I've seen shows the quilt with a rag edge. Can you put binding on the outer edge to give it a smoother finish?

I think that you would achieve the smooth look if you don't snip the outer edges and put on a standard binding instead.

I have seen this done. It is like MadQuilter said. The clipped seams started a 1/4" in from where the binding was attached.

Yes you can. :thumbup:

Sounds like it would work to me.

I've seen a rag quilt with a binding and I like it. It looked very nice.

I've also seen it done that way. Make a rag pot holder/trivet and put binding on it and see what you think. Everyone is right - don't clip the edges - just apply the binding on as normal.

Thanks for the suggestions thus far. I, too, would like to see a picture of one with a binding and I really like the idea about making a small project to see first. You ladies are the BEST!
I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday and for those who celebrated Christmas, here's hoping that it was very merry. Bring on the leftovers!

i can't see why not

I am just about done doing just this. I sat and worked on the binding most of yesterday while waiting on the turkey to cook. I want to get it done this afternoon and will post pics when I am back at the office Monday for you!

It's your quilt so do whatever you like.
My question is this, why would you want a smooth edge on a "rag" quilt? lol :-)
I've made many of them all out of flannel.

i have made rag quilts both ways some with binding and yes i agree the ones with binding give it a softer look

I've seen one in the quilt shop with binding & I think it looked better than the ragged edge ones

The ones I have made I have added a regular binding to the outside edge.

Ok - here are my pics finally. I had to find helpers to hold it up to get a good picture. The first pic is of a corner of the quilt the other two are of the front and back. This was my boss's Christmas present. He is an avid fisherman so when I saw this fabric I knew it was perfect.

I think your quilt turned out awesome. I've made several, but only bound the last one. I like them both ways. That one looks big enough to go on a bed, so I think the bound edge will work nicely. Did he like it?

He loved it - the print and the flannel softness!

Oh, yes! I do like the way the binding finishes off the rag quilt. Inasmuch as I like the raggety-ness (a word?) of the quilt, I like the smoothness of the binding. Thanks for the pics.

I think that a binding on a rag quilt makes it look nicely finished. Remember to bind the quilt before cutting. After binding, cut and wash. I have made a rag quilt, but gave it as a gift. If I was going to use one, I would not want the edges to tickle my neck.

very nice - know he will be thrilled.

That is an absolute beauty...the binding looks great. Good decision for this project.

you did a great job on that!