Does anyone have an older rag quilt that's been washed several times.?I'm wondering how durable they are compared to regular quilts. I'd like to make at least one out of denim and flannel.

Nett2
I have made several rag quilts, but I can verify that out of the several I've made, 3 of them are still in everyday use. I have the first rag quilt I ever made, and that was in the yr 2000, the other one ,was for my son and his wife in 2001, and , another one for a friend, also in 2001. I switch mine between other quilts I've made, for my bed, My son and his wife use theirs on their bed daily, as well as my friend dose as well. I've washed mine several times, have never lost a stitch and I have Grans that play on my bed as well. My son and his wife, needed a couple of stitches in the binding about a yr ago, but it still looks as soft as when it was first made, not flattened out at all. And they wash theirs frequently. My friend said its her favorite because it washes and fluffs right back. So they are durable, and easy to keep nice. These where the first ones, but I've made and sold others. These where all queen size. I've done smaller jean+flannel, and they still are in use.

Thanks Becky,
That's really nice to know. I'm thinking about leaving the edge of mine ragged instead of putting a binding on. What's your opinion on that?

Nett2
I don't see "why not" I've personally never done that, But WHY NOT. I would suggest sewing a double line around the quilt, Because of cutting up to the stitch line for the ragging process, just to reinforce for wear. Sounds like it would make it look so comfy and inviting. Let me know how it turns out.

I've made several rag quilts and they have held up nicely. I made mine from either flannel or homespun. I think my favorites are the homespuns, but the flannels were for babies. I let the outside edge be ragged on all but one. I like the ragged outside edge, but I did as Rebecca suggested and did a double line of stitching on the outside just to reinforce the seam. They're a lot of fun to make because they're a quilt as you go process, but the seam clipping is a pain in the...hand :) Several people have suggested the spring action scissors, but I don't have any (yet!). Good luck and post a pic when you're done.

Rag quilts are probably my favorite. i've made them big and small, given away many and sold some too. I like to bind mine, but thats just my preference. I will tell you that if you are going to make more than one rag quilt invest in a pair of spring action scissors. They sure are a hand saver. I'm on my second pair. My kids always buy me gifts for holidays, birthdays and such, and I always tell them not to, I have everything I need. But, if you are going to buy me something then this is what I could use. Thats how I get new cutting mats, rotary cutters , scissors and my wonderful Ott light. Might as well put out a hint or two, and they are glad to have the quilts that I make for all five of them and my nine grands.

I've made 5 of these now and my first one was made a few months ago, it stays on the back of our couch and is used very often. I have to wash it often because of our Jack Russell. It has held up just fine for us, so far.

This one is about 3 years old and going strong....the dog rolls up like a burrito in it everynight! It gets washed about once a week :)
I had to tear it away from her to get a pic of it to post ..hehe

This one is about 3 years old and going strong....the dog rolls up like a burrito in it everynight! It gets washed about once a week :)
I had to tear it away from her to get a pic of it to post ..hehe
I think denim and flannel should hold up quite well...this is all homespun....I do trim it every now and again

oops the second pic was supposed to be the back..urg
Something I did which made it faster was I cut the squares and left extra for fringe..I left too much 1/4" would do...but I cut squares for front and back..put batting in them then sewed and x across it then attached themall together when they were all done...I dont have a quilting machine so I wanted to save the $ from having it quilted...worked out good!