I have a few more questions re: rag quilts and thought it might be best if I started a new thread. (I apologize in advance if my questions seem ignorant or obvious.)

When quilting the blocks (I will be doing an x) do I need to lockstich?

I have watched videos where some have sewn all the way to the corners of their blocks and others stop at 1/2 inch? Is the difference in sewing all the way to the corners if you use batting or not?

My quilt blocks are 6.5 and I will be using a 1/2" seam. How big should my batting blocks be? I have heard different things re: this.

Thanks in advance!

If you start/end your X at the edges of the block you won't need a lock stitch. When you sew these blocks together, you will be sewing over the X's and that will keep them from coming loose.
You also will be using 1/2" seam allowances, so you should be just fine :D:D:D

Do not apologize .Asking is the only only way to learn and I am sure other will learn from your questions..
I made the mistake of cutting my batting the same size as the square on my first quilt as it doesn't fray...
I think someone on this board today mentioned something about batting that frayed.. So they cut it the same size as the square... My computer text has gone really small or I would find the comment.
Good luck

Thanks for the help and the patience! I have cut my batting and am now ready to start quilting. Need to wait til my daughter leaves for outdoor school though. I am so excited to start.

karen - that comment was on my other thread. Will definitely have to try it:

I don't know what you are planning to use for batting but, "osnaberg" (available at Joann's) works very well. It is lighter than normal batting but, frays very, very nicely. Just cut the blocks of osnaberg the same size as the rest of your blocks so when you cut, it will fray.

There are downloadable, free directions for rag quilts on the accuquilt Go site. I have the Rag die for my Studio and downloaded these directions. There are pics to make it clear.

I don't use batting because I use flannel and it is just too hot for me. I use a layer of very cheap flannel in the middle nice flannel on the outsides. I don't lock stitch, and I sew until the end. I dont' stop 1/2" before the end.

I did swirl type circles and X's in mine. long ago i did some in flannels and did X's and circles in every other square. (I cut batting smaller than the sqs)
just as long as you 'quilt' something in the sqs it will be fine.

If you are using flannel do you need to use batting?

From what I have heard (I am not an expert in any way, shape or form LOL) But from what I have learned from this board there are several options re: flannel and batting. Some people have used a piece of flannel as the batting. I also think a lot of it has to do with where you live and how cold it gets. I am sure the experts can give you more info.