Has anyone made a rag quilt using cotton instead of flannel?
 

I'm wanting to make a rug for under my kitchen sink and would like to make it like a rag quilt. Has anyone used cotton for the top and backing with a layer of batting in the middle? If so, how did it turn out and what advice would you give for doing this?

I have seen samples in quilt stores but the cotton won't fray like flannel.

I made a couple out of cotton and liked how they turned out. They were gifts several years ago so I don't know how the fraying looked over the long run. I suppose you could make the clips closer together to get more fraying.

You must use a woven cotton that will fray.

Thank you for the replies. QuiltsRfun, I was wondering about making the clips closer together. Also thought I might use my pinking blade on the squares, maybe that would help, or at least make a pretty edge.

I suppose you have cotton that you wish to use up, but I hear homespun works like flannel.

Wouldn't the lumps of the frayed seams be bothersome when you're standing at the sink? I think I might end up tripping over it.

Quilter's flannel is usually made of cotton, so if you want a cotton quilt you could still use flannel. I've used corduroy in rag quilts (mixed with flannel) and have seen many made with homespun, which frays well. But I tend to agree with thimblebug that a rag quilt might not be comfortable to stand on, and it might also slide around easily, which could cause someone to fall. I have a couple of quilts that I made from heavier fabric samples (the kind you might use for upholstery) and I use them as throw rugs, but not in high traffic areas.

I would also be concerned about the rug not staying in place when used by a kktchen si

I didn't even think about it being uncomfortable to stand on, thanks for bringing that up. I have some non-skid woven stuff that I bought at Joanne's to keep rugs from slipping around, thought I would use that. May have to re-think this whole thing :o

There is a book out there that shows you how to make a mat from cotton fabric. You also use other products, then back it with shelf liner or a lining that goes into the back of trucks/tool boxes for tools. I will see if I can find the book for you.

I haven't made one myself, but have seen this done with denim.

http://www.amazon.com/Floorquilts-Fa...gs+from+fabric

I made one for my daughter using this book. Took a class at a quilt store that had rugs on the floor for over a year. When I saw how new they looked I took the course. Great book and instructions.

Thank you for the link imsewnso.

I echo thimblebug's thought--I'd be afraid of tripping on it.

I have made a few and they were fine, not the same as flannel but good, I have also use old jeans n denim for totes, car and beach covers and they are great and wear forever :).

As stated by others, homespun will be needed in order for the rug to fray. I would, however, rethink your idea about using such a rug for the kitchen. It might slide, be uncomfortable to stand on and generally be unsuitable for such heavy use. I am in the process of removing rugs because of the danger of tripping and falling. You would have to clip about every 1/4" also. That would be a monumental task and I would not use pinking shears. I bought a special pair of short-bladed scissors when I made a jacket.

I used a cotton panel as a rug on my wood floor. It lasted about 2 days it slipped so much. Even the dogs discovered it and played on it.
I would think about the backing having some form of nonslip on.

Pinking shears would make for a pretty edge however it definitely won't fray after that. Fraying is what pinking shears were designed to prevent. Any coarse weave cotton fabric will work; have u considered burlap?

I have made a few from quilting cotton. Worked very nice. You have to wash in washer & in dryer several times to help the fray but they look nice.

A number of years ago I saw a rug made like this but it was 4 or 5 (I think) layers of fabric stitched to a canvas backing. The squares of fabric were stitched on like a QAYG side by side (close together) and then clipped. It was done in denim and yellow and was very pretty and I remember thinking how durable it would be. Always wanted to but never made one.

If you decide to do it, I'm with the standing not comfortable category, you can also use puff paint. Like they use to decorate t-shirts and stuff. Use according to instructions on back of rug and it really helps with making it non-skid!!

If you stitch on the diagonal it wil fray we make them all the time using three pieces of material, batting and batting, stitch one half inch apart and only cut the top two pieces of fabric, then wash and bind.

QUOTE=ManiacQuilter2;7280523]I have seen samples in quilt stores but the cotton won't fray like flannel.[/QUOTE]

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and advise. Squires, thanks so much for the tip. Never thought about cutting on the diagonal.....Duh!

I have and it turned out great. Of course, it is used as a quilt and not a rug, but I made it a good 10 years ago and it has been washed multiple times. It has held up great, but did have some initial fading. I, for one, could recommend it. :)
Marcia in Crowley

My very first quilt, which can be seen in my avatar is a rag quit made from homespun. My daughter has been using it exclusively for 6 years. It frayed beautifully and is still holding up. 😊

Donna

The pattern I purchased recommended using some type of cotton woven fabric such as homespun. This is what I used wit batting for a laptop quilt. I think it worked fine.

I made one in a workshop I took in Toronto by a method taught by Al Cote...look home up ...he is in the niagara region and the class was great and the Rugs are beautiful...

I used the non slip stuff on a throw rug I made from a large piece of upholstery fabric. It didn't eliminate slipping entirely but did keep it from going all over all the time. I had very slick floors at the time.

Co-worker makes all hers out of cotton. They can be pretty but I feel they are stiff and not cuddly at all. I don't know that it would ever become a beloved used quilt? I definately prefer flannel.