I am working on my first rag quilt, how am I suppost to do the outside binding, is it suppost to be closed up or does it get snipped also?

It gets snipped also. At least that is the way I have always done them.

I snip mine also. I have see people bind them, but that is not for me!

You can bind like you do on a quilt, or what I do is stitch a half inch from the edge, on all sides and rag like the rest of the quilt.

You can do it either way, both work fine :D:D:D

On my rag quilts I sew 1/2" around the quilt and then snip . . done. ;)

Ok, do I make that seam the same size as all the rest or bigger

1/2" is a good rag seam

If you already have the quilt done, I'd use the same seam size you used to join the squares.

i've done them with binding (without snipping of course) and without binding (with snipping the edges). works both ways.

I have run a serger around the outside before I clipped any of the seams when I wanted a 'finished' look.

I know this is a bit off topic but still about rag quilts..I watched 2 you tube tutes. one by Missouri star, who stitched an "X" on the blocks, the 2nd didn't. Which is best? Also neither used a batting,is this the norm or just done to quicken video?
Thank you
David

I used a layer of osnaburg between mine

I've never bound a flannel rag quilt. Simply snip as you do the center blocks. But FIRST, do a double line of stitching (1 inch in) all around the outside edge for durability. I have a large one in my own den; it's 4 years old, been washed many times and is in perfect condition; nothing cozier!

sew a seam 1/2" or 1", depending on what you used on the rest of the quilt, all the way around quilt, then snip like rest of seams. Simple and easy and looks great.

Same here.

stitched and snipped just when you thought you were done snipping LOL

I made one for my eldest DD for Christmas. It was my first attempt at a rag quilt. I used 3 layers of flannel, no batting and quilted an X. It worked out nicely. I also stitched around the outside edge and then snipped.

I made one that I snipped the outside just like the body of the quilt. Next one I make I'm going to bind it like other quilts. The outside rags can tickle your nose!!!!

I usually run an extra round of stitching on the outside before I cut the last edge. Really don't know why I do that, but have never had one come apart on the ends even through many washings.

Depends on the size of the block and what filler you used, whether or not you need an "X" or some form of quilting in the block.

Some people use a layer of batting in the block, some use a layer of flannel, some just use 2 or 3 layers of fabric. If using batting, you need the "X" because the batting is cut smaller than the fabric you are using so that it won't be caught in the "clips".

Stitching within the block, not only holds the batting in place but keeps the block from puffing if you are only using fabric as a filler. If your block size is 6 inches or less (within the stitching) and you are only using fabric as a filler, then you would not need to stitch an "X".

Does this help or make it more unclear?

hi, this question may sound stupid!!!!!! but can you make a rag quilt using cotton fabric?

Sew around the entire quilt. I usually do this twice just as a safety measure. Then snip.

Sure! But because of the higher thread count, it won't "fuzz" up as much. But there are actually patterns that feature raw edge designs to be "toothbrushed" for a Chenille effect. Just take a larger seam allowance if it's to be used as a throw.

My sister has made many rag quilts-she begins by sewing each sandwich block in 1" that way when you sew the 1/2" seams you always have a 1/2" border around each block. She sews Xs, hearts, and swirls in the middle of the blocks. She use to clip the edges but she always felt they looked unfinished or if using all flannel it seemed to keep "shrinking" (unraveling)-and in a baby quilt that get's a lot of washing it can tend to look as if a rag rather than a quilt so she began putting on a binding so she felt it was finished. I made a rag quilt for her (a little bigger that a lap quilt) and left it unbound so if she wanted to add borders they could easily expanded.

In my ignorance, I cut strips 2 1/2" wide and about 12" long, sewed them together since the fabrics had all been used in the quilt and folded them in half and stitched them on using 1/2" seam. This gave me a smooth yet reinforced outer edge and I 'ragged' the part that stuck out - looked great!

a rag quilt in on my "to do" list! Thanks for all the good info. Makes me want to start right now! :)

I snipped 3 of the sides, but left the top unsnipped so it wouldn't tickle the nose.

I have always snipped mine.

Someone might have already suggested that you stitch all around the quilt about 1/2" in the edge. Snip this just like the seam allowances between the blocks. It will fluff up after washing.

I snip too

I agree with BJ. I sewed a 1" seam around the perimeter then ragged it as well. Came out great.

i have done both but the snipped is the way i believe it is to be putting a binding on was a pain in the ^*%^

sew around the outside twice then snip...