I understand how to make the neat rag quilts, but I am undecided whether to make with 3 layers of flannel, or 2 layers of flannel with a square of batting in between. Any advice or input would be appreciated. I think it would be easier to cut all the flannel squares the same size than trying to cut the batting smaller so it would fit within the side stitching area. Maybe I am just being lazy. :roll:

3 layers of flannel is quite warm, I wonder if adding batting would make it too warm? Another thought is flannel only makes a softer less bulky feel.
AND there is nothing wrong with wanting to take an easier route :wink: :D:D:D

Good Point! (on the warmth and the ok for the easier route :thumbup: )

3 layers of flannel will also make a "fuller" fringe, rag, (or as my husband calls it) seam allowance mess! lol

I like the look of the three layers of flannel. and yes it is easier to cut all the same size.

Sounds like this is the way I am going to go. Thanks everyone.

I have never done the three layers, I have always done the polyester batting ( smaller) in the middle. Will be watching to see how it goes for you :wink:

Wish me luck. I will post a pic when done. It will be a while as I will be working on this in between other things.

Yes, but if you are like me you will find the flannel rag quilts go FAST :shock: LOL And fun to make :thumbup:

I did mine with just 2 layers of flannel, just sewed the layers together. I did not X mine, and it was nice. after clipping, it frayed beautifully. The mother ( it was a baby blanket) loves it.

Thanks! That would make it even easier!!!

I've used three layers of flannel all cut the same size because I wanted a thicker fringe. It makes a nice warm quilt.

And did you stitch an X?

Yes, I did stitch an X.

I have done both and the three layers of flannel was super easy to put together since you can just line them up directly, nothing smaller in the center to try to center. I think the ones I have done with batting are a little puffier on the blocks but they do have less fringes

My LQS told me to do it with the three layers of flannel. If you are a little off on the sewing it won't matter because the flannels all get snipped for the seams. No fussing with batting being centered!

I've got all the fabrics.....I'm going to get to that one day....LOL!

what size of squares did you use.
did you use 1/2 or 3/4 inch seams.

I've made alot of rag quilts and the favorites are when I only use 2 layers of flannel or brushed homespun that feels like flannel. I usually cut 4 inch wide strips of various lengths, (keeping 2 of the same size together) and sew together with an 1/2 inch seam allowance. Babies love them. You can make them any size. If I do squares and use batting, I always use cotton batting and X them.

Batting isn't usually used when making the rag quilts. If you made the block large enough to catch in the seam, it would also show when you started cutting your seams. And would not fray when it was washed.
Good luck and have fun.

I have made about 15 rag quilts and I use batting in between flannel. I know you can also use homespun with batting also. Haven't tried it yet that is on my list of want to do.
I think it gives it more body.
jazs2

I like 3 layers of flannel. Nicer fring and I use a solid for the center piece... I cant see using a nice print pick a solid the accents the quilt. And 3 layers is plenty warm. I have done just two layer of the really good flannel and just right for a throw

Homespun fabric rags or frays the best because it is a woven fabric, meaning both sides are the same. No wrong side, good two sides. Brushed homespun has one softer side like flannel and a regular side. They are usually plaid patterns or checks. Flannel is the second best for fraying, then denim, then cottons. Batiks are made on a tightly woven cotton so probably not a good choice.

Does everyone wash their flannel first? I have had people tell me "yes" and some say "no" but I trust all the advice I get here on the board so that is why I am asking. I will appreciate all responses.

Not for the raggy quilts, you want them to fray as much as possible.

On the raggy quitls you DO NOT was first :wink:

I used batting between 2 layers of flannel on this top quilt and it was washed once to start the ragging. It turned out really nice and WARM! Which is what was needed for these cold midwestern winters!

The second photo I used 3 layers of flannel, which is still very warm, but not as 'heavy' for a toddler to sleep under. The 3 layers of flannel ragged a little nicer, but I don't think the one with batting was too bad.

I have made rag quilts both ways. My favorite way is to use flannel as the batting. I made raq quilts from cotton and used flannel for batting and it turned out very nicely. Gave the fringe a fluffier look than only cotton would have.

Still haven't gotten around to making one of these yet, but I would really like to put one together for my eldest DD for Christmas. She has dropped a hint or two that makes me think she wants one. Thanks for all the advice. I just need to finish a few things first and then I do think I will start one.

Have a great day!

Lady T - I really like the edges of your second rag quilt - I've never seen that done before. Love the pinks & greens together too.

I'm curious if anyone else does not sew the X - would sure save time. And if no X what size block?

If you use a piece of flannel for the batting and it's the same size as your outside squares, you may not need to sew the X but it does help to hold the 3 layers together when you go to sew the rows together. If you use cotton batting for the center,( which is cut one inch smaller than the outer squares when you use a 1/2 inch seam allowance), you must sew an X otherwise the batting will bunch up into a ball if it isn't secured.

I made one with two layers of flannel with one layer of batting and it was too heavy. Since then I've made quite a few with just the two layers of flannel.

Most I sewed with an "X" but one one I played with and did different designs in each block. I made houses, flowers, names, trees, and all kinds of fun stuff.

I made one with two layers of flannel with one layer of batting and it was too heavy. Since then I've made quite a few with just the two layers of flannel.

Most I sewed with an "X" but one one I played with and did different designs in each block. I made houses, flowers, names, trees, and all kinds of fun stuff.

I have made alot of rag quilts with just flannel on one side and denim on the other with no filling! They were appreciated and warm.

Did you sew the x in the middle?