Rag quilt question
 

My DD is wanting me to make her soon to be MIL a rag quilt. She would love to have the seams thick and fluffy. She chose Moda's Natures Gift (cotton) for the top. In order to make the seams fluffy, should I use 3 layers of flannel (no batting) or will that make the quilt to thick and heavy? DD will be doing most of the seam clipping.

We are making the squares 8 x8 and the seams 1/2. Any suggestions are appreciated!!

I'd put the straight cotten (the Moda) on the non-ruffled side, because the flannel side will be in keeping with the rag edges. Be sure to get spring loaded scissors for the clipping (otherwise the clipper may get rubbing sores on her fingers). You can brain storm with you daughter for a "quilting pattern" to put on each square that will be relevant to her MIL.... Maybe a 4" to 6" heart, puppy, flower.... whatever fits. Hope this helps.

A bit off subjecrt, but I helped a little girls (9) from church make a lap robe for her grandmother for her 80th birthday. When she opened it, and realized the child had made it, she cried and cried. She said never in her entire life had something been made especially for her. Wow!

First of all; it doesn't matter where you put the cotton; all of the unfinished edges will end up on the same side of the quilt. It just (or shouldn't) fray as much as the flannel. I think two layers of flannel would be enough but do a test sample; sew a couple of blocks together and wash and dry them and see if you like the effect. I have the Accuquilt cutter and that is a fantastic thing when doing rag quilts. The center of the blocks can either have the traditional X down the center and then straight stitched around the block next to the cut edges or you can put a design on them. I made a baby quilt and put appliques on the backside so that is was just as pretty as the front.

I have made several rag quilts and have experimented with several cutting measurements to obtained a fluffy edge. I have found that using one layer of flannel instead of batting and having the middle flannel layer the same size as the from and back squares works best. I sew the edges at least 5/8 inch around and cut at least 3/4 inch for the ragging.
After several washings the quilt fluffs how I like it.

I was lucky enough to be given Fiskars Rag Snippers as a gift. I do have arthritis in my hands and these snippers were better than the regular spring type Fiskars.

I also think 2 layers of flannel is sufficient, but testing several techniques is a good idea. I also agree that the printed cotton would be best on the top of the quilt, or the ragged edge side. That is the fabric she chose and would not be seen if you put it on the back. Good Luck, I think it will be beautiful.