I have made two Brickyard rag flannel quilts. The bricks are 6" x 9" and I sew straight lines about 2.5" in from each long edge (it could be an "x" if you wish)and chain the bricks in the row together. I use flannel as the batting and the quilts are heavy and warm. To make them a bit lighter, eliminate the middle layer of flannel. Yes the three layers, along with clipping every 1/4", makes the seams fluffy.

I've done a zig zag stitch X on mine and I have used flannel for the batting if you don't it to thick or use batting and cut it about a 1/2" smaller than the square. That way your seems aren't to thick.

Same here!

i always use batting, i love how fluffy and soft they get, the x stitched across is just to keep things (secure) the quilting of the sandwich. my favorite is about 9" squares, flannel on both sides, warm & natural in the middle :thumbup:
the x does not have to be an x it can be any quilting you want....x's are just easy and quick.
i have made raggy quilts with other block arrangements and even strips they are fun but clipping can be a challenge. after 6+ years of making them i finally figured out it was easier to clip as i go...as in, when joining rows i will clip the joined blocks as i go so by the time the whole quilt is together i only have to stitch around the outside and clip that and i am done...if you sew it all together and then sit down to clip it all...recruit help! and take breaks to stretch you hands, arms and shoulders. :thumbup:

You are SO right about clipping in small stages. And stretching!

I just made a denim and red plaid flannel one for my son for Christmas. I used old jeans, cut 9 inch squares, sewed an X, no battings because of weight of denim and sewed 1/2 inch seams. On the outside I sewed twice around the border, washed and dried it. Really liked the way it turned out. If I was not doing denim, just flannel, I think I would do 3 layers of flannel.

I have made many rag quilts for children and babies. I have used Jo-ann's fabric (better quality ones) and warn and natural batting. I X them all for stability. I use a 9" sq for the flannel and 7" sq. for the batting. Rag quilts are the best baby gifts. HAve fun with them

Ohhhh, I like the sounds of your quilt. Is the front and back the same - denim backed with denim, flannel w/flannel?

I have heard many comments on this board that rag quilts produce too much lint for babies....I don't know, just asking.

My squares were 6" and I did the "x"; didn't use any batting because the two layers of flannel I thought would be warm enough. :P

I have made a couple of rag quilts and have sewed/or hand quilted the X in the rectangle. I do put batting in between and I don't want it to shift after washings. I think even if I didn't put batting I would do the X.

I just finished a rag quilt using a top and bottom layer of cotton and center layer of osnaburg (usually appx. 3.99 yd. at Joanne's). I used 9" blocks and snipped them down to 7" size. Sewing the X in the middle stabilized the block for sewing the rows. The quilt came out great and frayed beautifully. I'm getting ready to do a denim rag quilt with a single layer of denim and a single layer flannel. I can't wait to see how that turns out. I'm planning to use raw edge applique flannel shapes on the denim side to stabilize the block before assembling.

I have made several flannel rag quilts. If the blocks are over 4 inch squares I sew an X in the blocks. I also use 1/2 seams. Some have had batting and some not. It seems to make them warmer with batt. Nice and soft without. Your choice.

i would do the X or some kind of stitching in the center of the squares, one time i made one with out the x and i dont think it holds up as good as the ones with the x ,i noticed some shifting in the square

I have made a shaggy quilt...Sorry, I prefer "shaggy" to "raggy"....with and without the batting. Prefer WITH a thin batting...be it Warm and Natural or a polyester. Without the batting it was just too much of a thin, sloppy rag...not much of a quilt. Both flannel and woven fabrics quilts that were made had the thin batting and the X's. Turned out very nice. Hope this helps with your question.

I wash them several times before giving them. But it is a thought I had never thought of. Thanks.

I've made lots of flannel rag quilts..cut them into 9 inch blocks..used 3 layers of flannel and sewed the seams toward the outsides so they would be seen rather than hidden and seam allowance was at 1 inch. I clipped all the seams close to the seam allowance at 1/4 inch intervals...after its completed, throw it in the dryer and let it fluff...make sure to clean dryer vent out its a huge amount of fuzz but the cut seams will fluff up and you see all the colors used in each square...I also DID do an X or other decorative stitching to stabilize the fabrics in place and together

I agree on the Joann flannels
 

I made the mistake of buying Joann flannel for my t-shirt rag quilt and it has been horrible to work with. I ended up tossing it and buying a good quality cotton for my backing.

I have always done a X across my blocks...looks nice and also stabilises. I agree with fabricmaniac, the better quality flannel gives a much better result. Having said that I have used cheaper stuff and it has turned out acceptable.

If using denim - I have noticed that denim comes in different weights - some are almost flimsy and some are almost as heavy (and stilff!) as canvas.

The same with flannel - I used chamois weight flannel (thick, sturdy stuff!) - some is very flimsy.

The ones I made with denim and flannel - I sewed the Xes on the sandwiches - I liked the look better than without the stitching.

Thank you everyone for your input on this thread. I have bought some flannel to make rag quilts but haven't made any yet. All of your input is very helpful! What a lot of wonderful advice we get on this quilting board! You ladies are all the very best!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]534028[/ATTACH] Hi!

I don' use the X... And I love making rag quilts!

Susan

I do the x just to have extra support. Most of these are made for kids and will have many washings. You can also embroider a design in the middle, even an outline of a design will work, then I sew around all of the edges. I use the Accuquilt cutter to cut my blocks and keep alot of them made a head so when an unexpected baby gift is needed I can pull them from the box and sew them together.

how do I make an X on my 10 in square if it is all rubbery decals. The needle has to be forced and it looks awful. I am using old high scholl sweat shirts from hockey and football, etc. The decals are all rubber and thick.

I don't think it is recommended to sew through the rubbery decals. It seems most people avoid that when making a t-shirt quilt and then quilting it. You can sew an outline around the decal if you are making a rag quilt with these shirts. I think a 10 inch block will need to be stabilized with some stitching.

I sew the X and use muslin on the back and batting in the middle.

I also have a question please. I am new to the thread, hello. I just finished a beautiful rag quilt as a gift. I am now about to cry because I used flannels (which I have done on my last three quilts) and I am having trouble with excessive "fuzz balls" all over both sides. I can usually get them off with a lint roller without issue, but these almost seem like they have to be shaved off. We are leaving for our family reunion on Friday and I am so upset I don't know what to do. Can someone please help? (And Im sorry, but I can't figure out how to upload a photo small) :-( https://www.quiltingboard.com/webkit...2F/unknown.jpghttps://www.quiltingboard.com/webkit...2F/unknown.jpg

David, I don't use batting. Flannel is warm and with both sides flannel they are super cozy and warm. I didn't do the X- not sure what that is about.

You can shave them off using a shaver designed to get fuzz balls off sweaters. Amazon sells them; don't know if Joann fabrics has them or not.

i'm sorry this happened. if you can't find the shaver Prism suggested... i have used a shaver for hair, but have been very careful not to dip it too far towards the fabric. good luck!

thank you for your answer. I would like to wash it one more time, but am afraid to since the lint. I made it as a gift so I think I will tell her to have it dry cleaned? Or will that ruin it more?[ATTACH=CONFIG]577946[/ATTACH]

I always attach the foot of a pantyhose (or a knee-high stocking) with a thick rubber band to the end of the washer's drain hose to keep the lint from clogging up the pipes.

I actually do this all of the time, not just when doing a rag quilt...it always amazes me how often I have to change it out due to the amount of lint it catches!

my squares seemed to need x's but i did circular stitching on them too.

wash, it will always give some lint. that is the nature of a 'rag' quilt. just tell them that. and perhaps give a shaver with it! it's the flannel that is doing that. some are good and some not so good. still, it will be a great quilt!! and it's not ruined.

dstyjo, your quilt is beautiful! It should be washed, not dry cleaned, for a variety of reasons. I like the idea of giving the shaver along with the quilt. Brilliant!

I make mine with three layers and cut the batting down so it doesn't show in the frayed edges. I also sew the X. Works like a charm.

Same here. I like the fluffiness of three flannel layers. I will never do another unless the intended recipient does the snipping. Too hard on my hands.