That layer of batting really makes them warm. I usually just use two. All mine have been made with Joanns flannel. some are close to 10 years old and they look just fine.

THe first one I made I did follow the directions, added batting and did the x. It made a heavy warm quilt. Almost too warm. if i'm using a smaller square I skip the x part now. doesn't really seem necessary.

I've only made one so far. I starched the flannel heavily and cut 6 inch squares. I did sew the X and did not use batting. My seam allowances were 1/2 inch. I back-sewed a few stitches at each "intersection" when I was sewing the rows of blocks together and I sewed around the perimeter of the finished quilt twice. It came out nicely, but next time I think I would consider a larger seam allowance. Good luck with yours--they're fun to make!

All the baby rag quilts I've made have been 5 inch squares with solid flannel in between - only stitching was 1/2" seams. I'm too impatient to sew an X on every one. Either way you decide they come out nice looking. Good Luck!

The pattern I purchased had a five-pointed star to be quilted from edge to edge. I decided this was going to take forever, so I did the X which was much faster, easier. The star was more attractive though.

I would love to see a picture of these rag purses ple e e e ase.

I have a question. If you use 3 layers of fabric, isn't it a problem when you sew them together and come to the matching seams where there would be 6 layers of fabric. Isn't that to hard to sew through.

i liked doing X's and swirls on every other block. held the batting in place and gave the rag quilt more design.

I just made a jean rag quilt with 5" blocks with no batting did not use the x used cotton on the back turned out nice. Gave it to my 12yr. old neice for Christmas. I didnt get a good reaction as some of you have talked about.

I think it depends on the weight of the fabric. I made one use flannel and denim fabric. No batting as it was quite heavy with just the fabric.