My flannels just came in from Hancock, so I am ready to do my rag quilt. My questions...I watched 2 tutes about rag quilt, one from missouri star who first stitched an "X" across the blocks, the other did not due this, which is best? 2nd.. Neither person used batting, is this the norm?
Thank you!
David

I think it depends on the size of the squares you are using,I did mine 5 inch and did not sew the X if they are larger like 10" (some patterns I have seen) I would sew the X. I dont know if that is right or wrong but I did mine that way.

The X helps to stabilize the block, keeps the flannel from stretching (it is stretchier than quilting cotton)
You can do other designs in the middle too... circles, large stippling, etc.. :D:D:D

I sew the x on mine. I also use batting or cheap flannel in the middle, but many people do not.

Some add a third square of contrasting flannel as batting to add more 'fluff' to the fringe.. Gives it more 'Fringy-ness'

as for the X- it keeps the fabric in place wash after wash but it is a preference.. I have done both ways (up to 6in sq) and with-OUT the x is just as good as with the x for me..

I have made several flannel rag quilts and I always use Thermore as it is the lightest poly batting. I also either stitch an "X" across the middle using a "wave" stitch on my machine. I strongly believe in stitching each square to some degree and also using the light batting. Also, when I finally stitch the very outside edge of the entire quilt, I do two rows of stitching for durability. My granddaughter's 4 year old quilt has been washed every week for 3 years now (daycare & pre-school) and it is still in perfect condition. Only the best flannels - I do NOT recommend JoAnn flannels - very poor results when laundered. I made a quilt for another person who had already bought her flannel from JA and it was a disaster when washed.

Should have added.... I always cut the batting at least 1.5 inches smaller than the large flannel square so that it never shows in the 1 inch seam allowance. As far as the center stitching I only do it if the square is 5-6 inches or larger. I find with the good flannels of the top mfgs., the seam allowances, after clipping and washing, are nice and fluffy too and get better with each laundering.

I have made several my squares are 7 inches- the polyester batting is cut 6 inches- and I sew an X thru the squares - I have used Joanns flannel for all mine and they hold up well

Have fun :thumbup:

I just made a few rag quilts. All my squares were the same size (I used three layers of flannel), so I didn't have to X. I did, though, because I like the look!

I just finished 3 rag quilts. I put a very light polyester batting in the middle since it will be washed many, many times (they are all for children). I also sewed the X in the middle. Stablizes the flannel a bit. I did not wash my flannel first either and they turned out just beautiful!

Good luck

I've also heard of using 3 layers of flannel with no batting, but I always use a low-loft batting in mine. Instead of an X thru the block, I do a free-hand star, like you make when you doodle. I like them because they look a little funky. I do this no matter the size of the block.

I, too, do an x on each square - sometimes with a decorative stitch. I've made them with and without batting - but prefer batting as it gets cold up here in Iowa!

I also do not use batting, I have made 3 rag quilts and 3 shawls with two layers of flannel I also make an x in the block. I also used JA fabric and they wash very well and held up. They are so warm.

I don't use batting.

I sew my cotton prints onto a denim foundation square for my rag quilts.

I made a rag quilt for my DGD and cut 5" squares. I did sew the X on each square. To me it keeps your fabric from slipping and also it keeps its shape after washing and drying. I am cutting another for my DGS but making 8" squares and I am still sewing the X. I did not put any batting in either and it is just fine. If you want the quilt a little "warmer" use batting. Good luck.

Sometimes I sew the "X", sometimes I don't, it does help to stabilize the fabric if you do though. I do normally use a contrasting flannel for the batting and cut it the same size of my other 2 squares and when it's washed, all the colors will fringe and look great!

Another tip that I've used for years and it works great and washes out when you launder it, after I cut all my squares, and I'm ready to put all my squares together, I get one of those glue sticks like you used to use in school and just put a dab in the middle of my bottom square and put my batting/flannel in the middle, another dab of the glue stick and put my top square on. This helps to just keep everything in place when you start sewing!

Good luck and have fun! I get on a rag purse kick and will knock out 4 - 5 a day!! They are so much fun!

i do the x have done batting and no batting and also used extra layer of cheap flannel in middle

also wondered size of seam. i did 1 in seam and the quilt does not seem to raggedy. should you make bigger seams?

I cut 6 1/2" blocks and use three layers of flannel. I don't use batting or sew an X and mine have held up fine to many washings.

no batting, another flannel in place of batting. yes on the X

When I'm making a toddler or child rag one with 4" or 5" squares, no batting and no X, but I use 1/2" seam and clip close and it becomes extra fuzzy. On my larger blocks with batting, I always stitch something in the center to stabilize the layers (an X, a circle, a heart..something).

This sounds like a nice quilt. Great idea!

I usually do 6 inch squares, Use flannel on top and bottom and a thin cotton batting inside. I do quilt an x through the squares, up to about half inch or so from the corners. then when sewn together, its easier to clip.

I want to do one and appreciate the information.

I just completed a rag quilt and used a tutorial from youtube to help me. (I think Beverly was the name of the person). I followed her directions and she did not use batting or an X but DID sew 1/2 inch seam all around the block to hold the fabric together. Since my squares were only 5 inches I chose this method because I didn't want the x personally. Then the individual squares were all put together with 1/2 inch seams as well. I wasn't a fan of rag quilts before I did this one but I must say I was really pleased with the way it turned out. (I posted a picture recently you can look it up if you want and see if you like this method). I may just have to make another! ;-) Good luck!

I've made them with the third layer (I used a 3rd layer of flannel in a contrasting color, which looked nice in the fluff) and I have done them with just 2 layers of flannel. My family seem to like the weight and warmth factor of the 2 layer quilts best. Actually most of mine were made with strips of fabric cut WOF with longer strips finishing off each side.

Our LQS uses a fabric called oznaburg for the "batting" part. It fringes very nicely and adds another touch of color. We also did the x in the middle or design of choice to keep the blocks stabilized.It was also recommended to wash the very first time in a large washer at the laundromat because of all the excess lint. {could possibly clog drain at home}

i made one for DGD in pink and white with a stitched Heart on the white block and an appliqued heart on the pink block.

I have made a few rag quilts and have never used batting but think I may try it on my next one for added warmth. The ones I have made are all made from scraps of flannel and are mostly scrappy quilts (front, back and filling) and was wondering if old flannel sheets or receiving blankets would work for the fill.

So glad to hear this. I have piles of Joann's flannel and hope it's going to hold up. I have enough to use for backing on at least 15 quilts. I've got my work cut out for me this coming year.

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.