Sometime I'd like to try to make a rag quilt. What is the best type of fabric to use?

Thanks.

Flannel IMHO rags the best, but cotton fabrics work well too :D:D:D

I used flannel. I think most rag quilts are made from flannel.

I use primarily flannel. They are very soft and quite warm!

If you can, I would recommend some sharp, spring loaded scissors. They help a lot!

You'll see lots of ideas here.

I will be watching this thread with interest.

I have another question...I thought I read to do 1/2 inch seams, but the other day a lady at one quilt shop I visited in NY state said that I needed to do 1 inch. At another shop the lady said it depends on the size of your block...what do you all do?

Do you use flannel for the backing too then? What about quilting? Do you use SID? Or something more detailed?

I will be watching this. I have some flannel I want to make into a rag quilt.

I want to make my daughter a rag quilt for Christmas...I think I will use 3 layers of flannel. Then I won't have to fuss with trying to center batting on the flannel.

I made several with flannel long ago. i did add sqs of cotton batting but it's not necessary.

I use flannel and ½" seam allowance. Sew a couple of samples and see what seam you like best.

Here is a link for rag quilting 101. Says to use a 1 inch seam allowance.

http://www.quilting101.com/styles/rag-quilts.html

2 layers of flannel with a 6 inch batting square in the center- a one inch seam, but only because my Studio die cuts an 8 1/2" square with the fringe and a one inch seam is needed. The larger the seam allowance, the more fringe you'll get. I've posted a couple of my rag quilts recently you can click on my name and find the postings.

I use flannel and ½" seam allowance. Sew a couple of samples and see what seam you like best.

Here is a link for rag quilting 101. Says to use a 1 inch seam allowance.

http://www.quilting101.com/styles/rag-quilts.html

Here is a picture of a rag quilt I just finished. It is flannel with 8½" squares with ½" seam allowance.

Do I have to have a walking foot to do it?

Thanks for the links and the pics...that is a great help! Now if I can find just the right flannel...

As you can see lots of people use flannel but Homespun frays beauifully! Denim can also be used. I've done one in flannel and one in denim and they both turned out nice.

I use 3 layers of flannel, 6" squares, and 1/2" seam. They turn out really nice. You don't have to use a walking foot. I love that lavender one IBEESEWIN made with the 8 1/2" squares. Might have to try that next☺

A walking foot makes it a whole bunch easier.

I like to use flannel or homespun cloth. Here's a couple that I have made.

ibeesewin: Really like your colors in the quilt, very nice. I'm making one with denim and cotton. The only one I have made before was flannel. They are fun to make, unitl you have to cut all that fringe.

I love flannel, three layers.

Eddie, I really like yours too. What is on the second quilt. Is it a netting of some kind? really unusual, I like it.

Have someone you know use their rag die and cut your fabric. You won't have to cut the fringe. ;>

I use flannel because it is soft and cuddly, and it comes in such pretty colors. I have tried the other fabrics, but I just really don't like them.

I've made 3 with flannel and 2 with homespun. I love the way they both turn out. Just be sure to prewash, especially the flannel.

I use 3 layers and a 0ne inch seam. If you use quilt store quality fabric you may have to wash it more than once to get it fringe well, but it would last longer.

I have never used a walking foot to make a rag quilt.

The quilt in my name square is a rag quilt

I don't prewash my flannel rag quilts!

Here's another good link for making a rag quilt. I have made mine out of flannel and out of fleece. I did not add a smaller center piece to the fleece quilt.

http://greenappleorchard.blogspot.co...-tutorial.html

Here's where you can see the fleece rag quilt and the flannel rag quilt I made.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-65290-1.htm

It's just the pattern of the homespun cloth. Here's a closeup pic:

Lots of great advice....the most important thing to me though are spring snips (I use Fiskars) it will save you lots of time and aches! I did find a walking foot useful when working with different materials....gives a nice even feed.

Love that homespun Eddie....nice touch with the two-tone effect.

After my hand surgery I couldn't use clippers or scissors to clip my rag quilts. I purchased rechargeable clippers. Wonderful and well worth the money. No more problems getting them clipped. Spring loaded are probably great for many people, but it still wouldn't work for me.

I used my Brother1500 and I didn't find a need for a walking foot, but this machine is a workhorse and that probably makes a difference.

Wow Eddy, I do so love your quilts, but then I've always loved the quilts you make, they are just gorgeous :D :thumbup:

Were your squares 6" finished or cut at 6?
Did you sew an X in the squares?
Thanks.

Nursie76 - I cut my squares 6" and then sew an X in the 3 layers of flannel. I do not wash my flannel first.

Thanks.

I have a bunch of variously shaped denim pieces that I was thinking of using for a crazy quilt. What if I just use the little bit wider seam and let it rag on it's own? I know it won't be as 'effective' as the clipped squares, but think I'm going to give it a try.

Do you have to clip the squares on a rag quilt? I made my son a quilt out of his expensive Jenco jeans when he wore the hem down so badly, he could no longer wear the jeans. I did not clip those squares, but was I supposed to? How much of a difference does clipping make?

Denim works, too.

When you use 3 layers of flannel, do you just use 3 layers of all the same flannel pattern? Or do you use something else in between?

Use whatever you want.

You can use whatever you want for the center flannel layer. I usually use white, but you go with a solid color or print, as only the ragged edges show.