raggy quilt question
 

I want to make a raggy baby quilt totally from flannel. I know when working with flannel on a regular block, the seams have to be reinforced because of the raveling.

When I sew the prepared squares together on a raggy quilt do I use a zigzag stitch to make it more secure?

Thanks in advance for the help!

You want it to ravel. I think zig zag wouldnt give the full effect. Ive made lots of rag quilts with straight stitching and no problems. Be sure you dont prewash the flannel before cutting the squares.

I usually reduce the stitch length. and around to outside edge I use the stretch stitch, which is a stitch forward, a stitch back then once again forward. It takes a little longer, but will reinforce the out side edge.

Awww, since I used this flannel for a regular quilt, I washed it all. Will it still work?

Also, I know I want it to ravel, but not to the extent that the stitching comes loose. The stretch stitch sounds like a good answer.

I always wash flannel before making rag quilts. It still rags, just as well, and by washing you take care of uneven shrinkage, bleeding fabrics, and also find out if the flannel will pill. I wouldn't even think of making something of flannel without washing - in hot water, possibly more than once.

I wait til I after the snipping of the exposed seam allowances to get anywhere near washing my quilt. I take it to the laundromat, get it wet, then put it in a dryer without heat. Of course I have to empty the loose threads often while the quilt is in the dryer. When all is finished, then I wash it. The quilts look great.

Just to inform you, rag quilts are not encouraged for babies. It is even written in the instructions not to make for babies, they could choke on the loose strings easily. I wouldn't even want to take a chance since they are warning you in advance.

Here's the thing with the responses you're going to get all kinds of varying answers on this forum.

That being said, I've never washed my flannel prior to making rag quilts. I've made many. They all shrink. I've also never had a bleeding issue to date. I do wash in cold water. I've straight stitched 1" in from the edges. You get what you pay for with regards to the cheaper flannel. I've only had one friend say that the flannel in the rag quilt she made actually tore after a few years. I don't know how hard her daughter was with the quilt though. Not the most gentle of children, if you understand. I've had rag quilts for over 10 years that have not torn, and we use them all the time.

Do make sure you reinforce any stitching that may have gotten accidentally snipped. If you don't, you'll see a lot of ragging that makes it's way to the seemed side of your quilt. It's just more of a challenge to tuck back through and stitch closed after it's been washed and dried. Make sure you clean your lint trap often if doing at home. I set my timer for every 5 minutes! Good luck.

YES, this is VERY important to remember.!!!! You need to take the quilt when it is ready to be washed for the first time to a Laundromat. My best friend learn this lesson the hard way by having to call a plumber because her drain clog up from the flannel threads from the rag rug. There was also a post from a quilter that had the same problem. It is a lot cheaper to do the first wash there to purge the flannel threads from the quilt.