I just finished sewing together my first rag quilt I made up of flannel squares from my stash. Now comes the cutting OMG my hand is already killing me and all I've done is cut the outside edges of the quilt and started to do one row. Is there any way to make this not hurt your hand and make blisters?

Don't try to do it all in one day. Work on a row a day and not all at the same time. Works for me.

Not really. Try doing a little bit at a time. I found using scissors with short blades and large handles work better.

Take it slow!

they make rag quilt clippers, they're spring loaded and well worth the price even if you only make one!

I wouldn't make a rag quilt without Heritage Cutlery 6.5 inch rag quilting snips. I didn't think scissors would make a difference, they do! Even the spring loaded Fiskars which are very nice, can't compete with the Heritage rag quilting snips. The right tool for the job makes the job so much better.

After making only one, I broke down and bought the spring loaded scissors. Made life a lot easier for rag quilts.

I think i'll be getting a pair of those scissors. My ring finger is already blistered and sore from the normal scissors. Thanks for your help and suggestions :)

I bought one years ago when we were making lots of rag quilts for the families that lost members on 9/11. Well worth the money as I use it for lots of different quilting cutting. May in Jersey

I saw online somewhere where someone took their quilt outside and bought a weed whacker just for rag quilts..Now if they did this before they snipped it or in place of snipping I can't remember. The things we come up with! LoL!

i have one and it really works - not expensive - got it at WM

Ok.....follow with me as I don't always give the best directions!! After I sew 2 squares together, I use my short blade Fiskers to clip the seams BUT I stay about an INCH AND A HALF from the end of the stitch line....then I sew another pair of squares together and clip again....repeat till you have all the squares sewn together in pairs. Now, begin sewing the pairs together, again, clipping the seams but STAYING THAT INCH AND A HALF away from the beginning of the stitch line. WHY you ask????? because when you sew the long rows together, you are able to match the seam intercetion...I keep my seams open as opposed to laying them like you do when match blocks. Now when you have all your rows sewn together, you only have to go back and clip the seams at the intercetions and trust me, that is when your hands will really thank you for using those spring loaded scissors.
Also, when you wash and dry your raqgie, BE SURE TO CLEAN THE LINT TRAP OFTEN

I purchased rechargeable clippers. Works great for me.

Yep, spring loaded scissors are the best way, other than spreading it out over a couple of days.

spring loaded scissors, and i do mine as i go so i don't have so much to do at the end (as i sew a section together i go ahead a clip any seam that isn't going to be needed again, so by the end of constuction all i have left to clip is around the outside. i don't know if it is faster that way but it sure seems like it, and my hands are not cramping up on me later....also, if anyone is around (kids, hubby....) i hand out scissors and draft help :)

it is a tedious job, but well worth the results.

now why didn't i think of that? thanks for the tip.

I use spring loaded clippers

Ditto what she says! I have the Heritage snips and they are WELL worth the price. More expensive than the Fiskars, but I'm worth it!

I found clippers at The Mighty Dollar that worked great.They came with a seam ripper and a hem thingy

saw this at a quilt store - a little pricy and not sure how well it would work but guess if making lots of rag quilts?

https://www.baysidequilting.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=4790]https://www.baysidequilting.com/stor...idproduct=4790[/url]

I use the Fiskars Spring Loaded Snips. I have used mine to clip quite a few rag quilts, and they are still pretty sharp.....and much easier on your hands!

I had my teenagers help.

interesting

Use a scissors that has a "spring back" feature. I've done a few this way, but take breaks.

LOL, a weedwacker? That is so funny, could see myself doing that, lol, the kids would REALLY think I cracked.....I am one of those people that WOULD try it to save some money, lol!

i got a pair of fiscars short scissors with a spring on it. helps a lot.

Please be careful!! I developed "trigger thumb" because of this and had to have a cortisone shot while living in Panama. This shot was the most painful thing I've been through (I won't go into details but I dont' think the shot was given properly).
Anyway, take your time, use a clipper made for this project and again, be careful!!

I have the spring loaded rag clippers. They are great. Watch for JoAnn's 50% off coupons and get yourself one.

I use the Fiskars spring loaded craft snips. Got them at Michaels with their coupon and they work great!

I have the Heritage Cutlery 6.5 inch rag quilting snips. Well worth the money.

after all the suggestions, I think I will purchase the scissors.

I clip seams after sewing each row of squares. Then I clip each row seams when the rows are sewn together. Then when I am done, all I have to do is clip around the entire quilt. And, as others suggested, don't try to do it all at once. Sew a row, clip, rest. Sew another row, clip, rest. Sew these 2 rows together, clip, rest. I think you get the picture.

A more expensive option, but definitely worth it if you plan to make many rag quilts is to get the Accucut GO! They have a die that is perfect for rag quilts.

I have ones I use for thread clipping is that what you all are using, I also use fiscar ergonomic and any thing I can find , my key board is ergonomic too sure saves the rists and hands.

LOL. I made my first one last month. made the quilt in a day. took two weeks to get all the cutting done! I bought the special rag scissors that made it easier but it still took a long time. Made my second one with vertical strips instead of blocks. just as cute and less cutting.

I second this, the right tool for the job makes all the difference. I have made several rag quilts and double fleece edged tied quilts with these. I have arthitis so it is a hand saver.

I took it to a basketball game with extra scissors. People really wanted a chance to help and they also learned something! Now when I take the quilt to football games they say, "That's the quilt I helped make!" Creating quilters wherever we go...

Same here, what a change.

It would be good to invest in the rag quilt snips. They are worth the money. And as suggested do a little at a time, not all at once.
Charlene

Too late, I already have arthritis in my right thumb. It's manageable so far.

if you do another quilt like this one, cut each row as you finish sewing, that way your hands don't get so tired. Been there, done that!