I have a cheap walmart Brother Machine and when i go to sew my sandwiched rag quilt pieces together( which is 2 pieces of cotton and 4 pieces of flannel) my feed dogs do not want to pull the fabric!! Is it just that the machine is too light duty, or am i doing something wrong! Very new to sewing and i am still learning!! Thanks

I have used two layers of flannel, but I haven't tried 4 layers. It may just be too much for the machine to handle.

I agree, two layers of flannel and one cotton will rag nicely... or three layers of flannel :D:D:D

Do you have a walking foot? The problem with flannel is that it needs to be pulled on the top and bottom at the same time. The walking foot has teeth on it like the feed dogs which grips the top and bottom allowing the flannel to move at the same time other wise the flannel on the top layer moves or slips backwards while the bottom layer is moving as it should.

All the patterns i have seen say to sandwich with flannel or batting, so i figured i could use it in the middle and for the backs!! So I guess I have some more cutting a pinning for this quilt if my future!! Thank you so much

I had the same problem with my White sewing machine and realized that my machine wasn't powerful enough. Tried another machine (Bernina) and no problem. I was using 3 layers of flannel in each square, which meant 6 layers being sewn together. Hope this helps ☺

No walking foot just a pressure foot!! I kind of figured that my machine wasn't quite powerful enough!! Oh well I might try to use less fabric or talk the DH into a new machine!! LOL

I have similar problems when I use my 1980's Singer. Years ago I spent $20 at auction on an old 1950's Pinnock (made in Australia) it is an oldie but a goodie and will sew through the heaviest of fabric...If you feel denim or multi thickness fabrics are in your future, it may be worth considering a second "heavy duty" machine.

Did you cut the middle ( batting) layer smaller then the outside edges ? that will help cut down on some of the bulk .

Also try tugging gently to get it to feed thru

i have what is probably a dumb question about rag quilt making. is the back of the quilt also raggedy or are all layers brought to the front? like if there are 3 layers, do they all go up and then the back is smooth? does this question even make sense? I have read several tutes but still confused.