piepatch

I don't know if any of you make rag quilts, but if you do, I have a question for you. When you cut the batting (Warm and Natural) for the squares, do you cut it big enough to be caught up in the seam? I have made quite a few of these for family members, and I always cut the batting just big enough to have about 1/8" caught in the seam all the way around. I have talked to a lot of people who have made them, and they all say they only cut the batting just big enough to fit INSIDE the seam, and only being sewn down where the "X" is quilted. I think they do that so the batting won't show when you "fringe"the seams, But I have found the batting doesn't show when there is only 1/8" sewn in. The fringed part covers it up. If any of you have made these quilts, I would like to know how you make them. I have made so many I am tired of them, but have one more to make, and would like to hear how others make them.........

athenagwis

I am not much help because I don't use batting. I use 3 layers of flannel and just do the 1/2 inch seams. I don't do the X or anything. They have held up really well for me.

Rachel

kathy

I do it so as not to have such a thick seam at the intersections

grammyj

you can cut the batting smaller, not to be in the seam and when you sew the x on it that will keep from shifting

dkabasketlady

I only cut the batting to fit inside the square not in the seam! When I quilt the X it secures it and I've not had any problems in doing it this way.

CorgiNole

The two I've done also use flannel instead of batting and I stitch it together this way. The instructions I've seen for using batting is to cut so that it is inside the seams and then stitch the X to keep the batting from bunching up. I like the flannel because I can add another color and texture in the fringe.

Cheers, K

nativetexan

i did some with flannel and cut 5 inch squares of fabric and 4 inch cotton batting.then quilted every other square with an X or a circle. then sewed together with 1/2 inch seam and clipped. no batting showing that way.
and batting isn't necessary all the time. your choice.

dglvr

Me too. I love rag quilts. I've made several. Some with just squares or like this one I'm showing. Fun to do.

Jim's Gem

I cut my batting 1" smaller than the fabrics squares. For example if I am using 8" squares I cut my batting 7". I then sew with a 1/2" seam. Sometimes I get a little batting in the seal allowances but I try not to.

pocoellie

I cut my batting 2" smaller than the size of the block, then center the batting.