Rag quilts - what is the usual width of the seams?
#1
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Rag quilts - what is the usual width of the seams?
What is the "usual" width of the seams in a rag quilt?
I made two with approximately 1/2 inch seams - and I thought that was fine.
However, I was reading about some of the dies for making the patches - and I think they said they had an inch for 'fringe'
I was wondering if 1/4 to 3/8 seams would be 'adequate' if the seams are sewn twice?
I made two with approximately 1/2 inch seams - and I thought that was fine.
However, I was reading about some of the dies for making the patches - and I think they said they had an inch for 'fringe'
I was wondering if 1/4 to 3/8 seams would be 'adequate' if the seams are sewn twice?
#2
Most of the ones I've made I used the ½" seam and I liked that the best. One I made with a 1" seam and it looked more "ratty" than "ragged" to me. I've never tried a smaller seam, especially the ¼" , it would just make a small chenille like seam I guess.
#3
I use 1" so there will be more ragging visible. I don't know whether small seams would hold up, but I don't think I would like the way they looked as much. You could try a small doll's quilt, wash and dry it, and see whether you like it.
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Northern California, Sonoma Co.
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I've always used a half inch seam and thought it was fine, but I've been tempted to try to leave somewhat longer fringe. Maybe try some different seam widths on scraps and see what turns out best? And then share here so we can all see?
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Southeastern Indiana
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I always use the half-inch seam and have not had any problems with it. Don't think I would ever use a smaller seam as it would be harder to cut and using a larger seam would make the fringe to long.
#8
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 446
I've made one with smaller than half inch seams and it was a beast to cut rag edges. Lately I've made ten inch squares which allows for only a tiny waste if any at all in cutting and I've been stitching seams about 3/4 of an inch. Works out great. Less seaming and rag cutting to do. I put seven blocks together in a row so quilt winds up about 63 x63. I've probably made close to a hundred of these for graduation gifts etc. the teens love them done up In their themes!
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04-12-2010 04:18 PM