Wendi, this is how I do mine. I do use batting (any kind I have available) and make the batting 1 1/2" smaller than the squares. I make my cuts on the raw edge about 1/4"apart. This seems to make them rag really well. As far as doing them in my own machine, I have never had a problem doing in my washer/dryer. I washed both rag quilts ( baby crib size ) together in my washer with a large bath towel. I was taught that the large bath towel rubs up against the cuts and really helps them rag. They I threw the two quilts and the bath towel into the dryer. When I cleaned out the dryer lint catcher, there was enough lint to make about a 4" circle of lint and thread pieces. I never thought it was too much. If you want to, you can stop the dryer cycle half way through and clean out the lint catcher. I have probably made about 40 rag quilts and am still using the same "old" washer/dryer. Both being about 12 years old. Thanks for asking.

nice quilts, lot of work, they will love them

Thank You, Twinkie, for answering my question. I have brought my rag quilts home after just washing them at the laundromat and have dried them in my home dryer. I have also stopped the dryer every 15 minutes to clean the lint filter.....would you say I'm paranoid??????Both my quilts were more a lap size so I might try it with a smaller quilt.....how large are your quilts and how large are your squares? I do like to make quilts for charity and the smaller ones would be great in the Winter.......I'm also going to stick in a towel....that's a new to me hint.....thanks! My washer and dryer were bought in 2000.....I'm keeping the fingers crossed they will last a couple more years. At my age, (75) I hate to purchase a new set.......

Both are so pretty! They look warm and cozy!

Lovely quilts. I have made one rag quilt for my daughter from her old blue jeans and red bandana fabric. It turned out great but the snipping was the hardest part even with the special snip scissors. Even so, I plan to make more, they are fabulous for snuggling, picnic and beach blankets, etc.

John Flynn does weed wacker quilts. They are pieces of quilt that have been used showing how to use the 'flynn frame. You could do them just like you are doing and then the weed wacker is used on top of the areas you want to make into the rag. He has a video of it on his website.
My next thought would be to cut the fabric that is to be frayed, with the wave blade. I know that is something like pinking shears but not as extreme. Finally, my last suggestion is since you have that many grands, I would see if you could get some to visit and show them how to clip the seams, and get them to help. I bet they would love it. I would save up the rag quilts and get them to do it assembly line! Then do something fun with the kids--rent a movie and make it a movie night.

Beautiful quilts GGM!

I use 6" squares and 4 & 1/2" batting. I usually do them 8 squares x 9 (or 10) squares. I have done one made out of searsucker (sp?) for my 1st great granddaughter, Kaylee. It was large and took quite a while cutting.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]423134[/ATTACH]

And, in reply to Pepita, having the grandchildren do the cutting is a fantastic idea, however, mine around our area are age 29 down to 19 years of age. The younger ones are out of state. The greats are too young but I am going to keep your hint in mind. Great idea!!!

They are so cute. Oh my you have a very big family. That's so nice you make one for everybody.

nicely done!!