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    Old 11-01-2010, 08:33 AM
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    My favorite fabric is flannel. I love the softness.
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    Old 11-01-2010, 08:57 AM
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    Originally Posted by Japonica
    Ok, so I started my first quilting class two weeks ago and am headed to my yummy craft room to start putting some blocks together for tomorrows class. I am sooooooooo excited. I don't sew, but I do dabble in stained glass and I am equating the two! Anyway I have been all over the net with my new obsession and I am wondering from all of you experts here what is the best fabric to use for rag quilts? I have six grandkids and would like to make each one a rag quilt for Christmas. Headed out to Joanns later for some "treats", so I thought I would ask first. I have read and heard that flannel is the best for fraying. Thanks ladies. This site is just awesome!
    Ok, so, I just got from Joanns and I have like 40 yds of fabric for a few quilts and pillow cases to match. I'm getting brave!!! Thank you all so much for the input. I plan on just using 2 layers of flannel and no batting. If I sew an X across each quare before assembling, will this make it soft and fluffy enough or should I invest in the batting? If so, can I use polyester instead of investin in cotton batting? Once again, thanks ladies.
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    Old 11-01-2010, 09:15 AM
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    Hi.I've made 4-5 flannel rag quilts for kids & Grkids with Joanns flannel..I use a print sq in a checkerboard pattern, with plain sqs.No batting.I cut 8-10" sqs,using at least 1 1/2" seams thru out.2" is good too...the raggy shows up better when you have wider seams.You can sew an X on the blocks...or anything you like. On some of mine,I made free hand hearts.Don't wash the flannel before using. Sew the front sqa together in rows or blocks, then sew it all together.
    Invest in a pair of soft handled,spring loaded scissors.Clip all seams...being careful not to clip into seam lines.

    Most ppl wash/dry in a laundry mat machine. When drying, open several times to collect lint.Shake well & fold. All done !

    BTW, these are the 1st quilts used when it's cold outside. Soft,warm & cuddly.



    Ok, so, I just got from Joanns and I have like 40 yds of fabric for a few quilts and pillow cases to match. I'm getting brave!!! Thank you all so much for the input. I plan on just using 2 layers of flannel and no batting. If I sew an X across each quare before assembling, will this make it soft and fluffy enough or should I invest in the batting? If so, can I use polyester instead of investin in cotton batting? Once again, thanks ladies.
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    Old 11-01-2010, 09:39 AM
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    Thanks Pat,
    I originally planned on only make the seams 1/2" but I think I will go to 1". I bought more than enough fabric. And if the bigger seams fluff up more, than great. I can launder it at home though right? Your input has been wonderful. This is just a great board.
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    Old 11-01-2010, 09:40 AM
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    Oh, and the reason I making the X on the square was to "quilt" the two squares together.

    Have you ever done one with fleece?
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    Old 11-01-2010, 12:31 PM
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    I haven't,but I'm sure someone has.Just made a fleece winter scarf & that's all I know about fleece.It would surely be soft & warm, tho I don't know it it will rag on the seams.

    Originally Posted by Japonica
    Oh, and the reason I making the X on the square was to "quilt" the two squares together.

    Have you ever done one with fleece?
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    Old 11-01-2010, 12:35 PM
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    I did wash mine at home, but some ppl prefer to do it in a commercial washer. Didn't have any problem. I opened the dryer door to clean the lint trap,oodles of times & only put it in dryer alone.
    Yes, that's why I Xed my blocks, so once sewn together, you clip seams, wash & all done.Use a nice softener & they'll be loved for sure.

    Originally Posted by Japonica
    Thanks Pat,
    I originally planned on only make the seams 1/2" but I think I will go to 1". I bought more than enough fabric. And if the bigger seams fluff up more, than great. I can launder it at home though right? Your input has been wonderful. This is just a great board.
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    Old 11-01-2010, 12:37 PM
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    PS....just noticed your location. Make flannel quilts. You'll surely be appreciated.....it gets cold in Pa....just like here.
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    Old 11-01-2010, 12:51 PM
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    If it's a winter like last year...yes, freezing!!!!!
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    Old 11-01-2010, 12:55 PM
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    This is a great place to find really soft denim for any project...I keep all my old jeans in my fabric stash for making quilts, purses, and jackets...
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