How to make a Cotton & Flannel Rag Quilt
Easy Rag Quilt with 10″ Blocks
Are you looking for an easy way to make a rag quilt? Or maybe you’re new to rag quilts. Check out this DIY rag quilt tutorial! This quilt is perfect for beginners and can be made in a variety of different designs and colors. Learn how to make a cotton & flannel rag quilt using 10″ squares and start sewing your own rag quilt today!
Whether you’re an experienced quilter looking for a new technique or beginning quilter just getting started, you will love how easy these Ruffled Rag Quilt Borders are to make!
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If you love soft and comfy quilts, you’ll enjoy this easy rag quilt tutorial online course! You will learn how using offset seams will save you lots of time. This quilt is super easy to make! Watch the video above to see all the steps how to layer, sew, clip, and wash rag quilts for a perfect finish for your own beautiful rag quilt! Plus learn how adding accent fabrics is fun way to add some personality to your rag quilt. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, this is the rag quilt tutorial for you!
Different Rag Quilt Assembly Methods
Most Common Rag Quilt
Traditionally, rag quilts are made with two layers of flannel cotton wrapped around a layer of batting. This requires two outer layers of fabric cut to a specific size, and a batting later cut just a bit smaller. These three layers are assembled and quilted. Then they are sewn together with exposed seams to the front. Once they are clipped and washed, the familiar frayed edges appear for a soft, snuggly feel.
Rag Quilts without Batting
After cutting hundreds of little squares of batting for multiple quilts, I was ready to find another way to make my rag quilts. My first try was to simply substitute the batting with another layer of flannel. It worked beautifully! Since the middle and back layers were flannel, I chose to use a quilting cotton on top. This lightened the quilt quite a bit.
Download Free Rag Quilt Pattern/Tutorial
Do Rag Quilt Need Batting?
After making my first rag quilt without batting, I realized how much easier rag quilts could be. The middle flannel blocks are cut the same size as the top and bottom layers. This meant I could layer my fabrics and cut them all at the same time, which meant I didn’t have to sort my blocks before sewing. Wow, another time saver! But be aware that the ‘quilted’ look will not be as prominent without the batting layer.
At this point, the quilting or sewing the large ‘X’ from corner to corner is optional. While it may give the appearance of being quilted, it’s not necessary to hold the layers together. Since all three blocks are the same size, they will be held firmly together by the seams. That’s even more time saved. Though, if I’m using larger blocks, say 8″ or larger, I may decide to sew the ‘X’ just to ensure the blocks lay nicely.
What Size Blocks are Best for Rag Quilt?
Your Options are Endless!
Simply choose what works best for you! I’ve used small 5″ squares with batting, and 10″ squares without. It’s more about your personal preference. I prefer the 10″ squares because it shows off the fabric better and becomes more prominent in the quilt design. Plus 10″ is an easy size to cut from the width of most fabrics, leaving very little waste.
How to Make A Cotton & Flannel Rag Quilt with Off Set Seams
Super Simple Rag Quilt with Off Set Blocks
This is my personal favorite! Sure you can stack blocks in nice even rows creating perfect columns. But I prefer more asymmetrical designs. Creating off set seams in each row adds lots of interest in a quilt top. Especially if you’re using some great contrasting fabrics that really enhance the design.
Plus, off setting the blocks in each row eliminates matching seams. Not worrying about matching seams from row to row is a huge timesaver that makes sewing much quicker. The secret is to add a half size block at the beginning of every other row. Such a simple change in layout can make a huge difference.
The off set blocks also create a very nice diagonal, stair-step pattern. Whether you use just two alternating colors for a simple look, or multiple fabrics for even more interest, you’ll love the look of this design layout.
What About Rag Quilt Borders?
Do Rag Quilt Need A Border?
Rag Quilt Borders are optional. Since I first started adding the Ruffled Rag Quilt Borders to my rag quilt, I put borders on all my rag quilt. The reason I first added a border was because the outer edges of the rag quilts didn’t seem very strong. First there’s wasn’t much holding the seams together. Plus the edges were all clipped which seems to only make the it more susceptible to coming loose. Adding a border works great because it secures the outer edges. Besides, adding the ruffle is a great finishing touch.
There are lots of options when making a rag quilt. Choose what works best for you and go with it. Enjoy the process and love your finished quilt!
Interested in More Rag Quilting?
If you’re new to rag quilting, this introduction How to Make a Rag Quilt is a general overview. Next is How to Make a Crib Size Quilt with low volume fabrics. Then there’s also How to Make an Easy Blue Jean Rag Quilt which has a couple short cuts to make this a great option. Here’s a list of some Important Rag Quilt Tips to remember when making your next rag quilt. Be sure to check it out and download a copy to keep on hand. And just for a bit of fun, check out these sweet DIY Faux-Chenille Heart Pillows that are a perfect match for this quilt!
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