I saw the prettiest rag quilts at Singer this weekend. I have heard of rag quilts before, but I guess I had never actually seen one before. Singer was giving a class on making them last Saturday, but I wasn’t able to attend. I went on the internet and found several patterns with very easy instructions.
Has anyone here made rag quilts before, and if so do you have any tips?
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LindaFaye,
I haven't made the rag quilts, bit my mother has, and I have made chenille blankets, cutting the upper layers so that they fray, very similar to the rag quilt. The only tips I have are to use fabrics that fray nicely, like flannel, and if you are sewing through several thick layers, don't use a tiny stitch length.
I've made a couple of rag quilts. I love the fact that they are all quilted and finished on both sides when you finish sewing versus piecing and then still having to quilt and bind. Choosing fabrics that fray easily helps in the rag appearance but it is not great for your washing machine especially if you happen to have your own septic system. They have been known to create some major sewer line clogs. Beware. Several of our local laundromats no longer allow the washing of these quilts in their machines.
Thanks so much for the tips! I plan on making one soon.
You're welcome. Let me know how it turns out!
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Will do!!! I was at walmart looking at some flannel this afternoon. They only had a few bolts - all in solid colors. So I will check out Hancock's by next weekend, maybe they will have some prints as well as solids.
I had great fun getting ready to do mine. I collected flannel fat quarters for nearly a year so my quilt is reversable but same color family. Enjoy your search!
Omigosh that is the cutest snowman. How in the world did you do that?
http://www.smileycentral.com has them...free, which is nice. Have fun looking, there are lots of smileys to choose from. Have a happy New Year!
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Fluff and Fuzz problems in the washing machine...
I know that problem. When I replaced my washing machine some years back I learned they ALL are self-cleaning filters now and flush the fuzz (and in my case pet hair) down the drain. Right where I don't want it.
SO now, I get tulle or netting on sale a yd or half yard at a time and make quicky serger "socks" for my washer's drain line tie them on and filter it myself before it drains into the stationary tub. They clog up fast.. so I cut it off and tie on a new one every 4 or 5 laundry loads.
( have 4 indoor fur kids so pet hair IS a problem...I wash my bedspread almost every week to keep the fuzz at bay. This filter it myself system has worked well for me)
Just what were they thinking when the lint traps in washers were eliminated? Must be in cahoots with the sewer line cleanout companies.
Nancy R.
I just finished my first rag quilt, actually my first quilt of any kind, this morning. I really enjoyed making it and it was quite easy. Mine is a baby quilt for a gift.
I'll just bet it is really pretty. I saw two McCalls patterns for rag quilts this weekend. One was for a full size throw and the other for a baby quilt. I got the one for the baby quilt, just to make sure I got the correct yardage for the quilt. I am sure I can do it myself, but wanted to have a little bit of direction because I have not done it before. The pattern was on sale ofr 99 cents that's why I went ahead and got it. Wish I could see yours.
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