Anyone make Rag Quilts? Looking for simple book.

[cindyinTexas]

This looks like something I would like to do. Does anyone have a good book or website that they have used. I would like it to be as simple as possible. I do not really like a lot of instructions. Even though I would like to sew I become a nervous wreck having to read the pattern, so I have given up.

[Holly in FL]

Here is a site I have bookmarked. There are clear pictures and the directions seem simple.

 

http://www.lovetosew.com/aboutragquilts.htm

 

HTH!

~Holly

[KatieJ]

I have made a couple for my grandkids. I checked the directions linked the in previous posting and they are simple enough. However, it doesn't discuss the fact that you should be sure to wash your fabric first.

The reason is most fabrics have some kind of stablizers for lack of a better word...and cotton fabrics will shrink and each piece will shrink differently.

The fabric just needs to be washed gently and then dried. BEFORE YOU CUT IT INTO SQuares! Sorry, about the yelling. I jsut wanted to be sure you go that point.

I made baby quilts out of flannel..print on top and solid on the bottom. I made 4 or 5 inch squares and I dind't use a batting layer in them, there fore I didn't do the big X sewing step either. Flannel can be used as a batting layer if you want it warmer.

 

REally simple..and fun to do!

[keptwoman]

I made one for DD using internet instructions. It turned out really good. I made a littler dolls one first with the same fabrics and that was good for sorting out any issues before making the larger one. The fabric was too expensive for mistakes.

I didn't actually wash before hand and the quilt has puckered a bit, but I like it like that, it looks softer now. But if you want a clean straight look to the finished item, you definitely need to prewash!

[Jean in IN]

I've made two of these. The only difference in mine is that every other square is quartered. So I have a nine inch square and the next square is made up of four 4 1/2 inch squares (4 different patterns). Does that make sense?

It's time consuming to cut out all the pieces, but I enjoy it :)

[Amy in Orlando]

Jean - I made a baby quilt that sounds similar to yours. I want to make one for our bed, but can't seem to find the time.

 

Cindy, The internet instructions are good, but DEFINITELY was the fabric first. Will you share pictures when you're done, please? I love seeing other people's quilts.

[cindyinTexas]

Thanks everyone. Glad I asked because most sites say not to pre-wash, which I found strange because you have not even cut the squares yet, so this wouldn't even affect the fraying.

 

I also found this wonderful site which has conversion charts.

http://jubileehomespun.com/info/Quilt_Instructions.htm

 

 

Sure Amy. I will post a picture. If anyone else does one please post. I would also love to see what everyone has come up with.

 

Wishing we still had a Joann's Fabric.................

[KatieJ]

Here's a photo of my grandaughter with the doll size rag quilt I made her for her 1st birthday. I used the leftover fabric from the one I made her when she was born. When she opened the present from me, she immediately put the quilt to her nose and her fingers into her mouth. This is how she soothes herself and falls asleep. As they live 700 miles from us, my daughter was ready with teh camera to take a picture..isn't she adorable!

[unsinkable]

Hate to be the voice of dissent but when when my dd and I made ragged-topped pillows, our sewing teacher said do not wash the fabric first. She has been sewing and teaching for decades. The pillows turned out great and frayed beautifully.

 

YMMV.