AboutAudrey Zohner Expertise I am an expert rag quilter. I have made over 100 rag quilts and would love to assist others with questions and methods. I don't know much about actual quilting like machine or hand quilting or applique. I am, however, the resident expert on rag quilting in my town. If you want to make a rag quilt, I am your woman.
Experience I have been sewing for 12 years and rag quilting for 4. I have experienced just about every pitfall there is in rag quilting. Check out my quilts at audreysragquilts.etsy.com.
Organizations ISU Craft Club
EtsyKids
Education/Credentials High school diploma
Bachelor's in Animal Science
Expert: Audrey Zohner Date: 6/9/2008 Subject: using a solid -uncut -piece of fabric for the back of a rag quilt
Question I have never made a quilt and would like to try to make a small baby rag quilt as my first attempt--is there a way to use a solid piece of fabric for the back so as to cut down on the time and cutting factor for my first attempt??
Answer Using a solid back piece won't actually cut down on your time or cutting. You are still going to need to sew the front pieces together and cut them, so it will be easier to sew the back blocks at the same time and cut them all at the same time. If you use a solid back piece, you will have to sew it to the front squares and quilt/tie it as well. That will actually take a lot more time.
For a first attempt, I would suggest using two layers, just a front and back piece. This will be easier to sew because you won't have to sew the "X". Using two layers of flannel will give you a nice, soft quilt that is light enough for summer, but can be layered in the winter. I love giving these two layered quilts as receiving blankets.
Also, I would try bigger squares like 8 or 9 inch for your first attempt. You won't have to sew and cut as many squares, so you should be able to finish the quilt in a few hours from start to finish. I would suggest using a 1/2 inch seam, or if you want it really raggedy, an inch seam.
