Expert: Audrey Zohner - 4/25/2007

Question
I love the look of rag quilts. I am a beginner quilter and would like an easy to follow patter and tips on a rag quilt.
I live in Tauranga, New Zealand.
Thanks

Answer
Well, rag quilts are very easy to design.  Basically, you need to pick what size quilt you want to make.  Length and width.  Then you need to pick a size block that will work for that quilt size.  Both your width and length must be divisible by your block size.
For example:  I want to make a quilt that is 45"x60".  Now the only size block that will work for this is a 5".  If I wanted to use a bigger block, like a 7", then my quilt needs to be 42"x63".  

Now that you have your quilt size and block size, you need to add in your seam allowances.  I usually sew with a 1/2" seam.  Some people like to use an inch seam.  Go with what you like.  You need to add your seam allowances to your block size.  
For example:  In order to end up with a 5" block, I need to add either an inch to each side (1/2" seams) or two inches to each side (inch seam).  So if I am going to use 1/2" seams, I need to cut out 6" blocks to start.

This is the hard part.  Figuring how much fabric you need.  Now this depends on how many colors, how wide the fabric is, etc.  Simply put, divide the width of your fabric by the block size with seam allowances included.  Round this number down.  This gives you the number of whole blocks you can get.  Then divide the total number of blocks that you need by the number of blocks you can get from the width of your fabric.  Round this number up and multiply it by your block size with seam allowances included.  
For example: I will need 218-6" squares for a 45"x60" quilt.   108 for the front and 108 for the backing.  If I am using a 45" wide fabric, then I can get 7.5 squares.  However, I can only get 7 whole squares.  218/7=31.11111 or 32.  32x6"=192" or 5.333 yards.  

If you want to use batting, then you will need to cut it at least an inch smaller than your starting block size.  If you use flannel, then don't worry about cutting it smaller.  Flannel rags where batting doesn't, so you can leave it in the seams.  
For example:  Batting squares need to be 4.5"-5" when using a starting block size of 6".  Flannel batting would be cut in 6" squares.

Sewing the Quilt:
If you don't use batting, then simply place a front block on top of a bottom block-both with right sides out, wrong sides facing each other.  Do this with all your blocks.  Then sew them together with the backing blocks facing each other.  You are sewing all of your seams to the front of the quilt.  Sew your blocks into rows and then sew the rows together.  Always sew your seams to the front!

If you use batting, you will need to sew an "X" across the blocks before sewing in rows.  Place a bottom square face down, center a batting square on top of it and a top block on the batting, right side up.  Sew from one corner to the other and repeat from the other corner, forming an "X".  Then sew as above.

Once your rows are sewn together, you can sew around the edge of your quilt if you want a ragged edge or you can bind it like normal.  Your choice.  

Now for the fun part:  Put in a good movie and clip your quilt with a sharp pair of scissors.  This will take a while, so make sure you have snacks.  Snip all seams from 1/4" to an inch apart.  The closer you snip, the more ragged the seam will be.  And the more blisters you will have.  

Wash your quilt in warm water-DELICATE CYCLE.  I cannot tell you enough that quilts should always be washed in the delicate cycle if not by hand.  Dry normally, but be sure to check the lint catcher every 15 minutes or so because that quilt will be shedding like crazy.  It stops shedding after about the third wash.  

Voila, I hope that wasn't too much for you.  

Here are a few tips:

Fabrics:  Flannel and homespun work the best in rag quilts.  They rag like a dream.  Cottons kind of rag and polyester doesn't rag at all.  I have made rag quilts with cotton, but I always use a flannel with it or the quilt doesn't rag.  

Batting:  I love fleece as batting.  It is more expensive, but since you need small blocks, you can buy fleece remnants which are very cheap.  Cotton batting is warm, but it shrinks and will give your quilt an antique look.  Polyester batting doesn't shrink and is very warm, but my machine has trouble with it, so I use fleece.  Fleece gives you warmth, while allowing your quilt to have that flat look.  

Thread color:  People ask me all the time what color they should use to sew the "X" in their blocks.  I say, use whatever color you want.  I usually try to use one of the colors of the quilt.  Neutrals like cream, gray and white will blend in with just about any light color fabric.

Scissors:  Clipping rag quilts will give you blisters unless you get a pair of rag quilting shears.  I suggest a pair of Heritage Cutlery Rag Quilting Shears.  They are available online for around $25 and are worth every penny.

Remember, if you use flannel as batting or no batting at all, you don't need to sew the "X".  However, if you use a batting that will not be sewn into the seam, then you must sew an "X" or the batting will shift and bunch in the wash.  

Well, I hope this helps.  Don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.