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
Question Hi. I am planning to attempt to make two twin size rag quilts for my kids for their September birthdays. I have most of the flannel prints for the front, and a solid flannel print for the backs. I was thinking of maybe putting some soft denim squares in the front too, that match the backing of quilt I made from my dad's shirts after he passed away. Part of my question is if it is ok to mix fabrics like this, or if they should all be flannel? The denim is a soft one and fairly thin, not stiff like blue jeans. My other question is about the batting. I bought some warm a natural in white, but I am not sure if I should cut it the same size as the squares or smaller... If I cut it the same, will it fall apart at the edges or fray like the flannel? I was planning to sew an X through the 3 layers of each square as well, is this the best way to do it? I have not cut anything yet, I am still trying to organize it all in my head first! Thanks for your help!
Answer Hello,
Don't worry about mixing fabrics. Denim and flannel will work fine, especially since the denim isn't super thick. Be aware that denim will make your quilt very warm, so I would use it sparingly.
Definitely cut your batting smaller than your blocks. Warm and Natural doesn't fray at all and doesn't look good in your seams. If you are going to use a 1/2" seam allowance, then cut your squares 1.25" smaller. If you are using an inch seam allowance, then cut your squares 2.25" smaller. Remember, when you use flannel as batting, you can cut it the same size, since it frays. Anything else (cotton,polyester,fleece) needs to be cut smaller so it doesn't show in the seams.
Sewing the "X" is a very good idea when using batting. The main purpose of the "X" is to make sure the batting doesn't shift. If you don't sew the "X", then your batting will twist and ball when you wash it.
