easy quilting?

Question

I saw a quilt and I want to know if anyone knows how to make it. It was just squares put together. The back of it was the seams ruffled. I believe they sewed each square together with the batting and back, then put them all together with the seams sticking out the back of the quilt about 3/4 inch. They then cut the hang over part so when you washed the quilt the edges frayed a bit. It was real pretty but I am not quite sure how to do it. If anyone knows I would really appreciate some insite.

Answer 1

This is a rag quilt, and is a great beginner quilt. You don't need batting, quilting is done in small sections and then assembled, and there's no tiny pieces to deal with.

Basically, you need to use three layers of a fabric that frays well. Flannel is great, as is brushed homespun. For the best effect when frayed, use three different colors in each "sandwich". Usually you pre-wash flannel because it shrinks so much. Since you really want to save the fraying for after the quilt is done, don't prewash in this quilt. However, because flannel and homespuns shrink at different rates, try to get fabrics of similar quality so it doesn't get misshapen afterward.

The great thing about this quilt is you don't even need a pattern. Just decide how big you want it, decide how big you want the squares, then cut all of the fabric into square that are about 1 1/2 inches larger than then finished size. This gives you a 3/4" rag seam. Layer three fabrics together and sew about 1" from the edge all the way around, then sew an X through the center. That's the quilting part. Once you have all of the sandwiches made, lay them out on the floor to determine the order you want them put together. You might want to draw this out in advance if you want a planned look - checkerboard, for example, or "trip around the world" where you have diamond shaped rings of different colors.

Now sew the squares together using a 3/4" seam. Mark it on the bed of your sewing machine to keep the seam uniform. A pencil or a chunk of blue painter's tape works great. Make sure you keep the exposed seam on the same side every time. Once the rows are done, sew them together to form the rest of your quilt. Give it another once around the outside edge to prevent it from coming apart.

Here comes the fun part - clipping. Make sure you don't clip into the seam - that's the most important thing. Clip about 1/2" down. Clip at least every inch, closer for a more plush look. As someone else suggested, get spring-type scissors to save your hands. Make sure the scissors are sharp, and close all the way to the tip.

When you're finished clipping, take your vacuum cleaner to it. This will remove the loosest thread, but you still need to be careful when you wash and dry it. You can take it to a laundromat but be considerate and remove the gunk you leave behind. You CAN wash this at home, but you have to be vigilant. A few minutes into the wash cycle, lift the lid and skim off the loose thread. Do this BEFORE the spin cycle. Do it again during the rinse cycle. When you dry it, clean the lint trap every five minutes. Vacuum out the lint trap area when you're done.

Good luck - they're really fun, cuddly quilts!

Answer 2

I beleive you are talking about the raggy quilts. The ruffles are actually the raw edges of the seam allowance that has been turned to one side and left expose and clipped at about 1/2" intervals all along the raw edges and left to fray.

Here is a link that has basic instructions for free:
http://www.gardenandhearth.com/CajunQuiltConnection/Free-Rag-Quilt-Pattern.htm

I have only scanned the page but it looks like it covers the process to make the quilt.

Tips:
If you use a heavy fabric don't add batting. The ones made from denim get very heavy in a hurry.

Use a homespun fabric that shows the same pattern on both sides. When the raw edges fray it really shows the white backside of "printed" fabrics.

Get a pair of spring handled scissors to reduce wear on your hand or get a buddy to help you clip all the raw edges.

Do NOT wash in your home machine the first time. These days residential machines do not have filters, just the commercial ones. When all the clipped edges start to fray they let go of a lot of string/lint. It can really muck up your machine. If you do not want to take the quilt into a laundramat where you can find a machine with a filter it would be best to get the quilt damp then toss it in the dryer. Let the dryer shake loose all the mess before sticking it in your washer. Keep an eye on your dryer filter.

Answer 3

One of the prettiest quilts I've ever made was just made from 5" squares, and was just tied instead of quilted. A very simple quilt. What made it so pretty was my choice of fabrics. I used pinks, burgundy, greens and tans, but all the colors had similar (medium) values, none were too dark, too light, or too bright, and they all worked together well. I use it on my king-size bed and it is lovely. I now have a quilting machine, but that simple, tied block quilt is one of my favorites. It was very easy to make. There are easier patterns too, such as those already mentioned. Just make sure you choose fabric and colors that you like, and, if you are a fabric junkie like me, you will enjoy putting it together. Good luck.

Answer 4

These are called "rag quilts" or "fringe quilts" and maybe other names. Check these links for some lessons:

http://tinyurl.com/ylpr46

As you wash and dry this quilt, the seams will ravel even more and get fluffier.

Btw, this question about making a rag quilt was asked just a week or so ago... you might get even more info from it:
http://tinyurl.com/vyzr7
Even better, here are 11 different questions here that asked about making rag quilts:
http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=AgF51MYN65SF17WQDy47_Z0ezKIX?p=rag+quilt



HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 5

Look up the 6 hour quilt. That is the easiest one I have done. It is rectangles done that way. Cutting is the important part...you have to be precise in your measuring and the 6 hour quilt is fun and super easy. Good Quilting!

Answer 6

I've seen these kits for sale at Joann's. They are made out of fleece. They are fairly reasonable, and supposedly you can make it very quickly. If you don't have a store near you, check out Joann's on line.

Answer 7

yes you do as you said but you use hot glue or super glue aroung edges