| Whether you are a beginner quilter looking for | | | | Unlike traditional quilting, having uneven seams won't be |
| near-immediate gratification or an old pro who wants | | | | noticed once your rag quilt pattern is complete. So, |
| to create a different look, why not try one of the rag | | | | even if you can't sew a straight line with your sewing |
| quilt patterns on the market? | | | | machine, you can make a gorgeous rag quilt! |
| Frayed seams are a characteristic of rag quilts. The | | | | That's another reason rag quilt patterns are so popular. |
| frayed edges give the quilts a soft, vintage look simply | | | | They can be sewn together rather quickly using your |
| by clipping the seams and washing and drying the quilt. | | | | sewing machine. The machine stitches will lock in and |
| Rag quilt patterns can be adaptations of traditional quilt | | | | add stability to the quilt. |
| patterns or, totally new designs that will be accented | | | | Since the blocks are sewn with the seams on top, |
| by the frayed edges. | | | | there is no need for additional quilting of your rag quilt |
| Rag quilt patterns do not have to be expensive. As a | | | | pattern. That makes rag quilt pattern projects move |
| matter of fact, many of them are available for free on | | | | along at a nice speed! |
| the Internet. Use your favorite search engine to find | | | | Completing your rag quilt will take a little patience once |
| "rag quilt patterns." | | | | all the sewing is complete. To "rag" your quilt pattern, |
| If you've already been exploring the Internet, chances | | | | you will need to clip the seams. |
| are your favorite quilt sites also have rag quilt patterns | | | | Clip straight down the seam (perpendicular to the |
| available, or links to some. The best "how-to-quilt" | | | | stitches). You will need to make these cuts about |
| websites offer rag quilt information as well as patterns. | | | | every quarter of an inch. Your hand will get tired! To |
| Variations of the Nine Patch are popular rag quilt | | | | avoid hand cramps and blisters on your cutting fingers, |
| patterns. Strips are another popular rag quilt pattern. | | | | you might like to use a pair of spring loaded scissors |
| Keep in mind that while intricate designs could be | | | | as you complete your rag quilt patterns. Spring loaded |
| converted into a rag quilt pattern, the fraying might | | | | scissors automatically pop open after each snip has |
| distract from the quilt pattern. | | | | been made. They also usually are made so they are |
| It's possible to complete a rag quilt in a weekend! The | | | | held on the outside, rather than putting your fingers |
| biggest challenge in making a rag quilt is getting | | | | inside scissor holes. If you don't already have a pair, |
| accustomed to sewing "backwards." In traditional | | | | expect to pay $15 or more. If you plan to do much rag |
| quilting, we generally stitch the right sides together then | | | | quilting in the future, it might be a good investment! |
| turn them so the seams will be hidden on the | | | | Once you seams are snipped all around your rag quilt |
| underneath side. | | | | pattern, throw it in the washer on a delicate cycle. It's |
| With rag quilt patterns, the seams are sewn to the top | | | | not necessary to add soap, but it's okay if you do |
| so they can be clipped and frayed. | | | | choose to do so. After the wash cycle, give your rag |
| When assembling your rag quilt, you will make a fabric | | | | quilt a double check to make sure you've snipped |
| sandwich: place the first piece right side down on your | | | | everywhere. If you find a place you've missed, this is |
| table. Your middle layer will be a piece of flannel | | | | the time to add snips. Once you are satisfied with the |
| batting, and the top piece will be your fabric, right side | | | | snipping, toss the quilt in the drier. Once it's dried, your |
| up. | | | | rag quilt will be complete! |
| Once you have all your fabric sandwiches ready, you | | | | Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 27 years who |
| will sew the block together, again keeping the right | | | | enjoys sharing her knowledge of quilting with those |
| sides up. So, instead of sewing with the right sides | | | | who would like to learn how to quilt or just improve |
| together, your rag quilt pattern will be sewn with the | | | | their quilting skills. |
| wrong sides together.This will keep your seams on top. | | | | |