nancylee

Hi all,
Haven't been sewing in months and am doing some fun art journals, coasters and table runners. I can't remember how to do raw edges, instead of bindings! I don't want to get all fussy, so I would like to just leave the edges as it. But do I run a straight stitch around the edge? A zigzag? I don't remember what a blanket stitch is, is that a choice? Thank you in advance for any help!
Nancy

mckwilter

The only time I've left a raw edge on a quilt was when I did some rag quilts. The method I used for rag quilts is once all the blocks are sewn together, sew a straight stitch all the way around the quilt as wide as you want your ragged edge to be (1/2", 1", etc.), then clip every 1/2" or so all the way around up to, but not through the stitching.

Any of the options you mentioned -- straight stitch, zig zag or blanket would work. A blanket stitch is also called a buttonhole stitch and looks like a ladder with one of the long sides missing.

Tartan

Are you asking about raw edge appliqué or doing raw edge binding on a rag quilt?

nancylee

Hi,
I am asking about a raw edge quilt, not raw edge appliqué. Thanks!

And thank you, mckwilter, for your. Help!
Nancy

CorgiNole

I saw a couple small quilts recently where the edges were zigzagged with a contrasting cord couched along the edge. It was a cute alternative to binding.

cheers, K

PaperPrincess

You want to make sure that you use a sturdy stitch for the edges if you want to leave them raw. If too loose, the quilt will ravel enough to pull apart. I would use a straight stitch with a very short stitch length and go around the whole quilt. You could follow that up with a decorative stitch on top of that or just on the inside of it.

Jingle

I would finish off the quilt with binding as I have done on all of mine. Reason being -- I would be afraid it may come undone.

nancylee

Thank you for our suggestions! I appreciate them all!
Nancy

DOTTYMO

Nancy when you have done the quilt will you. Post on a new thread as I have never seen a quilt with out the binding and am doing one which would look great. I think.

nancylee

Sure, Dotty! Thanks!