Trouble With Rag Quilt
#1
I have a cheap walmart Brother Machine and when i go to sew my sandwiched rag quilt pieces together( which is 2 pieces of cotton and 4 pieces of flannel) my feed dogs do not want to pull the fabric!! Is it just that the machine is too light duty, or am i doing something wrong! Very new to sewing and i am still learning!! Thanks
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Murray, Ky. Looking for a nice cushy pillow to rest my head on!
Posts: 14,022
Do you have a walking foot? The problem with flannel is that it needs to be pulled on the top and bottom at the same time. The walking foot has teeth on it like the feed dogs which grips the top and bottom allowing the flannel to move at the same time other wise the flannel on the top layer moves or slips backwards while the bottom layer is moving as it should.
#5
All the patterns i have seen say to sandwich with flannel or batting, so i figured i could use it in the middle and for the backs!! So I guess I have some more cutting a pinning for this quilt if my future!! Thank you so much
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 1,317
I had the same problem with my White sewing machine and realized that my machine wasn't powerful enough. Tried another machine (Bernina) and no problem. I was using 3 layers of flannel in each square, which meant 6 layers being sewn together. Hope this helps ☺
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
I have similar problems when I use my 1980's Singer. Years ago I spent $20 at auction on an old 1950's Pinnock (made in Australia) it is an oldie but a goodie and will sew through the heaviest of fabric...If you feel denim or multi thickness fabrics are in your future, it may be worth considering a second "heavy duty" machine.
#10
i have what is probably a dumb question about rag quilt making. is the back of the quilt also raggedy or are all layers brought to the front? like if there are 3 layers, do they all go up and then the back is smooth? does this question even make sense? I have read several tutes but still confused.
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sunnyhope
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12-22-2009 05:31 AM