Need quick answers re: cutting denim?
#1
Need quick answers re: cutting denim?
Help please??? My niece is going on a medical mission trip with classmates in June... the auction to raise money is right around the corner, however, and she just mentioned it yesterday... I'm thinking to offer a denim rag quilt for the auction... Here's my question: do I need to pay attention to weave direction when cutting blocks out of denim? AND: what seam depth should I use? 5/8? 3/4? 1"? I want to cut tomorrow, so please help??? THANK YOU!!!!
#3
As for weave direction - you want to stay on the straight grain, going along the selvage, or straight across the fabric. If you go off on an angle, you'll have bias edges and the ragging won't pull out straight. Does that make sense? I don't know depth, but if you search rag quilts on this forum or Google it, you'll find lots of instructions to make these, and they will indicate seam width. Good luck!
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
I have never made a denim rag quilt yet, but can tell you that I hope you have extra blades for your cutter and ragging scissors. Denim is hard on blades. As long as the blocks aren't cut on the bias edge, you should be fine. If cut on the bias, that edge won't rag. I would use 5/8" or 3/4" seams.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
You do have to cut them on the grain if you want them to fringe evenly. Since you are ragging and not fringing, I don't know but I would err on the side of caution and stay on grain. A larger seam allowance works best for ragging.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming
Posts: 521
I've made a few denim rag quilts. Used a 1/2 inch seam, and bought the scissors (snippers) made specifically for cutting into the seams for the fringe. I don't think they cost more than $10 at Joanne's. Easy and fun to make.
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