Rag quilt question
#1
When sewing your strips together do you open your seams or fold them over, one one way and one the other? This is my first one and I don't want to mess it up. I read somewhere that you shouldn't wash your flannel before making the quilt (if using flannel) but I'd already washed mine but I think I know why she said that. I think it might be because it makes it stretch when sewing it. I know mine did. Thanks for your help.
Nett
Nett
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,688
I second what Dawn said--I fold them over. You'll snip them all before you're done, so it doesn't matter, but if they're folded one way you won't have to snip on both sides.
I never clipped that close to the seam line. Just too risky. When I accidently cut through I stop right then and sew it up--or I'll lose the spot.
Good luck!! :D
I never clipped that close to the seam line. Just too risky. When I accidently cut through I stop right then and sew it up--or I'll lose the spot.
Good luck!! :D
#4
I have made 6 rag quilts so far and I have opened my seams but I don't think that it really matters as you are going to be cutting them. but it is less bulk going thru the machine if you open them. As for washing your flannel that is up to you. Rag quilts are very forgiving and if your seams don't totally line up it will be okay. When you wash the rag for the first time just make sure to keep checking your lint filter in your dryer it will fill up fast. I empty my out at least every 10 minutes. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask and please post a pic of your finished quilt. We'd all love to see it. Good Luck.
#5
I too press mine open. One reason is because it is helpful when you snip the quilt because you butt up against your seam and it helps you avoid cutting into it.
You also have less bulk to cut through. Yes, you have to clip each side that way but, if you are using regular scissors (whether they are high quality or not) cutting through 4 layers of flannel, your hand is going to be hurting. If have Rag Quilting Snips (Olfa and Fiskars makes them), they are much easier on the hand and cut through the multiple layers very well.
Either way works. You will learn alot about what works for you on this first one. Then, you'll most likely change things for the next one!
Post a pic when you're done.
You also have less bulk to cut through. Yes, you have to clip each side that way but, if you are using regular scissors (whether they are high quality or not) cutting through 4 layers of flannel, your hand is going to be hurting. If have Rag Quilting Snips (Olfa and Fiskars makes them), they are much easier on the hand and cut through the multiple layers very well.
Either way works. You will learn alot about what works for you on this first one. Then, you'll most likely change things for the next one!
Post a pic when you're done.
#7
Thanks everybody. I'll post a pic when I get it done but that may be awhile. I don't work as fast as most of you and I'll have to take it to the laundrymat to wash it in one of the big machines. It's going to be between a queen and king size so it won't fit in my washer.
It will probably take me as long to make myself go to the laundrymat as it does to make the quilt.
Have a happy new year,
Nett
It will probably take me as long to make myself go to the laundrymat as it does to make the quilt.
Have a happy new year,
Nett
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DonnaC
Main
9
11-05-2012 08:17 PM
sunnyhope
Main
30
12-22-2009 05:31 AM