raggy quilt question
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 182
raggy quilt question
I want to make a raggy baby quilt totally from flannel. I know when working with flannel on a regular block, the seams have to be reinforced because of the raveling.
When I sew the prepared squares together on a raggy quilt do I use a zigzag stitch to make it more secure?
Thanks in advance for the help!
When I sew the prepared squares together on a raggy quilt do I use a zigzag stitch to make it more secure?
Thanks in advance for the help!
#3
I usually reduce the stitch length. and around to outside edge I use the stretch stitch, which is a stitch forward, a stitch back then once again forward. It takes a little longer, but will reinforce the out side edge.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 182
Awww, since I used this flannel for a regular quilt, I washed it all. Will it still work?
Also, I know I want it to ravel, but not to the extent that the stitching comes loose. The stretch stitch sounds like a good answer.
Also, I know I want it to ravel, but not to the extent that the stitching comes loose. The stretch stitch sounds like a good answer.
Last edited by kakels; 02-06-2014 at 05:51 AM.
#5
I always wash flannel before making rag quilts. It still rags, just as well, and by washing you take care of uneven shrinkage, bleeding fabrics, and also find out if the flannel will pill. I wouldn't even think of making something of flannel without washing - in hot water, possibly more than once.
#6
I wait til I after the snipping of the exposed seam allowances to get anywhere near washing my quilt. I take it to the laundromat, get it wet, then put it in a dryer without heat. Of course I have to empty the loose threads often while the quilt is in the dryer. When all is finished, then I wash it. The quilts look great.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Woburn, MA
Posts: 711
Just to inform you, rag quilts are not encouraged for babies. It is even written in the instructions not to make for babies, they could choke on the loose strings easily. I wouldn't even want to take a chance since they are warning you in advance.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 2,497
Here's the thing with the responses you're going to get all kinds of varying answers on this forum.
That being said, I've never washed my flannel prior to making rag quilts. I've made many. They all shrink. I've also never had a bleeding issue to date. I do wash in cold water. I've straight stitched 1" in from the edges. You get what you pay for with regards to the cheaper flannel. I've only had one friend say that the flannel in the rag quilt she made actually tore after a few years. I don't know how hard her daughter was with the quilt though. Not the most gentle of children, if you understand. I've had rag quilts for over 10 years that have not torn, and we use them all the time.
Do make sure you reinforce any stitching that may have gotten accidentally snipped. If you don't, you'll see a lot of ragging that makes it's way to the seemed side of your quilt. It's just more of a challenge to tuck back through and stitch closed after it's been washed and dried. Make sure you clean your lint trap often if doing at home. I set my timer for every 5 minutes! Good luck.
That being said, I've never washed my flannel prior to making rag quilts. I've made many. They all shrink. I've also never had a bleeding issue to date. I do wash in cold water. I've straight stitched 1" in from the edges. You get what you pay for with regards to the cheaper flannel. I've only had one friend say that the flannel in the rag quilt she made actually tore after a few years. I don't know how hard her daughter was with the quilt though. Not the most gentle of children, if you understand. I've had rag quilts for over 10 years that have not torn, and we use them all the time.
Do make sure you reinforce any stitching that may have gotten accidentally snipped. If you don't, you'll see a lot of ragging that makes it's way to the seemed side of your quilt. It's just more of a challenge to tuck back through and stitch closed after it's been washed and dried. Make sure you clean your lint trap often if doing at home. I set my timer for every 5 minutes! Good luck.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I wait til I after the snipping of the exposed seam allowances to get anywhere near washing my quilt. I take it to the laundromat, get it wet, then put it in a dryer without heat. Of course I have to empty the loose threads often while the quilt is in the dryer. When all is finished, then I wash it. The quilts look great.
Last edited by ManiacQuilter2; 02-07-2014 at 07:45 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post