Don't you just love fabric sales? Not only do you get to go look at the countless patterns and colors, you can also talk to the other women and swap ideas.
The last time I went to a fabric sale at our local fabric store, it seemed that everyone was stocking up on flannel for baby rag quilts. I decided to jump on the band wagon, and discovered how easy it is to sew a rag quilt in no time.
I chose three different fabrics that went together.
After pre-washing the fabric and pressing it, I folded it in half, selvage edges together with wrong sides together. Then I cut it into 8-inch squares using a rotary cutter. I sewed an "X" on each pair of squares.
Then, after placing 25 sewn squares into the pattern I wanted, I stitched the squares from each row together, with the raw edges to the front.
After the squares in each row were sewn together, I sewed the rows together, also with the raw edges to the front.
The next step was probably the most time consuming (and boring). I clipped all the edges at about 1/2-inch intervals, being careful not to cut through the stitching.
All that was left to do was to send the quilt through the washer and dryer a couple of times to make the edges soft and fluffy. It should become better with each washing.
Thanks for the friendly women at the fabric store, who were willing to share their ideas.
The last time I went to a fabric sale at our local fabric store, it seemed that everyone was stocking up on flannel for baby rag quilts. I decided to jump on the band wagon, and discovered how easy it is to sew a rag quilt in no time.
I chose three different fabrics that went together.
After pre-washing the fabric and pressing it, I folded it in half, selvage edges together with wrong sides together. Then I cut it into 8-inch squares using a rotary cutter. I sewed an "X" on each pair of squares.
Then, after placing 25 sewn squares into the pattern I wanted, I stitched the squares from each row together, with the raw edges to the front.
After the squares in each row were sewn together, I sewed the rows together, also with the raw edges to the front.
The next step was probably the most time consuming (and boring). I clipped all the edges at about 1/2-inch intervals, being careful not to cut through the stitching.
All that was left to do was to send the quilt through the washer and dryer a couple of times to make the edges soft and fluffy. It should become better with each washing.
I'm excited to try different fabric combinations. I think rag quilts would be a perfect addition to my "baby shower" stash of presents.
Do any of you have stockpiles of ready-to-go presents? What are your go-to items to give?
Thanks for the friendly women at the fabric store, who were willing to share their ideas.
Darling quilt. I love the fabrics you selected.
ReplyDeleteI love making these quilts! Like you said, the snipping is the worst. I have made them with 100% cotton as well and they turned out wonderful but I do take them to the laundry mat in town to wash them...the strings are unbelievable! Love your fabric choices and combinations!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried one of the rag quilts yet, but now I'm thinking that might be a good one to make for our youngest granddaughter. Love those colors you chose!
ReplyDeleteBaby Ronin loves his rag quilt! Ok, full disclosure, we haven't used it yet because it's so HOT, but he loves how it looks and will be snuggling in it this winter! :) Thanks so much Kristi!
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