Rag quilts are quilts that have exposed seam allowances on their fronts and finished, traditional seams on their backs.
Rag quilts have three layers: a top, batting, and backing. But the quilts are assembled using a completely different method than you might be accustomed to.What are the Best Fabrics for Rag Quilts?
I use regular quilting cottons, flannels, homespuns and denims for rag quilts -- or combinations of the four.
- Flannels make soft, cuddly rag quilts.
- Homespuns fray wonderfully and their plaids and stripes offer a country look.
- Denim rag quilts can be very heavy -- while you're sewing them and when they're used as a cover. Reduce the load a bit by sewing with a lightweight denim, or by using denim for the front of the quilt and flannel or regular quilting cottons on its back. You might even decide that two layers are plenty, and omit the batting altogether.
- Avoid polyester blends -- they don't fray very well.
- No matter what I use for the quilt's front and back, I prefer flannel batting. It fills out the frays and leaves a soft finish on the front of the quilt. Don't use your expensive flannels for batting, but consider how the color(s) you select will look when their threads become part of the quilt's frayed edges.
- Quilting cottons can be used, but the frays won't be as lush as flannel frays.
- Some quilters use low-loft cotton batting in rag quilts. It takes longer to use that method and quilting is necessary to keep the fibers intact. See page 4.
- No quilting is necessary if you use flannel or another fabric for batting, because they remain stable in the quilt.
