rag quilt and a tutorial

There have been a couple of inquiries regarding the sewing of a rag quilt plus having a tutorial. Yesterday I purchased four fabrics that will be part of my tutorial (click on the image for an up close look). There is one yard of each pattern and three yards of the cream flannel. I have extra flannel at home in my stash, so if I am in need of more, I won't need to purchase it. You may want that extra yard just to make sure that you will have enough.


For this quilt I will have the four patterns on the front and a very soft cream flannel on the back. Once you see how this is constructed, you will be able to make changes in size and design. That has been the best part for me! I saw several tutorials and have just pieced together my own. There are no limits.

I do need to say, with this much fabric, this will be a large quilt. I am doing this quilt for our living room, where I am pulling in reds, so I want to make a statement. You may have seen an earlier post where I sewed a baby size quilt. Piece of cake! At that size, it all comes together very quickly.

Ok ... I will give a shopping list for you and just basic measurements to keep in mind. If you do not have a cutting mat and a rotary cutter, you may want to buy them. It is not necessary, but I have done it both ways (ie; scissors and pattern) and I have to say that the rotary cutter makes it a whole lot easier, faster, plus your squares will be equal in size.

Something to keep in mind, old shirts and jeans are awesome in making a quilt. If you plan to work with denim, make sure you have a strong needle to sew with. So if you want to raid your closets, go for it. (I have several pairs of my husbands jeans that will eventually make it to a quilt!) I am all about shopping the house and reusing what we have.

Here are the tools and materials I will be using:

*rotary cutter
*cutting mat
*yard stick
*scissors
*thread (I use Coats-machine quilting and crafts)
*sewing machine
*100% cotton fabric of choice and as many patterns as you like
*flannel fabric for backing
*batting for the center (the type that comes in a roll-I use a light weight)
*as for measurements - I will be cutting 8"x8" squares

While you are gathering your supplies, I will be washing and ironing my fabric to get started. Please check back in the next several days, I will post pictures for each step. Not to mention, if you have ANY questions, do not hesitate in asking. I am a visual learner and appreciate good instruction, so if I have left anything out, be sure to tell me so that I can help you succeed in your creation of a rag quilt.

This will be so much fun!! I would love to see any pictures of your own fabric choices! I had to purchase all mine at WalMart (which I am fortunate, my WalMart sells name brand fabrics) rather than going to an actual fabric store ... I live in the sticks ... remember! Smile!