Hey everyone. Today you will learn how to make a cozy rag quilt that gets softer every single wash.
Here we go.
Meet the Fabric First
This is the Fun Flannel Stars Lilac from Oasis Fabrics.
It is a cotton flannel. One hundred percent cotton flannel.
The width is 44 to 45 inches. That is standard quilting width.
It comes from the Fun Flannel collection. The color is lilac.
The print is sweet and simple. Stars scattered right across that soft lilac ground.
And it is brushed flannel. You can feel that softness right away.
It drapes soft. It sews easy. It loves to be washed.
That brushed surface matters here. Wash it once and those clipped edges go fluffy. Cotton flannel blooms really, really well.
The Project: A Cozy Rag Quilt
A rag quilt is pieced a little different. We sew it with the seams on the outside, on purpose.
We clip them close, then wash the quilt. The edges fray into a soft fringe. No binding needed, and no perfect points to fuss over.
Why does this lilac flannel suit it so well? Three good reasons.
First, flannel frays beautifully. Quilting cotton frays too, but flannel gets that extra halo.
Second, the stars look cute in big squares. You do not lose the print when you cut it.
Third, lilac is gentle and calm. It is perfect for a baby quilt, a lap throw, or a couch cuddle quilt.
We will aim for about 40 inches by 48 inches finished — a nice baby or small lap size. Want it bigger? Just add rows. Completely up to you.
Materials List
- 3 yards of Fun Flannel Stars Lilac Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard for the top squares
- 3 yards of a coordinating flannel for the back squares, or use more of the same Lilac
- Optional thin batting or flannel for the middle layer, cut the same as your squares
- All-purpose thread to match
- Spring-loaded rag quilt snips or sharp fabric scissors
- Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat
- Sewing machine with a walking foot and a universal needle, size 90/14
Here is the math. Cut 8-inch squares — 30 for the front and 30 for the back. That is five across and six rows down.
With a 1-inch seam allowance, each block shows 6 inches on top. If you add a middle layer, cut 30 squares at 7 inches and center them.
Brief Steps
Step 1: Wash and press first. Pre-wash your flannel in warm water and dry it. Flannel can shrink a bit. Better it shrinks now, not after you sew. Press it flat.
Step 2: Cut your squares. Cut nice and square. Use your ruler lines, not just the mat. Wonky squares make wonky rows. Ask me how I know.
Step 3: Make your sandwiches. Layer a back square wrong side out, a middle square if using one, and a front square right side out. Pin the center.
Step 4: Sew the rows. Join sandwiches with that 1-inch seam. Seams face out on the front. Use a stitch length of about 2.5 mm. Backstitch at the start and end of each seam so it holds through washing.
Step 5: Join the rows. Nest those thick seams as best you can. Pin well. Go slow over the bulky spots. Slow down or the needle can deflect. A walking foot really helps here.
Step 6: Clip and wash. Clip every exposed seam every 1/4 to 1/2 inch, close to the stitching but not through it. Clip the outer edge all the way around too. Then wash and dry it. Shake it outside first. You will get a lot of lint that first wash. That is normal.
Practical Tips From My Table
Take your time. It is not a race.
It does not have to be perfect. Truly. You are your own worst critic. A rag quilt is forgiving by design.
Use those spring-loaded snips if you have them. Your hands will thank you after 30 blocks of clipping.
Clean your lint trap halfway through that first dry. Flannel sheds. A lot.
Want it extra cozy? Use flannel for all three layers. Want it lighter? Leave the middle out. Both work fine. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Fun Flannel Stars Lilac Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
