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Sewing Projects

RAG QUILT

Materials Needed:

*denotes items sold on www.TheSewingCenter.com

Flannel, 100% Cotton, or Denim Fabric in contrasting colors - amount varies based on quilt size.

Quilting Thread

Rotary Cutter and Mat*

Lip Edge Ruler*

Straight Pins

Scissors- (4" Fiskar spring snips recommended)*

Optional but recommended:

Fast Tack- cuts down on pinning*

Batting- adds warmth and loft to your quilt

Vanishing Marker/Pen*

One of the best projects for a beginner sewer is a rag quilt. It does not have to be perfect and the imperfections are not as visible like on a piece of clothing. It is a great way to get comfortable with a sewing machine and excited about sewing for the first time.

This project teaches sewing in straight lines, diagonal lines, seams, locking stitches, and more. It may be completed on a small scale level such as a wall hanging, baby blanket, or throw; or on a larger scale project such as a bedspread.

This project is also a great way to clear out all the fabric scrapes you have been saving. It can be a multi-color quilt and it looks great even when the fabrics are not color coordinated. You can also create a reversible quilt with a totally different fabric on the back. Another way to create a unique look on the back is use a different color bobbin thread or decorative stitches when making the X.

YOUR FABRIC MUST BE FLANNEL, 100% COTTON OR DENIM otherwise is won't fray when washed. To determine how much fabric you need will depends on the size of your project. See chart below.

If you choose to make a bedspread, don't forget to figure a drop (how much you want it to go past the mattress.) The following chart includes recommended sizes for your quilt.

Crib mattress	23" x 46"
Twin	39" x 75"
Full	54" x 75"
queen	60" x 80"
King	76" x 80"
Throws	50" x 60"

Here is an estimate of how many squares will be generated of 1 yd of 60" fabric. Keep in mind the smaller the square size, the more tedious the work.

Square size	Number of Squares
1"	598
2"	210
3"	110
4"	56
5"	42

For additional warmth you may want to put batting in between the squares or use flannel on the back. If using batting, cut the batting squares about 2 inches smaller than the size square you selected for the quilt.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut squares into desired size. (We used 8" squares for our throw project.)

2. Pin two squares together, wrong side of fabric to wrong side. The right side of the fabric should be showing on both sides. If using batting, put batting between the squares and pin.

3. Sew a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner creating an X on the square. New sewers probably need to mark the X on the square with a vanishing marker before sewing. Stop a 1/4 inch from the corners.

4. Once step 3 is completed for all of your squares, pin squares together making a row. Sew 1/4 inch seams where you pinned the squares. This is the width of your quilt. Continue until you have the width you want.

5. Clip along each seam you just sewed using snips. This is what will fray in the washer. Do not clip all the way to the seam, as it may cause the seam to break. The smaller and closer to the seam you get, the more the fray after washed.

6. For the next row, start with the second color and follow your square pattern in step 4; clipping the seams as you go.

7. Pin the 2nd row to the first row. Sew a 1/4 inch seam where you just pinned and clip.

8. Continue the rows until you have the length you want. If you decide you want it wider you can add a row going down.

9. Once all rows have been sewn together, sew a 1/4 inch seam all the way around the outside of the quilt and clip.

10. Wash the quilt in the washer and then put in the dryer. Do not wash or dry with other clothing. Threads from the fraying will cover other clothing. Once dry, shake it to get off the loose threads. Be sure to clean your lint traps as this process does create a lot of lint.

CREATIVE VARIATIONS

* If you have an embroidery machine you can embroider the squares. Make it with children's fabric and embroider things such as "First step on 10-15-03." Each square marks a special milestone.
* Embroider a signature: "to Grandma made with love from _____" on the square.
* Use iron-on digital pictures. Family tree throws make a great gift for Grandma. Use decorative stitches or embroidery to border the pictures.
* The denim and flannel squares are great for a man's throw. Denim used with football team fabric looks great.
* Make your rag quilt and use it as if it's a piece of fabric. Use a sewing pattern such as a purse, tote, vest, Christmas stockings, or tree skirt pattern. Cut them out and create them using the rag quilt.