How to Make a Rag Quilt

Quilting has once again become a popular hobby, and the easiest way to begin to hone your skills is by learning how to make a rag quilt. Make yours from worn dresses, shirts, trousers or jeans and preserve the memories of where those clothes took you while you "go green" to create a warm cover for long, cold winter nights. For "shabby chic" lovers, the frayed seams of the rag quilt are one of the most endearing characteristics.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Planning Your Design

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    For the best results, you need fabric that will fray, so consider 100 percent cotton or denim for your rag quilt.
    • Make sure if you are using old material from around the home or the bottom of your quilting box that you have enough to complete the whole quilt.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    Multiply the length times the width. Divide that number by 7 to determine how many squares you will need.
    • Divide the number of squares by 6. This assumes a fabric width of 45 inches (114.3 cm). Multiply that number by 7 to determine how many inches of fabric length you will need; divide that by 12 for the yards. If your fabric is 60 inches wide (152.4 cm), divide the number of squares by 9.
      • Have we lost you? Basically, each square will be six inches wide and six inches long. If your quilt is ten rows across and 15 rows down, that's 60 inches wide by 90 inches long.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    The actual size of the finished squares will be 6 inches (15.24 cm); 7 inches allots for the seam.
    • If the finished size of your quilt is not evenly divisible by 6, enlarge or reduce the size of the squares to fit, allowing an extra inch (2.54 cm) for seam allowances.
      • You could always work with different sizes of squares or a larger or smaller quilt--just make sure you factor in the seam to your final size; you lose an inch on either side with each square.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Creating Your Quilt

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    Stitch them, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Unlike the usual sewing project, the wrong sides are together so that the seams will be visible on top of the squares.
    • You are welcome to use a smaller seam, but that will result in less of a fraying effect.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    Continue until you have reached the width that you want for your quilt. Remember to keep it wrong side up!
    • Machine sewing is usually the fastest and best way to quickly and simply quilt these blocks.
    • Using a walking foot will help the fabric be more stable so tucks and puckers don't occur.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    Do this until you have used all the squares, which should be enough for the length you want for your quilt.
    • Always sew with the raw seam towards the top of the quilt. It is a good idea to sew the seams open as this will reduce the bulk of sewing over seams that are turned to one side.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    Again, keep the wrong sides of the fabric together. Sometimes it's a hard habit to break!
    • After you have sewn all your strips together, sew an inch inside the outer border all around the quilt.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Rag Quilt
    You can also speed up the process by pulling cross threads out of the squares.
    • Take scissors to the edges of your fraying seams to give it a uniform, ruffled edge.
    • Pop it in the dryer! This will help the seams become soft and fluffy.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use pieces of old clothing?
    Atalanta64
    Community Answer
    Yes, just make sure they're good material and reasonable sizes.
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      Tips

      • Now that you know how to make a rag quilt, play around with creating pictures by arranging different colors of squares.
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      • If you purchase denim, wool, flannel or other heavier fabrics, you do not need a backing for your rag quilt.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Fabric
      • Ruler
      • Scissors
      • Thread
      • Sewing machine

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      References

      1. http://www.quilting101.com/styles/rag-quilts

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To make a rag quilt, start by cutting some old cotton or denim fabric into 7- by 7-inch squares. Then, stitch the squares together, wrong-side up, working on 1 row at a time. Once you've finished all of the rows, sew them together, and sew 1 inch inside the outer border all around the quilt. Finally, machine wash and dry the quilt so the edges start fraying. For tips on how to choose a size for your rag quilt, keep reading!

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