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| Pink rag quilt after clipping, then shaken hard. not washed yet |
If you look at the labels on the right and scroll down, you will see one which is titled "Sewing: Rag quilting". Click on it, you will have five blogs about the subject. There are instructions, where you could pick up and do it yourself even if you have never done any quilting (piecing). I am sure on Youtube there are many tutorials, and the internet is filled with blogs on the subject.
My Daughter told me her BFF was pregnant. I immediately asked her if she wanted a "Shaggy" for her baby. It was a resounding yes. I can't tell you how many of these I have made for infants, big kids and adults (over 100). They are the ultimate "CUDDLE COVER". They wear like iron, go through zillions of washes, only getting softer each time. They are not treasure quilts, even though I know they are treasured.
It has been at least 5 years since I have made one. I made a sample to refresh my memory, to decide my preference of seam depth, stitch length and other particulars. (The sample will go to a local women's charity.)
A shaggy can be made with all sizes of flannel squares. The original pattern made the scene in the 90's. It was made with 8 1/2 inch squares stitched together with 1" seams, and clipped with 1/4" wide ragging, and had 6 1/2" square batting inside. I have 6 inch squares leftover from the previous rag quilts I made. I had enough coordinating squares to make an infant quilt. 180 makes a rectangle, and 200 makes a square.
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| Ready to be clipped |
What did I find? It is nice to have a stash of precut squares. You can dive in right away. I was reminded what fun they are to make. It is totally mindless sewing. You don't have to worry if you get a crimp in the seam. Why, it's unwashed flannel and when washed, it will tighten up, the crimp will join the multitudinous wrinkles.
On this quilt I used 1/2 inch seams and clipped 1/8" and closer for the ragging. I found this gives a chenille look after washing. The larger seam with larger spacing of clipping gives the "rag" look.
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| Remember this back is made from leftovers. It isn't a planned back. |
When choosing colors I have found using the same color in all squares on the side you have your exposed seams is very pleasing. I pick fabrics for the back which complement the front color. (You can make a checkerboard on the back.) When clipped the colors show on the front in a pastel version of those on the back. In my blogs are several examples.
Most versions have batting in between the squares. The quilt which I am making for DD's friend is going to Florida so it does not need batting. When joining the squares, you stitch across the diagonal of the square twice. I use the number 3 setting on my machine for for stitch length. It is not necessary to have close stitches here because this is not a stress point. The stitching is to keep the squares together and to hold any batting in place. You can use thread colored different from the fabric. It makes a great accent on the blocks. The quilt looks like you quilted it on the diagonal when you finish joining all the blocks. BTW, I am not a thread snob, but I encourage you to only use new thread. Thread from granny's sewing box is not strong enough for these seams.
Very important, before clipping, sew around the entire perimeter with #2 stitch or less. Make this row of stitching 1" in, sew parallel to the edge completely around the quilt.
When Stitching the seams I use #2 length. The seams take a lot of abuse when they are washed because of the weight of the flannel. When you are washing it the first few times you should take it outside to shake the "S" out of it. This wet shaking is very stressful on the joinings of the blankie and on you! Believe me when I say, this moment is when you wished you hadn't made a king size with cotton batting. A word of caution: Wash the quilt at the laundromat with several towels. The lint will stop up your front loader very quickly.
When you sew a cross seam it is a good idea to bar tack at every crossing. This is where you are going to get real stress in the everyday use. It is almost impossible to repair a seam which splits open after it has been washed. I have done it by straightening the ragged fibers with the iron, and encasing them in the clear packing tape and then sewing on top of the tape.
When you clip be sure to not clip into the seam. Clip close to the seam stitching without clipping into it. If you are filled with trepidation about using expensive flannels for this, use old flannel pj's, nighties, sheets etc. cut them up. They make a great throw, and if you don't need a throw you have an instant pet cover or picnic blanket. See this blog:
The quilt above won't be washed till next week. I'll post a pic after.
more blogs by me:
Where I have stories of my cats and other pets
a blog about my courtship with my husband,
and a blog about my most embarrassing moment.
A "Soap box" blog where I do air my opinions.
blogs about the wildflowers on our farm
Organic methods we use, some cooking and some poetry,
blogs about Seed sprouting, insects, and garden pictures
Blog about an endangered beneficial beetle
Chronicling our adventures with a dumped Pit Bull Pup,
who has become a hidden treasure.
All recipes, pictures, and writings are my own.
I give credit for items which belong to other people in my blogs .
Please do not copy without permission
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