How To Sew A Rag Quilt
Are you looking for an easy quilting project? Rag quilts are perfect for beginners because they don’t require precise piecing, and the frayed seams create a cozy, textured look.
In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to make a rag quilt from start to finish. Whether you want to create a baby rag quilt, a throw-sized quilt, or a full-sized bed quilt, this tutorial will walk you through the entire process.
What is a Rag Quilt?
A rag quilt is a type of quilt made from layered fabric squares, with exposed frayed seams that give it a soft, rustic look. Unlike traditional quilts, rag quilts don’t require intricate piecing or quilting. Instead, they use seam allowances that are snipped and frayed to create their unique style. You quilt your pieces as you go and there is no binding needed at the end.
Why You'll Love Making a Rag Quilt:
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Beginner-friendly: No need for advanced quilting skills.
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Fast and easy: Can be finished in a weekend!
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No batting required: Uses flannel, cotton or batting/wadding - you can choose.
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Perfect for gifts: Great for baby quilts, couch throws and DIY home decor.
Materials Needed for a Rag Quilt
Before you start sewing your DIY rag quilt, gather the following supplies (and I have added some links to my favourites if you want to take a look):
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Fabric:
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Top layer: Quilting cotton.
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Middle layer (optional): Flannel, fleece or lightweight batting/ wadding for warmth.
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Backing layer: Flannel for a soft, cozy feel or quilting cotton.
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Thread: Matching or contrasting, depending on your preference.
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Rotary cutter - I highly recommend this one - https://amzn.to/4iW97NW.
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Fabric scissors - I have these in purple - https://amzn.to/43mnbMn.
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Cutting mat and ruler (to ensure accurate square sizes).
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Pins or quilting clips (to hold layers in place) - https://amzn.to/4hL80Q8 - you'll need these for holding the layers together for joining the squares.
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Sewing machine (capable of sewing through multiple fabric layers).
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Snipping scissors (for fraying the seams) - I wish I had had these at hand - https://amzn.to/3FUpeNK. I'll definitely be investing in these for my next rag quilt.
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Iron and ironing board (to press fabric before sewing). I have the Oliso iron and wouldn't be without it now - https://amzn.to/4i5Vhbj.
Step 1: Plan Your Quilt Size and Cut Fabric Squares
Decide on the size of your rag quilt and how many squares you need.
Here’s a rough guide to give you an idea of sizes (but this is your quilt so make it to the size you wish):
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Baby Rag Quilt: 30” x 40” (cut 6” squares, 7x10 layout)
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Lap Rag Quilt: 50” x 60” (cut 8” squares, 7x9 layout)
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Throw Size: 60” x 72” (cut 10” squares, 6x7 layout)
- Throw Size: 72" x 54" (cut 5.5" squares, 16 x 12 layout)
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Crib Size: 36” x 52” (cut 6” squares, 9x13 layout)
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Twin Size: 68” x 90” (cut 10” squares, 7x9 layout)
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Full/Double Size: 80” x 90” (cut 10” squares, 8x9 layout)
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Queen Size: 90” x 100” (cut 10” squares, 9x10 layout)
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King Size: 108” x 108” (cut 12” squares, 9x9 layout)
Once you decide on the quilt size, cut equal amounts of top, middle and backing squares.
I decided on a layout using the throw size using squares of 5.5" because that best suited using the fat quarters I had.
Step 2: Make Quilt Sandwiches
Each quilt block consists of three layers:
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Back fabric (right side facing down).
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Middle fabric (optional batting or flannel for warmth).
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Top fabric (right side facing up).
Align all edges and pin each of the 4 sides. I tried taking the short cut of adding 2 pins - and it really didn't pay off! It resulted in puckers as the fabric was shifting as I sewed. So take my advice - pin each side.
Step 3: Quilt Each Block
To keep your quilt layers together, sew an “X” across each square. This prevents shifting and adds a decorative touch.
Step 4: Sew the Quilt Blocks Together
When assembling your quilt, sew the squares with a ½-inch seam allowance and with the fabric WRONG SIDES TOGETHER - this will mean your raw edges are facing out. This is what creates the signature ragged, frayed seams.
The easiest way I found to join them together was like this:
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Sew your squares into blocks of 2 (1 x 1) and then into blocks of 4 (2 x 2).
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Then sew those together into blocks of 16 and so on.
You may prefer to sew yours into rows and join those together.
When you are joining the squares, your quilting clips will come in incredibly useful. I push the seams open either side of the sewn seam- and pop the clip right over them. This will help to spread the bulk and make it easier to sew over.
Sew a seam the whole way around the quilt with a 1/2" seam allowance - this will lock in all those edges.
Step 5: Snip into the Seam Allowances
Once you have assembled your entire quilt top, it's time to commence snipping. Using sharp snipping scissors (I wish I had invested in the ones I recommended above as they would have saved a LOT of time and thumb effort, cut slits 1/2" apart, along all the seam allowances from the edge almost to the stitching. Be careful not to cut into the stitching!
Pro Tip: The closer the snips, the fluffier your rag quilt will look!
Step 6: Wash and Dry to Create Frayed Seams
To achieve the soft, frayed effect, wash your quilt in cold water on a gentle cycle. Then, dry it on low heat or air-dry to avoid excessive lint.
You may want to do as a I suggest and not what I did - and pop your quilt into a washing bag, pillow case or duvet cover as there will be quite a lot of fluff, lint and thread produced.
ENJOY YOUR QUILT AND SEE WHO WILL BE THE FIRST TO STEAL IT!
If you have enjoyed this tutorial but would like to watch me making it - I have a full YouTube video on my channel. You can watch it here
https://youtu.be/9Vz9SVbdRYc