When I first moved to Pennsylvania 21 years ago (and, wow, that's almost half my lifetime!), I became fascinated with the long honored tradition of quilting so prevalent throughout the community. You have everything from Amish quilters to Hmong reverse quilting called "paj ntaub" which means flower cloth. I made two baby quilts and called it quits for the next 15 years.
A local quilt store recently drew my attention and like a moth to a flame, I was drawn in. Chester County Quilting had the perfect thing for my need for quilting speed: Rag Quilts made with 48 blocks of flannel.
With a basic straight stitch and my mom's classic Singer, I was good to go.
First Step: Dust (if unused for awhile like mine) and thread sewing machine; make sure bobbin is full.
Good Ole' Table Bound Classic Singer
Second Step: Pull out precut flannel squares (this one was made of Fall themed fabric pre-selected by store owner who created a couple different kits) and pre-cut batting squares (cut about 1/2 inch smaller than flannel all around). Make sandwiches of top fabric, batting, bottom fabric. Make sure batting is centered all around. {Note: I didn't need pins to secure the fabric at this step.}
Rag Quilt "Sandwich" Pieces of Fabric and Batting
Third Step: Sew diagonal lines through all squares. Turn and sew the other way so you have an "X" on each square.
Rag Quilt Pieces Sewn Corner to Corner
Fourth Step: Decide your pattern and start sewing square pairs until you have 24 sets of 2, using a 1/2" seam allowance on all steps. (Repurposing an unused ping-pong table works great!) Sew pairs together, making sure all seam allowance edges are on the same side, to create 12 foursquares. Sew the foursquares together to create 6 8-piece rectangles. Sew these together to make your quilt. {Pinning on this step helps keep the fabric from bunching up.}
Rag Quilt Pieces Pieced Together into Semi-Random Pattern
Fifth Step: Use zig-zag stitch around the outer edge to secure your seams.
Sixth Step: Carefully, cut your flannel edges every 1/4 th inch (within 1/8th in of stitching) without cutting into your seams.
Seventh Step: Wash and dry, changing lint filter often.
Rag Quilt Top from the Top
Rag Quilt from the Back
And, you are done! Quick weekend project and a personalized gift made with love is complete! It doesn't get much easier! Now, the next kit I have is of baby fabrics! Next, I'll branch out and buy my own flannels and cut to size. Then, comes another idea I have. Down the road. . . . This is addicting! Oh, can't forget to mention my Pinterest board where I am collecting new quilting ideas too!
that is so nice! If I tried to make that it would be a uneven quilt. My Grandmother made a lot of quilts in her day, I guees I did not get that gene! looks great!