Before You Make a Ragtime Quilt Watch This

[@deafsetter]

In order to not have all that bulk at the intersecting seams, you could offset the blocks like bricks. Instead of matching seams, you sew the 2nd row with the seam in the middle of the two seams of the previous row and just put half blocks at the end to make up for the offset. No matching of seams and less bulk. I prefer the 3/4 inch with batting. Great informative video.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great tip! Thank you!!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Debbie, I have been giving your idea more thought and I really like this idea. Have you make ragtime quilts like this before. I may have to try this!

[@deafsetter]

@@thesimplequilter7499 Haven't made one like this before. Saw on Lea Louise you tube.

[@suebean3873]

Yes, I’ve seen them before but for myself, I prefer the regular way but yes, it does make it much easier to sew and not so many big seams at each block seam. I also see that when you cut your block with the cricut machine that it takes off the corner of each block. It seems to look okay but I haven’t done it to mine when I cut my blocks. Probably easier to sew without a good chunk missing like the cricut does.

[@janicecahill4045]

I usually use three layers of flannel or 2 layers of cotton with flannel in the middle. That way you get more fluff in your seams. I sew mine with half to three-quarter inch seam. I clip a quarter inch apart. That makes a fluffier seam. It looks more like chenille. That is the look I like.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That's a great idea!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Janice, I have been thinking more about your reply. I think clipping 1/4" does provide a nicer fray. My daughter helps me clip a lot of my ragtime quilts and I notice some didn't really fray as nice. I think it is because they were snipped too far apart. The old quilt I showed needed to be clipped closer. I will pay more attention to that now. I think we are just in such a hurry to get it clipped we get a bit wide with our snips! Thank you again for your input!

[@barbarachase7725]

I forgot to mention that I take full-size rag quilts to the laundromat to wash because my washing machine does not have a filter that I can clean out. I usually put it in the dryer there and then take it home to complete the drying. And as you said, I watch the dryer and clean it out several times during the cycle. Rag quilts are so fun and forgiving. I can see why you have made so many.😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

My family members love them!

[@norwaysuem]

Shake outside

[@C123abc]

I made one with denim and flannel. Used 1/2 seams. I think it's perfect and I did not add batting. The thing weighs a ton. So be careful about putting batting in it if you're making it large. You may not be able to lift it. :)

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Lol! I love the weight because it helps me sleep!

[@leorajs]

My sister saw my rag quilt, picked it up and wanted it. She sleeps better under a heavy quilt, too... she loves it!

[@paulahaddox7826]

A large block like that looks better with the larger seams. The 1/2” seams get lost. The 3/4” seams appear to be a good compromise. I like to clip my seams a little closer together for a fuller ruffle appearance.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes, I agree with clipper the seams a little closer together! I am getting ready to sew and clip several quilts soon!

[@carolynlewis1264]

Try flannel as your batting it will rag better and put in your seam allowance.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for the tip!

[@connieking9873]

Like you I have made many rag quilts different sizes and material. Years ago began saving my husbands used denim jeans. He is a farmer. Saved 6” squares and began making baby quilts for great grands. I use half inch seams no batting with denim. I use batting with my cotton and flannel. But still only do half inch seams. Love my spring loaded Fiskar scissors. Have never used a walking foot may have to try. My seam length is usually 2.5. I double stay stitch around outside. I have had a sink that my washer drains into and a strainer in my drain hole. Definitely need to check dryer both in tub and outside vent. Usually 10 minutes into drying cycle then in 20 minutes. I usually wash and dry 3 times before gifting any rag quilt. The larger seams seem to bulky for me. Love this video. Great comparison.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great reply! Thanks for sharing!

[@kathleen.rogers1442]

Hi Michelle, I like the 3/4 inch fray, it looks neater to me, thank you for your tutorials and info 😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You’re welcome 😊

[@veronicalandfair8492]

I like the 3/4 in rag quilts also. Thanks for the nice informative tutorial. I really get a kick out of your “men”!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

I love the 3/4 inch one. I have always wanted to make a rag quilt where the denim is “consoled”. I have yardage in a very pretty flower white and blue denim and yardage in a plain blue denim. I want to use both in my rag quilt. It will be a while yet before I make them. How big of a square did you use! Thanks for this demonstration.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are welcome!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Vikki, I have used several sizes; however, most of my ragtime quilts are from 9" blocks. The denim samples I showed are 8" blocks.

[@Amritadivya54]

Thanks! I am thinking that the denim should be on the bottom to help reduce the dampness that you may get with a picnic on grass in a park. What do you think? This was very helpful for me! def. going for the 3/4" seams!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes , denim should be on the ground on a picnic quilt. Denim should be up if used for any type of covering like a wheelchair quilt. You would want the flannel against you.

[@lcsd863]

I know this video is a year old but I love❤❤ the quilt behind you.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you!

[@sandyvotel3484]

I love it too!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

@@sandyvotel3484 Thank you!

[@fernlamberson565]

Michelle good information on rag quilts! I liked the 3/4 inch it looked the best. And yes the batting gave it more definition. Now I think the 1/2 is good for clothing say a jacket because your squares or strips are smaller. Just a thought! 🌻😉

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Good point!

[@janbrassard7857]

Throw in a drier first on just air. Will catch a lot of lint before you wash

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I have done that on occasion. Thanks!

[@carlarowley5929]

I like the 3/4 inch the best. I’ve never made a denim quilt but have made flannel ragtime quilts. Thanks for showing the difference between them all.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@trudimcdonald927]

I preferred the 3/4 inch seam, in my opinion it gave it right amount of fluff... Thanks for the tutorial, the advice and the idea... Going to make one of these for sure...

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pamferguson9670]

3/4 or 1 " wonder if u could not fringe one side where the 2 come together. Light batting

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Not sure….

[@cowbird51]

When I make the flannel rag quilts I put it in a king size pillow case. Baste it shut. Wash. Take outside to open and shake out. I try to do that twice. After shaking it out the second time I put it back in the pillowcase and put it in the dryer because I don’t want to clog up my washer or my dryer lint screen.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I love this tip!!!!!! I am going to try this!!! Thank you so much!!! What an amazing idea!!!

[@pamelaarbour3368]

Do you have any special tips for clipping?

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Be sure to use good sharp spring loaded scissors to help reduce strain on your hand and wrist. Clip 1/4”-3/8” no bigger…it frays nicer. Pace yourself so you don’t end up with pain in you hand, wrist, elbow, neck or back!

[@lucyscott736]

Thanks for the info. I did one with an inch. I like the 3/4 better. Maybe I’ll do another . Thanks

[@thesimplequilter7499]

They are great quilts and you don’t have to pay to have it quilted!!!

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. I like the inch and 3/4 inch. I think you trim the knot some. I also like batting or extra scaps between. It depends on what I have on hand. Thank. I made my cousin a rag quilt and put seam binding around the quilt and I thought it turned out cute. Also, I washed mine along w towels.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nancycatron2722]

I have made tons of the Jean rag quilts. To help keep the corners from having a knot. I cut the Jean corners out. I always use a 3/4 seam, so I'll cut a 3/4 x 3/4 square out. When it's all put together you can't tell that it has some missing.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Nancy, Thank you for sharing!

[@lindadalton2668]

In all my years of quilting I have never heard it called a ragtime quilt I’ve only known it as a Rag quilt. I must have heard it wrong all these years sorry

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I think it can go by either name.

[@doraleetrent1802]

I agree with your choice. I have made about six blue Jean quilts but I never had put in batting Thank you for your tutorials!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Doralee, I make the batting small enough it does not poke out the edges where the fray is.

[@mjhair1]

so glad I found this! Getting ready to make a jean & flannel quilt. was going to do th 1/2 in. but will now be doin a 3/4 in. Thanks so much for doing this video!!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome! Enjoy!

[@sharonjohnson7458]

I like the 3/4 inch one the best. great experiment. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for watching!

[@debbiewarrenfeltz3703]

1 inch

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jaynekilbride5620]

You could make one with the inch seams but offset the blocks so you don’t have the big hard knot where the blocks intersect.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Good idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@pamelaarbour3368]

I like the one inch but I agree with you that the 3/4" would be better due to the knot. Nice video

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you Pamela!

[@janislong279]

I think that I like the look of the 1" seam the best but I will follow your advice and go with the ¾" seam. Love your tutorials. 😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks so much 😊

[@franmartinez4061]

Liked your test video a lot. I have made hundreds of mini frayed flannel quilts as cushion covers for my chairs to keep my cat from clawing the fabric to shreads. Then my daughter wanted some, and later my son asked for some.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Wonderful!

[@carolynlewis1264]

Maybe try a 5/8 inch seam. That's what I use for my rag quilts.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great idea!

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

I agree with most. I like the 3/4 inch. I have a number of old flannel sheets that I might use as batting.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That sounds like a good idea and a great way to use what you have!

[@pammeinzer6757]

Hello, I like the three quarters inch and the one with batting. Keep those tutorials coming.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Pam, I’m glad you are watching and enjoying them! Thanks for subscribing!

[@wesfox4455]

We love the ragtime quilts too. I love you!!!💕❤️

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Linda, That is awesome!!! Keep up the great work!

[@jtumbleweed64]

I made my two sons a jelly roll like quilt with their fathers jean legs and flannel. Did raggy like. Oldest son gave it back to me to put a backing on it. Younger son liked it without a backing. Was heavy enough. Made youngest son a rag time quilt with batting and backing with farm scenes. Was too heavy and hot for him. Am now making a rag time flannel with their grandfather’s jean pant legs. Going to do jelly roll style but seams inside. Will not do any batting. Learned all the guys are hot blooded. I was wondering if you would clip off some of those clippings almost to the seam(double stitch that small section seam). When washed the raggy would cover where you clipped.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I thought about clipping out part of the bulk, but, I was afraid I would create a bald spot. I could certainly try it out on my sample blocks! Good idea!

[@jtumbleweed64]

@@thesimplequilter7499 I would double stitch the seam at those intersection. Maybe even a stitch or two off center

[@carolgoff4317]

Thank you Michelle! Another great video. I made one denim rag quilt and one baby ragtime quilt. I thought my hands were done for and haven't made one since! What is your hot tip for wimps like me? I think 3/4 " seams frayed out the nicest!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Carol, is snipping the edges what wore your hands out?

[@carolgoff4317]

@@thesimplequilter7499 I suppose the repetitive movement of using scissors to make the individual cuts along the seam line. It seriously wore my hand out! But I do so love the look of a ragtime quilt!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

@@carolgoff4317 Carol, Using good sharp scissors that are spring loaded really helps. Sometimes I put a little oil on my scissors when they get a bit sticky. I cut on scraps until the oil is wiped off enough not to get on my quilt though. Perhaps you need a new pair of snips. I have tried three different kind of snips and really like Fiskars ones best. Less stress on your hands. Another thing, you just have to pace yourself and not do too much at once. Quilters frequently overdue with sewing and cause issues with the muscles and joints in our backs, necks, hands, wrists, and elbows. So be sure to pace yourself and take rests before you develop pain.

[@carolgoff4317]

@The Simple Quilter Wow! Thank you for such a complete answer. I really appreciate your time to respond so quickly. Those are all solid answers and shopping for anything quilt related sounds good to me! Spring-loaded scissors might just be the ticket! Thanks again. I always learn something from your efforts and your videos!

[@terribishop5313]

3/4"...I've been looking for a needle storage where did you find that perfect storage for needles

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Terri, Here is the link: amzn.to/42igKa3

[@priscillastapula7946]

Thank you for asking this question about the needle storage! Love it too! Also. Thank you Michelle for the link and for your experiment with the 1/2 vs 3/4. Love it! So helpful!

[@sharonmasterson4484]

3/4 inch

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for responding!

[@debbierosengarden7112]

I haven't made one of these yet, but I was wondering what size you cut the batting inside? I'm not sure I like the X sewing in to hold it.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

It will depend on the size of your fabric square and what size of seam you use. If I use a 9" block and 3/4" seam then I will cut the batting 1 3/4" smaller than the block. You might want to experiment with different size batting to see what you like best.

[@debbierosengarden7112]

@@thesimplequilter7499 thank you. I plan on using 6 in squares

[@patlytle1128]

I think I like the 3/4 the best. It fraud nicely.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes it did!

[@marthafast4583]

3/4. On your 1”, could you not cut down your bumps

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I could have but never thought about it until another quilter mentioned it.

[@karenboyd6293]

Thanks for this video. I like the 3/4 " best. The the biggest benefit for me is realizing that I do not want to make a rag quilt. And now I need to figure out what projects to do with my 25+ year jean collection. You have saved me a lot of frustration.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Good deal!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Karen, What made you decide not to make a ragtime quilt? What do you not like about them. I am honestly not very fond of using denim for quilts unless it is a picnic quilt. There are a lot of neat ideas for denim quilts on Pinterest. Perhaps you can look there for inspiration. For me, denim just isn’t very cuddly.

[@karenboyd6293]

@@thesimplequilter7499 Thanks for your reply. I should say that I have a friend that really wants to make one and I will probably help her. So, The biggest deal breaker were the things you said about lint. I do not want to ask DH to clean the washer and dryer vents. Also clipping the seams seems very fiddly to me. I was thinking of denim for a quilt since my grandson uses a weighted blanket. He is on the autism spectrum. Finally the big lumps at the points were off- putting. My husband's grandmother used to make quilts by hand. She used synthetics fabrics and taffeta for the borders. Her method was to hand cut a square, fold it in half with batting and then hand sew it. She used a tight overcast stitch and the seams at the eights corners were very pointy. She made many many of these and we all dutifully accepted them, or enough for us and our children, but didn't use them. Once her children (the parents) died a few grandchildren were standing around offering them to each other. It turns out that none of us considered the bulky, stiff points comfortable. So, we have more quilts than we can use stored, and our children will get to deal with them. But we won't have to feel the guilt.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

@@karenboyd6293 Thank you for replying. These blankets are heavy and that is one of the reasons they are so popular. Using the denim does add bulk at the seams and they do mess with all the lint. I have not had the issue with bulking seams with just flannel and batting. These quilts are not for everyone. The ragtime quilts using flannel are a favorite of my family members. I’m not sure the denim ragtime quilts would be unless it was just used as a picnic blanket. Thank you again for your honest reply.

[@ninalucas9234]

3/4 inch is my favorite

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Mine too! Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@rainydaydiva6320]

I liked the 3/4” best.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Me too!

[@suehorn4182]

Good experiment. If you look at the Accuquilt die for the rag die, they cut the corner squares out. That takes that BUNDLE away. I like the 3/4 or one inch. I like a middle of flannel cut the same size as the other two squares. Flannel frays so well. ❤

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I never thought of that!!! I bet it does!

[@debbiebishop9749]

3/4" for sure, I've made flannel rag quilts (baby size) and saw lots of strings when washed but I don't think my washer has a screen or filter????? Honestly didn't know some washers even had them.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes. Some do. It is like a lint trap. Mine does not have one.

[@LynMcCarty]

3/4”

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kellymiller7584]

1/2 “ ❤

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gailfisher4767]

Very informative

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad you think so!

[@tracynovak2726]

I like the 3/4 inch. Thanks for this comparison. I’ve made 2 rag quilts and we were told to do a 1/2 inch. They were small blankets and seemed alright. But the 3/4 is really much better.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@spearageddon3279]

To mitigate the knot, when you're doing your snipping, trim a little notch out of the intersections. You won't see the notch gap once washed but the knot won't be so bad. Good experiment!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great tip! Thank you!

[@dianeroome972]

Wow, that was helpful. Thank you so much. Going to watch the rag quilt video again.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I really enjoy making ragtime quilts!!!!

[@SuperBettyboop23]

Hi how are you think I like that onehalf inch and the 3/4 of an inch better than the other inch❣️🪡✂️🧵💖❤️💓💕💗

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Me too!

[@genevaharner780]

No need to repeat so much.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for watching!

[@marthadueck6461]

i like the 3/4 inch looks neater

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kellymiller7584]

You can off set the seams

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That is an option

[@tinaandersen8910]

I like the 1” and also the 3/4”. I use the 3/4” on rag quilts. I also use Batting.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing! I like the weight the batting adds!

[@sandyvotel3484]

I like the 3/4” the best.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That one seems to be the favorite!

[@VeraGreer-z4s]

Thank you for sharing your test on the squares. I like the 3/4" blocks

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@michaelpierce6348]

The one inch

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@kathleen.rogers1442]

I need a new cutting mat, what brand do you have and why do you like yours? Please and thank you in advance 😊

[@rainydaydiva6320]

I’m not sure which brand of mat she is using, but Martelli cutting mats are great!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Kathleen, I have had several mats over the years. The blue one on my cutting table is a Kai. The thing I like best about this one is the size! It fits perfectly on my cutting table and it was hard to find!! I also have a Lori Holt one and I love the color! It is red!!! I have had Olfa and Fiskar mats also. I have liked all of these self healing mats. The Fiskar was my least favorite. It seemed to have deeper cut in it. The blue and red are easy for me to see when I cut for some reason. I think color matters if you have vision issues. Perhaps I can do a more thorough video on mats. I hope this helps!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

@@rainydaydiva6320 Why do you like this brand?

[@barbarachase7725]

I have made a few ragtime quilts and have settled on the 3/4” seam. I’ve never used denim but I hear denim is great for Picnic quilts especially if it is on the bottom because things don’t stick to denim, like grass and twigs. I think I will try denim this time but on the bottom. I use a layer of flannel in between rather than batting. It seems like the batting was always showing and created more work for me trimming it out. There is a technique that I used to create more rag on the border of the quilt. It was to sew a strip of fabric Around the perimeter and cut it along with the outer ‘rag’. It fills it out a little bit having five layers of fabric rather than three. Of course the body of the quilt has six layers so it makes a really nice rag effect. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

@@barbarachase7725 Very interesting! Thank you for sharing that info!

[@lindaboils]

I like 3/4" and 1"

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I have always used the 1" but I like the 3/4" best now!! I am working on work now and I am using 3/4"

[@SEWalke]

Thanks for your experiment! Super helpful!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cyvonn]

I like 3/4" best

[@thesimplequilter7499]

3/4" seems to be the favored one!

[@cyvonn]

@@thesimplequilter7499 I've only ever made 1 rag quilt, and used 3/4" and it was perfect.

[@shirleylutterbeck859]

I cut that out before I sew. So you don’t have that knot

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@daphnepayne8613]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for watching!

[@thevintage2522]

Thanks for the tips, blessings

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome

[@knittingnana2939]

3/4 inch is my favorite

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Mine too!!! Thanks for watching and sharing!!

[@danmathis4176]

I like the 3/4 inch……🥰

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I think most people did!

[@dawnplough1458]

3/4 inch is what I like

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@angeldupree419]

great video

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sonjaanderson5998]

I like the 3/4”

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I agree!

[@sonjaanderson5998]

Would fleece work?

[@thesimplequilter7499]

@@sonjaanderson5998 fleece will not fray.

[@sonjaanderson5998]

Good to know

[@sonjaanderson5998]

Thank you

[@lyndaslocum7404]

I like the 3/4"

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for commenting!

[@francespiquemal8813]

Thank you for sharing. One way to overcome the bulky centre seams is to stagger the blocks. For each alternate row, make the first block to be half a block that way, the seams will not meet therefore avoiding the thick bulk.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome! Thanks for watching and sharing!