How I Make Money Selling Rag Quilts

[@peggybeach3301]

I started making rag quilts very long time ago...would save all my husbands old jeans...1st one i made for my self...our 4 daughters loved and wanted one so they each got one...blue jean front special flannel back ...now am making them for our grandkids when they graduate HS... Love what you are doing...we had our woodworking business for over 30 years and i did smaller sewing items at that time...retired now and making piecedquilts for family these days but the rag quilts are still my favorite to make😊❤

[@suepeterson5675]

Be very careful taking orders so you don’t get burnt. Ask for half of the dollar amount up front also is NOT refundable and tell them the other half when done , plus additional add ons. Be safe .

[@idahofmegal821]

I have Made lots of rag quilts. And not always in squares. I did one that was in strips and it turned out really cute and it was a lot of fun to change it up and do something besides squares. You do beautiful work, good luck with your business!

[@caraortega4474]

Quilts not blankets.❤ Love it! Thanks for your content.

[@shelllynn]

Thank you for sharing your way of doing things. I am semi retired at 55 and work my professional job now just 2 days a week, and then I have my sewing business that I put the rest of my time into. I have been sewing for 20 years and I love to sew different things, but Rag quilts and Rag totes are some of my favorites to make and I have figured out ways to differentiate my self from others designs. I have been focusing selling more in my local area as well. My husband says I should put the name of my sewing business on my car for more local advertising. I might just do that too. Although I have never posted on my personal pages, I might try that. I just have always posted on my fb and insta biz pages. But to be honest, I am not a big fan of social media. I like to sell in person. I have already started sewing rag quilts for 2025 farmers markets that I will be doing starting in March. I love to use thrifted, vintage and new fabrics to create with. I am also making a business plan to teach a small groups of kids in my rural area to sew😊 And I also sew to support animal rescue❤🐾

[@mollyb4541]

I think it’s awesome to teach children. Children aren’t exposed to much of sewing anymore. I’m new to quilting and enjoy it. My mom enrolled me in a summertime sewing class when I was 12. I remember riding my bike to our little town sewing store! Good times and memories. Kudos to you and I hope you get kids to enroll 👍🏼

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Me too about the rescue groups. Donated 7 horse tote bags to Reyers Horse Farm - they were thrilled! Just in time for their open house. Have done them for the kids organizations at work. Now thinking about doing READ pillows for our therapy dog program. Will do soft cushions for the local SPCA - both cats and dogs.

[@sandramaiden4707]

Some years ago, a friend and I started a sewing group for school holidays, primary school girls. We had 7 year olds mastering an electric sewing machine very quickly, making patchwork for quilts! Most of the mothers did not sew, marvelled at the girls skills! Try it, its very rewarding!

[@mollyb4541]

@ - that’s awesome 👍🏼😊

[@shelllynn]

@robinrutherfordcost4748 Yay!! That is sooo Awesome!!❤️

[@JaniceCahill-w6k]

Rag quilts are my favorite quilts to make. I have been making them for years. I usually give them as gifts or use them myself. I sold one to a friend. Selling them seemed like too much work for me. I love watching your videos. I found you just recently. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@melaniejohnson3130]

I Just started sewing this year in May. I didn't really care for the "rules" of a traditional quilt. I seen rag quilt videos and got very interested. I would love tutorials on rag quilts. Ok I know its straight forward. BUT what if I wanted to off set the rows, or add a border. I'm new to sewing, so I'm a sponge ready to soak up information. So with that said I'd love teaching videos. Your videos inspire me. I made a American flag blanket after watching your video. Is it perfect? No. I'm still a newbie, but I love it. Kits yes would be great. Jubiles Fabrics sells rag quilt kits. They have a snowman kit, I think for $125. But they have others for $58 that comes with (I think) 200+ pre cut squares. But I love your ideas.

[@sjfuqua]

Kits...yes please!!

[@deloreshinson9356]

This was very informative and interesting to me as I have also recently begun making this type quilt from watching another utube. Would definitely be interested in quilt kits and online sew alongs. Great work and tutorial, thank you!

[@mio.giardino]

I stopped taking special orders in my ETSY shop, it’s always been me trying to justify the cost of materials to someone who wants something ‘cheap’ because it’s a craft. Now, when people ask me for something, I tell them that my base cost is anywhere between $50 and $100 for labor, not including materials and shipping. I also require 90% of the final cost upfront.

[@seabreeze8467]

Good for you! I don't make anything custom because people don't want to pay for it. My time is precious to me.

[@jordanwhite5470]

I've made tons of quilts. Your quoted cost wouldn't begin to cover the time involved, IMHO.

[@ElizabethElli0t]

Very nice work, and channel. You mentioned sewing all squares can get monotonous, but you know that you can still use other quilt designs and shapes and still build them using ragged edges, just like you are doing. I hadn't thought about it till now, but you have inspired me to try one. Especially using strip sets so you are sewing single long seams, then cutting units from them. That would go fast and be less repetitive. Love your channel!❤

[@GayleHallAZ]

Thank you for sharing your business concepts with making rag quilts for online sales. I’ve been sewing and quilting for over 50 years, and I’m retired with more time than money. I live on SS, and my landlord keeps raising the rent. I need a reliable way to supplement my income, so your video was of great interest to me. I’ve made many rag quilts over the years, but always as gifts. I’ve always used flannel on both sides of the quilt and high loft batting in the center, but I can see that using quilting cotton on top would allow for more variety and possibly cost savings when it goes on sale. Thank you for the ideas!

[@HodgePodgeHarmony]

I stopped taking special orders; I also work full-time and I just feel under pressure to get special orders done, which makes the project less enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your ideas and perspective.

[@Stoffmonster467]

Here the same. I do my crafts - and you take it or leave it. My time, my fun, my colours.

[@monicarichards1473]

Just found your channel and subscribe. I am a novice wanna be quikter but haven't made the commitment yet. So I love watching smaller content creatirs in this space make quilts and I've never thought of a rag quilt. I thought of doing a garbage or scrap quilt. Now, a suggestion that would probably be easier for you to do and sstart up quickky regarsing teaching and showing us your quilts making is considering having people join your membership using a tiered fee system so clases and everything else is the top tier fir thise who want claases and you can sell a material kit in it for extra fee for soecual themed quilrs you will make in adcance of tge class. Then the lower tier can be just people watching you working on a quilt live on a live stream interaction with watchers optional as you just work on some of ur unique projects or as yiu try new quiktinf techniques that you won't post on your regular channel and ur highest teir would also get access to the classes. And if you want you to upsell in your classes by. Selling the kit in advance of the classes that they'd use to make a specific unique quilt and then on a later date. You would work together while they watch the class. Maybe and so that quilt together class is something to consider in regards to a fast way to start teaching without having to go on another special sites where you might not get a lot of. Customers, or sell classes on Fabebook as you can live stream there as well anyway sirry for long winded comment and thanks for your content I enjoyed it 👍

[@Oklahomawildflowers]

I absolutely loved your flag quilt. I have made quilts off and on for years. I have never made a rag quilt, I’d love to learn how. Thank you for sharing!❤

[@paulaneary7877]

I also make quilts, I have been wanting to sell them for a LONG time but I do not care for Etsy. This gives me some good ideas and nice to know someone else is doing this without paying a bunch of sellers fees, or craft fare fees which can be astronomical in my opinion. I just don't care for the idea of having to charge a bunch more just because of the sellers fees or craft fair stall fees. Thanks for the video. Looks like you are doing well so far and I wish you continued success!

[@elestehorn4290]

Glad I found you and this video because I had been thinking about monetizing out of this hobby but I am beginner in sewing and quilting. I am thinking of starting with small projects and will grow from there. I like to know how to make simple quilts coz I am not good with machine quilting, like for example this rag quilt or quilt as you go, and straight line quilting or cross hatch quilting. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@thecraftycottage9255]

That fall quilt is BEAUTIFUL! This is such a great idea. Thank you for sharing and inspiration

[@michelletwigg5928]

So happy I came across your video. It was full of useful ideas. Good luck in your future endeavors. I've been sewing cotton quilts for about 3 years now and entered my first craft sale this weekend. I sold 2 and had tons of compliments on my quilts, I think mainly because I love color and you can tell that by my quilts. Thanks again for all the useful information!

[@kimbado270]

Great information. Thank you for doing this video. Happy sewing! ❤

[@Joannewithane]

Thank you for sharing. Your quilts look fabulous! Keep up the good work!

[@jonifotheringham5436]

Thank you for sharing your process and ideas. I'm in the process of starting a quilting business which will primarily be longarm quilting. I think your simple focused approach is wise and could work for me, as well. Best wishes for you and your business ❣️

[@seabreeze8467]

An inexpensive way to get fabric is at thrift stores. I look for curtains, bedding sheets, table cloth, anything that's cotton fabric. I also look for XXL clothes, dresses that have a pattern that I like and I buy it for the fabric. I chose the large clothes obviously because it has more fabric. Basically anything that's made of fabric can be reused.

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

Great tip!

[@petmomful2260]

But do people want to buy a quilt made from used fabric? Personally, I would not buy one like that.

[@michellejaggard9657]

Your quilts are beautiful. I want to wish you luck in your up coming planning and future expansion, Blessings and prayers for you and your family and business.

[@lynnharris7119]

Im excited to watch this rag quilts are so forgiving!

[@startbline]

Nice, thank you! Just retired and getting back to quilting. Had to stop for 3 years due to mandatory overtime, leaving me exhausted and not enough home time. 😅

[@veggiemom5]

Thanks for sharing. My husband is going to retire next year and we want to do crafts together for craft shows. I love the flag quilt!

[@kathrynsoper247]

This is very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@valeriewinters8472]

I have made rag quilts before and I absolutely love them, I have purchased equipment to cut out all of my fabric which makes it so much easier

[@TravelsWithLittle]

Fiskars (and I'm sure other scissor companies) make a really nice rag quilt snip that helps the process go a little faster. Your work is beautiful!! Thanks for the videos.

[@annesander61]

Great video. Some useful ideas for starting and growing a craft business

[@KimtheElder]

So pretty! I'm a brand-new quilter/sewer. These look like a fun way to just create and play with color combos. The black one is stunning :) I love the idea of flannel on the back, too. Cozy. (New Subscriber now.)

[@freddiehansen7324]

Before I found your channel I had never thought of making a rag quilt, but I saw your American Flag video and it just clicked for me that THAT quilt would be a perfect gift for my BIL and I made one ( I did it with 5 inch squares because I had/have SO many of those) and it turned out so beautiful - if I say so myself :) All my kid have requested a rag quilt (they already have 1-2-3 of regular quilts I have made lol) Another idea - You are a GOOD teacher - maybe you could contact some of your local quilt stores and do classes there? (Paid of course). If you film it you could add that as a class (maybe behind a paywall, I don't know) online. Rag quilts are SO perfect for those of us who have smaller domestic machines and who do not want to (or can't afford) to get a quilt long-armed.

[@joycleckley2881]

I have gotten tons of good fabric at thrift stores. My town has a senior center with a small thrift store, and prices are very reasonable (cheap). And have been given fabric from ladies who claimed to retired from sewing. I also see ads on fb marketplace for yard goods. I had made a couple of rag quilts but did not use batting. Would you please do a video on how you use batting or do you use it at all??? Your quilts are GORGEOUS!💚💚💚

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I have a "How to Make a Rag Quilt" video in my How-to Playlist, or search it on my channel!

[@TumbledWords]

I have great work using a accuquilt studio to cut all pieces including batting for the middle. But money invested will never return because nobody wants to pay. Still I added to the dies. Dresden and flowers sell great. I sell them cut, not sewn. Gotta find a niche?

[@petmomful2260]

Where do you sell them?

[@maryQuinn-p7j]

Here's to you booming your business in 2024/2025. Found you for the first time subscribed and liked all because I loved your idea Thank you so much.❤

[@mshirleyrn]

Great conversation and your quilts are beautiful! I've been looking into rag quilting lately. I've never done one but you've inspired me to give it a try. :) Easy question... (maybe...) Since flannel shrinks so much in the wash, do you wash your flannel before sewing or does the shrinkage add to the charm? Thanks so much!

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I don't prewash, the slight shrinking looks great with these!

[@wordwalkermomma4]

@@Hiddenhilltophomestead I would add that if you do have fabric that has been washed and want to mix it with fabric that hasn’t, you would want to wash it, also, as they would likely shrink at separate rates and could weaken the seams.

[@Terri-i4z]

I just made my first quilt/wall hanging. Learned a great deal especially about measuring and cutting. Had to make several adjustments after cutting too much, not measuring enough, etc. Lessons learned. Do you only make rag quilts? I've never heard of them but think I'll give that a try next. Thanks for your ideas and enthusiasm.

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

yep just rag quilts for now

[@petmomful2260]

You have a great idea here. I am just worried about buying fabric at JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby. When I started quilting I used their fabric and I learned that most of it is low quality. The flannel will fade and shrink,, and the cotton will split. If you get quality quilt store fabric on sale, you can do better. I learned the hard way. You want your customers to have a long term product. Also, Accuquilt has a rag quilt die, if you want to speed up your cutting. I wish you great luck and success!!!

[@MrImog65]

I am making my daughter a king size rag quilt right now and I was wanting to put the binding on it maybe a 3 inch and then fold it so that it'll be like a inch and a half or maybe a whole inch at least on the front and the back because it's so heavy.

[@sherrybeeson7893]

Just found you from a KZbin recommend! Loved your info. I have a terrible time wirh fabric matches!! I usually end up with only 2 or 3 colors, but, I just love all your colors! They work so well together! Do you start with like 1/2 yard of how many fabrics?? Thanks for any help! New sub!

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I usually buy 1/2 yard increments and that gives me like 21 squares per design. I don't use more than 12 squares of the same design on a quilt so like 6 yards total (12 different designs) gives you enough for one whole quilt and then plenty of leftovers to blend into another one.

[@francescaverdi2555]

excellent video - gorgeous quilts 👍

[@CoalNovah1285]

How much for each size of quilt? You mentioned it in your video but only said $80 for a baby. Thanks

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

quilt pricing content coming soon!

[@sewwhat9387]

I love making and using rag quilts......what fabric do you use ??? I sure woud love to sell my quilts but so far in the last 20 years I have donated to charity groups over 3000 quilts

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

Check out my "How to Make a Rag Quilt" video!

[@xhoxolatequilts]

Just think how many hearts you have touched!

[@chrisdunmyer4359]

I love the Halloween fabric! Can you please tell us where you found that fabric?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

@@chrisdunmyer4359 most of it came from joann fabrics

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Christine's home affairs from Australia even gets fabric donated - quite the cost savings too. Hope that helps.

[@TeresaLilly-v9x]

A quick question. Are your squares only the two layers? Cotton on top and flannel on the bottom? Thank you.

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

batting in the middle as well.

[@melaniehill5568]

Love this video. Would you mind sharing your breakdown cost and fabric requirements for your quilts?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I have a how-to video for making a rag quilt that has info on that!

[@melaniehill5568]

Thank you. I found it after i commented on this video.​@@Hiddenhilltophomestead

[@lhand5875]

You mentioned that you have a chart you use to figure the cost, could you share the chart with us?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

quilt pricing content coming soon!

[@mollyb4541]

Do you only use flannel for rag quilts? I was told regular fabric doesn’t work good for rag quilts.

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I use flannel on the back and regular cotton on the front. Mine turn out fine.

[@mollyb4541]

@ - Thank you! I never thought of that! I’m new to quilting and appreciate your tip! Thanks again 👍🏼😊

[@trinam2503]

I make rag quilts w cotton. They do fray a bit more than flannel, but they are a nice light weight quilt. My daughter and I each have a couple, and they get washed frequently. 2yrs and still holding up like new!

[@rhondaroberts9581]

About your rabrics: are the top fabrics all the same? Like, all cottons or all jerseys, and all of your backs are flannel? I love your rag quilts and this video!

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

All my tops are cotton and all of the backs are flannel.

[@gaafarireginatorrington1788]

Very useful information for me.

[@gabzwilson2750]

Hi, you just showed up in my recommended. Which flannel do you use for the back? I assume you get it by the bolt? I would love to make one for Christmas gift

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

@@gabzwilson2750 yep I buy it by the yard at Joann’s. Check out my “How to make a rag quilt” video on my How To playlist.

[@gabzwilson2750]

@ thank you!

[@tinahauser8864]

I have questions about snipping. Usually I do it after the whole quilt is sewn together. At what point are you doing the snipping? Also, can you give info on the snipping scissors you are using?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

The snips are Singer Pro Series 5" Thread Snips, mine just happen to be pink because they're older but they do come in teal. I'm snipping right after I sew together any 2 blocks or rows just so I don't miss any (which I've done before and didn't notice until after I washed the quilt) .

[@tinahauser8864]

@ thank you so much!!

[@hannibody7438]

Thank you for this. I’ve been wanting to do one for a while. Mostly because I am a fabric squirrel and it’s becoming an issue🤭. If it is still good fabric I can’t throw it out. The fashion industry creates so much pollution. It’ll be my way of saving the planet, one piece of fabric at a time😂. The only thing I will do differently is use extra fabric instead of batting (maybe old pullovers, fleece/wool blankets, more flannel, maybe even towels - let the experimentation begin!). I’d like to get to the point of selling them too. We have a cold climate here so I’m hoping people here like the style since nobody else seems to be making them locally 🤞. Thanks again, it’s reassuring that there is a demand for these somewhere, and good luck with your future plans for your business.

[@wordwalkermomma4]

@@hannibody7438 🐿Squirrel sister, here.😄 (I know that’s a chipmunk,…apple…🙄) I feel the same way about stewarding the resources… especially fabric. I want to suggest that if you do use other materials for batting, such as toweling, that you make that clear to prospective buyers. I am willing to experiment and have used 50+ year old family treasures. Towels, in particular, and also pullovers/sweaters can make your end product/quilt much too heavy, so keep that as a consideration. Happy (re)creating!

[@MrImog65]

Are you using batting in those or is that just two layers of material or three layers of material

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

Batting in the middle

[@katpuppy-love1923]

I love making rag quilt, but I worry about damaging my machine; clogging my drain. How do you manage?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I haven't noticed any issues with the washer. All of the loose thread gathers in the bottom and I can just grab it. I don't really have a lot of lint in the washer but it does collect in the dryer screen.

[@mbrech1088]

I have made several rag quilts and the last two I used my Shark vacuum to do the initial "brush up". If you have two other people to help, they hold the corners down as you vacuum. My Shark canister gets emptied three times when I make a lap quilt. Amazing amount of lint. Then I wash it. It makes a HUGE difference on the lint factor - it still fills the lint filter, but certainly reduces my concern with the drains or overloading filters.

[@Glenda-l9k]

I am interested in learning to quilt. My question is, how much do you profit from making them after costs of supplies?

[@wordwalkermomma4]

@@Glenda-l9k That is up to you to decide. She gave a suggested rate of double for hers. She said she doubles the cost, and what is left is labor and profit. To divide that, you would just arbitrarily chose. Make sense?

[@petmomful2260]

@@Glenda-l9k My son has a business and he told me that if you charge 40% over the cost of supplies, that is good. Not sure if this is true, just an idea.

[@handmadebylexibandme3345]

Do you bind the outside edge of a rag quilt?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I sew a half inch seam allowance around the outside edge and snip the fringe like I do for the rest of the blanket. I have a video with instructions in my How-To playlist :)

[@DeborahNichols-yo6rz]

Are your rag quilts flannel can u use cotton

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

Flannel on the back, cotton on the front and yes you could do the whole thing cotton

[@AuntDi2]

My first quilt was a rag quilt and I did flannel on both sides. It’s on our bed and it’s warm and cozy. 😊

[@Landengrady]

What kind of fabric do you use? Cotton or flannel?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

Cotton on the front and flannel on the back

[@lindadavis6193]

Do you put batting inside?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

yes I use warm and natural cotton batting

[@mrains8322]

No shade on JoAnn's, I shop there too. If you are open to shopping online, check out Marshall Dry Goods. They sell retail, but if you are willing to buy by the bolt or bundle, they will sell wholesale to anyone. I couldn't keep quilting without them as an option.

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I'll have to check them out!

[@conniecopenhaver120]

Fantastic video! I enjoyed watching your handiwork as you spoke ... A suggestion is to offer a "Monthly Membership" with a fee & perks!!! ... Membership "Only" perks can include: advance classes, advance detailed videos related to general basic full audience youtube videos, special discounts on products, first in line to premier & purchase new products before the general audience, a Christmas Secret Member gift exchange between members, a Birthday Bonus offer on each member's birthday, and so much more!

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

That's a great idea!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Great video! You may want to look into creating a page just for your quilts, 99.9% sure promoting items you are selling on your personal page goes against Facebook policies ❤

[@wordwalkermomma4]

That is good to know. Thank you.

[@MrImog65]

This is what I would like to do for extra money I rather have it local meetups or drop off maybe ship every now and then but shipping is so expensive anymore I'd rather do it this way.

[@antoinette-mays]

If your quilts weren’t rag quilts, would you still wash them prior to selling? (i.e., wash after made or prewash)

[@kathymelton1609]

I prewash my yardage before cutting. I did buy precut fabric once, which does not get prewashed. Cotton shrinks and not always at the same rate, so best to wash.

[@nysunflower9439]

When I make a quilt, and I have made hundreds, the first step is washing the fabric and my last step is to wash the quilt.

[@TrueBlueQuilts]

Best wishes for continued success! As a pattern designer, I was happy to hear your process since I need to have a sample sale 😜 For more business tips, check out my podcast, Quilting on the Side 🎉

[@tanabrown3449]

😂 Some of those reds look a little familiar. 😂

[@evelynelliott4485]

What size quilt do you normally make?

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

I normally make oversized throws which are about 60" by 60"

[@SharonBell6123]

Where do you get plastic bags large enough? Thank you

[@lauriemarks6634]

I wondered the same thing!🤔

[@Hiddenhilltophomestead]

These bags are about 24" by 25". I got these in bulk from a neighbor but they do have them on Amazon.

[@AnitaSouthall]

New subscriber, great subject matter. I am BEYONDAWESOMEDESIGNS

[@dawnmariemasiello-cottrell7382]

How are the upcoming tarrifs going to effect cottage industry?

[@livebyfaith1095]

IMHO - it is really a non-issue overall, and specifically for quilts there would be little to zero impact. Labor is the biggest driver on determining a quilts sales price. If there is a tariff assessed on country of origin for fabrics, increase sales price a bit. The purchaser should understand about any increases - especially if they grocery shop!! And - tariffs are not a bad thing. (I am a recovering accountant…🥴🥴)

[@ElizabethElli0t]

​@@livebyfaith1095 true, i think people forget that what actually happened last time we had tariffs was that the economy improved and prices dropped. Or your competitors imported products went up and you could sell more, and at a higher price. Tariffs help the locals.

[@UseYourManners123]

I like your flag quilt! I dislike quilts perfection. And all those angles, scary and not creative or warm, cold 🥶 in my eyes but that is just my opinion.

[@pambennett8967]

Agreed