Quick and Easy Cotton Rag Quilt Tutorial with Batting Tutorial

[@juliechao3638]

Can't wait to see that panel idea !!😮

[@aprilscraftroom]

ME TOO!

[@ellenhofer3343]

I'm watching again. I love it when you say 'its ok' because that's what I say! My Fishers snippers do the same thing! I thought it was just mine

[@aprilscraftroom]

HA! That is awesome ... "its OK " Lol Thanks for watching! April

[@naturescauldron7813]

When there's something I'm looking for specifically, I always search your videos first. I love your wit and humor. I've learned so much from you!! Like today, I've done many many quilts, but never a rag quilt. I was stumped on the intersections. Your way was so much easier. Thank youuuuuu!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Awesome! Thank you! April

[@ellenpowell4155]

I have made lots of baby rag quilts n what I do is have the different squares across with exposed edges but then I sew the long rows together w the exposed edges on the other side. That way there is “ragged” edges on both sides of the quilts. Looks very cute.

[@lorettayoung7220]

I like your choice of fabric. I don't think is looks bad at all, with some of the same squares next to each other. I think it looks great! I love it!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Oh thank you!

[@patcorona5979]

I like the mish mash of your quilt! More fun!

[@dorothyawo9086]

I enjoy your tutorials so much. You make it fun. Have a great week, April.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much!

[@sisterchicksquilting]

I love all of your T-Shirts❤️ which coordinate with your videos. The Halloween shirts in this video are probably my 😍 favorite ❣️❣️❣️ I’ve forgotten about rag quilts until I saw this video.

[@aprilscraftroom]

LOL ... Thank you April

[@trishtestrow3366]

Love watching, learning and laughing with you April. Best Wishes. Trish from Australia

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you Trish!!!

[@scottydog6539]

Using flannel make the tag quilt look really nice too.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I think so too! Thank you so much April

[@sheilacarroll7143]

I love rag quilts! 💖💖💖 I enjoyed watching the way you made yours. 😊 Thank you for sharing. 😊🍁🍃🍂🌻🍊

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you!!! I love them too! April

[@gwenreber2619]

April, I think you are awesome! I just found out that I am going to be a grandma again, and wanted to make a rag quilt. I have been quilting for about 2 years and yet to make a rag quilt. I am defiantly watching more of your video's!💜🥰👍💙

[@aprilscraftroom]

That is awesome! CONGRATS!!!!

[@karenhawkins6311]

I love your videos. In my first rag quilt, I did parts of yours and Diane's plan. I use an excel spreadsheet to plan a layout for all of my fabrics so that no two would touch, but I used the same fabric on both sides of each square so once I had my front layout planned, I already knew no two of the back fabrics would touch either. :)

[@karenhawkins6311]

I also used cotton for the front and back and then coordinating colors of flannel between the layers instead of batting.

[@aprilscraftroom]

That is awesome! Glad you used the video to help! April

[@aprilscraftroom]

NICE .. I bet it is warm and soft! April

[@dianaseals4670]

How many blocks would I need for throw size? What is the size of your quilt? How many yards would you need? Love the video!

[@aprilscraftroom]

I how big of a throw you making? email me at [e-mail] ... I will try to help you figure it up

[@gbyrd1970]

I love making rag quilts except all the strings lol. Is that flannel you're using? It's really cute. Put a piece of tape to keep the lock unlocked. That's what I do and it works great.

[@aprilscraftroom]

great tip! thank you for sharing and watching my channel.

[@vickiserre9457]

Oh April, you have such fun and informative Video’s for new quilters! You explain every step very nicely for me to catch on. I love your spirit and expressions along the way. 😁🎃👻

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much! --April

[@patriciabowser6351]

I watchyou constantly!!!!❤️❤️🤟🤟

[@heatherstewart7131]

What a lot of work. Looks great.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you! The result was worth it! April😃

[@heatherkevineischen8973]

I just discovered quilting last week and your KZbin videos today. How refreshing to see tutorials where you openly talk about and show mistakes - most other tutorials make it look incredibly intimidating because I’m sure they edit out any “oopses.” Thank you for this content - I’m inspired!! ❤

[@aprilscraftroom]

Awesome!!! You will do great! Thank you for watching! April

[@juliechao3638]

I know sometimes I don't even watch the video bcus I'm sewing, I enjoy listening to her in the background makes me feel like I'm not sewing alone..❤

[@dinachristine6499]

So, I appreciate your comments on the friskers! Thanks! Great tutorial. Great info all over 🌼

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much! April

[@jackiedetota6262]

I’ve only made rag quilts with 2 pieces of flannel. It’s not too hard to sew together. Like your videos.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I love rag quilts == Thanks for watching -- April

[@marytramp5678]

if you use flannel you can cut the the flannel squares the same size. and sew the seam a 1/2"-1" nd i gives you a REALLY full rag. i've also seen it done with both. where the there is the batting is used bt just added strip of eiher coton or flannel is added in between the 2 main fabrics to give a more full rag. it depends on how heavy a quilt you want. i would consider the one with the flannel more of a spring or fall quilt where as the one you made a nice winter one. Both are great though. and both are a Great way to use up some scraps that are to big o through away, but you really don't have a use for.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much for sharing! April

[@ellenhofer3343]

I've made these out of flannel & cotton fabrics with great success. Never with such large squares, but I think I'll try one

[@aprilscraftroom]

I just love larger squares. They make the quilt bigger faster and show off more of the fabric. I hope you like making it as much as I did. April

[@reginajameson7840]

Love your bloopers! Makes me giggle! I do the same thing! My brain and mouth don’t cooperate 😂😮❤.

[@janetbarr5639]

Love love your videos

[@gregoryburnett5517]

Thank you for your tutorial. It was a lot of help to me for starting to start a cotton rag quilt. Thank you . Sandra B.

[@aprilscraftroom]

You’re welcome. Prepare to want to make lots more. LOL. Thank you for watching.

[@carolschall4361]

I tried 3 more times and it finally liked it! You are awesome 👏

[@aprilscraftroom]

Yay! Thank you! Thanks for watching! April

[@tammygaddy1627]

I am new to your channel and I just love watching you so you make it so much fun and it makes it a lot easier for me because I don't comprehend cutting and measuring like you do in other people but thank you so much for making it interesting and fun Tammy

[@aprilscraftroom]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching -- April

[@charitydoornbos264]

You inspire me! ❤🧵

[@aprilscraftroom]

thank you for your kind words! April

[@stahliclaassen6466]

I know that this video is over a year old but I thought I would add my 2 cents. For my first rag quilt, I decided to torture myself...I made a queen size quilt. I found that if I snipped as I went my hand wasn't so sore, put a row together then snip. Sew two rows together then snip. It was still tiring but a little more manageable. Another great video!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you for sharing ... I am sure this will help others too ... Thanks for watching! April

[@carolweyandt2925]

Love your videos, just wanted to tell my mother used to make rag quilts and she just used flannel on both sides and no batting and they turned out awesome.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I love FLANNEL April

[@petmomful2260]

I am going to try that. I have an Accuquilt die that cuts the squares for you, and even the strips on the ends of the blocks. Gotta get me some flannel!! I even saw a video where a guy laid his quilt out on the driveway, and used a weed wacker to fray the edges.

[@kathidavis2442]

Love the rag quilt

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you. :-) April

[@darlenecrews6668]

Love the quilt! And I love your pro-craft-in-ate shirt!!

[@aprilscraftroom]

thank you!! April

[@nitababcock3977]

I like it! I'm cutting squares out of flannel to make a quilt but their only 5 inch sqs. I don't think that will b a rag quilt..but as you say, I hv multiple projects on the list. But the list is n my head, lol. Good to know about the scissors.

[@aprilscraftroom]

You can do a rag quilt with 5 inch squares. It is just going to take more squares to make the quilt bigger. And a whole lot of snipping. LOL. Thank you for watching and commenting. 😀 April

[@emilyburbage8571]

I love your channel so much and you are great

[@aprilscraftroom]

thank you so much! April

[@gamozzie]

Watch out for blisters with the ragging shears! I ended up with a few after my first rag quilt!

[@aprilscraftroom]

I can totally see how - it is a little monotonous and my hands definitely hurt after. Thank you for the warning. We need to build up those cutting calluses. LOL April

[@jerryscott4336]

I like the snell idea ❤

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you April

[@deloresrast8543]

Flannel makes it a lighter weight and it makes the ragging - raggier!!!

[@aprilscraftroom]

absolutely ... and it is sooooo soft! Thanks for watching April

[@thundaera]

Hi April new to your chanel loved this quilt has inspired me to try a smaller version with my baby fabric stash! Also think I will try that flannel instead of batting suggestion. Impressed by your honest tutorial with errors included! Fantastic, thank and Bless you.

[@aprilscraftroom]

This quilt will be adorable with baby type fabrics. I figure I would rather share what I did wrong so others won't make the same mistakes. :-) April

[@Dizzycow-Tina]

I love watching your videos ….. and I think you should leave all your bloopers in …. You really make me laugh and I enjoy learning and laughing at the same time 😂🥰🥰. Ps. …. I’ve had my chocolate….. now I just need to ‘try’ and be nice to someone 🤨🤨🤣🤣

[@aprilscraftroom]

Hi Tina .. Thank you so much for your kind words .. LOL BLOOPERS ... The struggle is REAL! Thank you so much for watching my video! April

[@paulasmith6169]

Great tutorial as always.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you. 😊 April

[@cherylwoodall6292]

Love the quilt

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you for watching. :-). I've decided rag quilts with batting are my favorite to sit under. LOL April

[@cacb24]

Try using flannel…that rags up nice !!! Fabric, and flannel same size !

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thanks for the tip! April

[@padme1413]

Love the show.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much! April

[@NurseGinnyRN]

Very helpful and lovely quilt! I was wondering the difference between using batting vs. flannel. I have seen some use the flannel and then sandwich a smaller piece of batting between that for a heavier quilt however it would be more difficult to sew (need a walking foot) I have yet to try a rag quilt yet but looking forward to it. Thanks so much for your candid video. It helps those of us who are newer to the whole ‘notion’ 😄.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I believe a traditional rag quilt uses flannel as the 'batting'. As you said it is not as thick as regular batting and is easier to get through your machine. And of course there are all kinds of different types of batting that can be used. I like a needle punched cotton batting either 100% cotton or 80/20 (cotton/polyester). That kind of batting makes a quilt fluffier unlike the flannel which fluffs a little, but not as much as batting after being washed. Cotton batting shrinks which gives the quilt a more distressed crinkled look. From what I understand, Polyester batting will puff more and is warmer than cotton batting and does not shrink. I have not tried flannel and cotton together. I think it is personal preference and mine is cotton batting. :-). I am glad you are enjoying my channel - I am so glad you found it. April

[@nancy9478]

Rag quilts can be made from any 100 percent cotton fabric. In warmer climates, 2 layers of cotton is fine. In cold climates, 3 layers of flannel are often used. It really depends on you preference, any combo of cotton and/or flannel works. Use a larger seam allowance, snip the seams, and then take a table knife or a brush to the snipped edge to start the ragging. Shake it out outside and give it a wash and dry. Prewashing your fabrics first ensures that they are preshrunk and won't give you any wonky squares when you wash the quilt. Enjoy!

[@sandralowery1168]

Thank u.

[@aprilscraftroom]

You're welcome

[@charmainekirk1512]

You can also place your fabric on the floor for placement and take a picture so when you put your rows together for sewing, if you get mixed up, you refer to the photo.

[@petmomful2260]

I really want to try some chenille-it now!

[@aprilscraftroom]

it totally changes the way the fabic looks ... I love it~ Thanks for watching! April

[@geonasnellings5356]

Adorable, awesome job. Love you videos ❤️

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you for watching and commenting. 😃 April

[@jenniferrhine825]

Hello April! I'm fairly new to quilting made a few then got discouraged with it & stopped. So now, I'm back to being a Beginner yet again lol My question is what I've read is are you supposed to Backstitch at the beginning & end of the squares?? Then again I would guess at the joining of the rows or is that just Overkill'?? I'd hate too put that much work into the Quilt to have it come apart. thanks!!!!

[@aprilscraftroom]

I think it is a personal preference ... some do .. some don't ... I don't hope this helps April

[@mephomorphisied]

Hi April I only just found you due to looking for rag quilt .I'm in UK I don't understand what you used to do the chenille did you snip it too . Thanx for any help I got a layer cake what size do I cut the batting .

[@aprilscraftroom]

Hi No I didn’t snip it I sewed it and the washed it When you wash it it makes it fuzzy Hope this helps

[@cynthiabarron8474]

Thanks for the video

[@aprilscraftroom]

You are quite welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting. April

[@brendarainwater6049]

Hi April, I adore this quilt and really want to make one but I'm concerned about washing the first few times with thread bits that go thru washing machines. I'm wondering how does your washer and dryer do with all the stray fuzziness from ragging?

[@aprilscraftroom]

Great question... Honestly .. I have never had any issues with it I wash it and dry it ,,, no issues April

[@brendarainwater6049]

@@aprilscraftroom thank you😊

[@debbiemuncy2272]

Fleece also works for a batting replacement

[@aprilscraftroom]

thank you for sharing ❤❤

[@connieking9873]

Fishers has guarantee return your scissors. I love mine.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I will be contacting them... I forgot about that! Thank you for sharing that with me! :) April

[@ritabrashear2067]

I love watching your channel and l too love to see. I see mostly baby items but now lm wanting to get into quilting. My question is what material is your wall made of that you put you fabric squares to arrange how you want your pieces to go? Thank you and you too eat some chocolate 🌹❤️ Rita

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you. My design wall is flannel covered insulation foam board that is attached to the studs of my unfinished basement to form faux walls. It was my husband's idea which makes it extra special. Thank you for watching and commenting and I hope you enjoy your chocolate. I know I love my chocolate.

[@autbrat78]

I love this so much. I have never made a quilt before, but I think I am going to make one of these! Thank you so much for the tutorial! I love how yours turned out, I loved your friend's too (of course I LOVE Scooby Doo so a little biased ;-) )

[@aprilscraftroom]

So true. Who doesn’t love Scooby dooby dooooo. Thank you for watching and commenting. And please share your quilt when you get it done. April

[@christinagabriele8184]

Good morning! What material did you use for your project wall?

[@aprilscraftroom]

Hi Christina the wall is a piece of thick foam board (insulation foam board that you buy at a hardware store) I got mine from Home Depot ... and we covered it in flannel material and my husband mounted it to the studs of my unfinished basement ... I LOVE IT thanks for asking! April

[@carolschall4361]

I’m sorry I keep trying to like it and it’s disliking it. I LOVE your quilt!!!

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you so much... I appreciate you watching the video! April

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thanks❣️

[@aprilscraftroom]

You’re quite welcome. April

[@essbee9352]

Great tutorial! How much of each fabric did you get? I liked the size of your quilt.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I will have to go back and figure that out. Let me get back to you. April

[@jerryscott86]

Great

[@juliechao3638]

Love your shirt where can I get one..

[@aprilscraftroom]

I made it But the design was on ETSY

[@yoo_hoo_anyone_there]

I find it very hard to have a square piece of fabric and the batting only 1" smaller. Once it's sewn together and ready to be ragged there is very little fabric to cut through without either cutting the seam and/or the batting. I guess I'm not good at being accurate. Other rag quilts I've made I have the batting 2" smaller than the fabric. My seam can end up quite a bit more than 1" which gives me more leeway for cutting without cutting where I shouldn't. Am I explaining this properly? Doing it that way also makes my "rags" longer than 1/4". Is that acceptable within the quilting world?

[@aprilscraftroom]

You explained it very well...and yes the quilting world will accept that ...lol thanks for sharing April

[@yoo_hoo_anyone_there]

@@aprilscraftroom Thanks for the confirmation April. The last thing I need right now is for the quilting police to show up at my door. I feel that you have given me permission to do "almost" whatever I want with my quilt. It's a great relief. Regards.

[@jillianfreeto1622]

Do you wash your material and/or batting first?

[@aprilscraftroom]

I do not wash anything first, but wash it when I am done. Washing after makes any free motion quilting mistakes just disappear. :-). Thank you for watching. April

[@lindalee9177]

Now, let’s roll,next step is, come with me, Moving along we can.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thank you for the tips! April

[@danikagoecke6751]

I just found your channel. I love your quilt videos! This one looks so cozy. Where do you get your fabrics from? They are too cute...minus the scary clown face Halloween fabric 😂

[@aprilscraftroom]

Hi Danika .... I buy from various quilt stores around / Joann / Walmart / Hobby Lobby ... just anywhere I see the cute stuff ... LOL Thank you for watching .. Hope you find some cute materials too! -- April

[@gisellejones1139]

Did you use cotton or flannel for that Halloween rag quilt?

[@aprilscraftroom]

I used cotton fabric. :-) April

[@annecolturi5527]

Hi April…. Will you please do a tutorial on a teddy bear rag quilt please I need help with my project I have going right now! 😮no one snd I mean no has a tutorial on a teddy bear rag quilt I’m using Simplicity pattern S 9674 B Thanx you really are rocking these videos on KZbin!❤

[@aprilscraftroom]

Hi Anne ... I will definately look into it ... I don't have that pattern ..but will try to find it and try to put on my TO DO list... Thanks for the suggestion

[@annecolturi5527]

@@aprilscraftroom thanks so much !

[@Missamia]

What is that green mat called that is on your sewing machine? I've never seen that and I like it!

[@aprilscraftroom]

That mat is a Sew Steady Grid Glider. Here my my affiliate link if you are interested in purchasing it. :-). amzn.to/3llwBzy. Thank you for watching. April

[@Renab1230]

On your sewing table you have a ruler around the needle where did you get that?

[@aprilscraftroom]

Sew steady grid glider Look in the description ❤️ I think it’s linked Thanks 😊 April

[@dianehuntley2493]

😊

[@aprilscraftroom]

❤️

[@suehorn4182]

Have you used flannel instead of batting?

[@aprilscraftroom]

Yes I have and I really liked it but I think I like the batting better. -- April

[@vanessalenzmeier4417]

What is that square called that you have over your sewing plate so that you can sew things that are wider than an inch?

[@aprilscraftroom]

It is a Sew Steady Grid Glider - there is a link in the description below the video or you can just search on that. :-) April

[@bettycupit9460]

Where do you get chenille it? Joann’s didn’t have it.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I got mine from hobby lobby

[@bettycupit9460]

Thanks💖

[@abr6480]

Try some tape over the lock when you finish remove the tape .

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thanks for the tip

[@heatherstewart7131]

What do you with all the quilts?

[@aprilscraftroom]

Sometimes I donate Most got to family and friends. I try to find good homes for them! 😃April

[@murwill1]

could yoiu tell me about you cutting table where did you get it. I like the hight

[@aprilscraftroom]

I used the smaller version of the cube shelves that are 3 cubes tall. I bought mdf board (it is particle board with a coating on top like a counter top) and had Home Depot cut it to the size I wanted. The edge of the board is raw mdf, but they sell an iron on strip that you literally iron on to cover the raw edge. I don't attach the top - it is heavy enough to stay on top without it. Hope that helps. April

[@dianaference1911]

I did a rag quilt. I used all blue jeans.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Awesome

[@deloresrast8543]

I always have the same front as the back.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I bet it looks fantastic! April

[@madonnacybulski8314]

If using flannel try getting flannel sheets from the thrift stores first. More cost effective.

[@aprilscraftroom]

What a fantastic idea! ... Thank you for your input! April

[@bbymks5]

Do you happen to remember how many yard of fabric you used for this size quilt?

[@aprilscraftroom]

I will have to go back and look ... I thought I had put in the description ... but I will have to look to make double sure -- and come back to this.

[@loraineleuschke4186]

Temporarily tape the scissor lock in place, see if that helps and please let us know.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thanks for the tip! April

[@paulaniemeyer1925]

tape the button in place.

[@aprilscraftroom]

thank you for sharing

[@debbietowler3135]

Use a piece of tape to hold lock button back while using cutter

[@aprilscraftroom]

Awesome tip! Thank you for sharing

[@beckyteninty1505]

❤️😎😘😜

[@aprilscraftroom]

Thanks for watching April

[@delorisking1737]

Put a pice of type on the lock to keep it up

[@aprilscraftroom]

Great idea! Thank you so much for sharing! April

[@yvonnemoretti7646]

What is chenille?

[@aprilscraftroom]

It is a type of fabric that fluffs you when you wash it. You can also cause cotton fabric to chenille at the edges. April

[@photographybyday]

Replay

[@aprilscraftroom]

Ty. 😃 April

[@gisellejones1139]

Where did you wash it?

[@aprilscraftroom]

I washed it in my washing machine. I have been told the first time to take it to a laundry mat, but I just threw a couple microfiber washrags in with it and those collect thread like crazy. :-) April

[@ellenhofer3343]

@@aprilscraftroom I'm sure the laundromat appreciated that. Hubby got kicked out of one for washing dog & cat blankets one time!

[@aprilscraftroom]

@@ellenhofer3343 bummer.

[@jackiedetota6262]

I’ve always used my washer then shook it out then to the dryer.

[@chrisholley3530]

To avoid putting 2 of the same pieces together, make the front and back the same fabric

[@aprilscraftroom]

Great idea

[@deloresrast8543]

You can call Friskars and they will replace those snips for free.

[@dianemiller9050]

Fiskars replaced mine due to a defect.

[@aprilscraftroom]

I'm glad you mentioned that. They replaced a self sharpening paper trimmer that was cutting poorly. Thank you for the reminder. :-) April

[@yoo_hoo_anyone_there]

Saying "so" is "so" much better than what I hear "so" many people say. "I'm going to go right ahead...", "now you go right ahead", "let's go right ahead", and so on. It drives me crazy. "So" I'm going to go right ahead and tell you that your video is great.

[@aprilscraftroom]

Love that! April

[@padme1413]

Use tape on the lock of your snipers??????

[@aprilscraftroom]

What a great suggestion! April

[@mamakaka73]

Tape the lock 😏

[@aprilscraftroom]

good idea! Thank you for watching. :-) April

[@szelop]

Contact Fiskars about your issue. They will take care of you!

[@aprilscraftroom]

I will ... thank you for your suggestion April