To make a rag quilt is easier than you may think. Handmade quilts make beautiful home décor and thoughtful gifts. They're perfect for Christmas, new babies, and birthday gifts. A quilt has a polished, yet folksy quality that is just irresistible.

Rag quilts have a bit of a scruffier look than traditional quilts. This is because the seam allowances are on the front of the quilt, and they are intentionally frayed to add character. These quilts possess an especially rustic quality, which has contributed to their popularity. This is why it is easier to make a rag quilt than the other.

1. Cut your fabric squares about 1 1/2 inches larger than you want them to be on the finished quilt. If you're going to use batting, cut squares that are 2 inches smaller than the squares of fabric.
2. Place a square of fabric wrong side up, center a batting square on top of it, and place another fabric square right side up on top. Pin together.
3. Stitch the layers together diagonally both ways, starting and stopping about a half inch from the edges. When finished it will form an X.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you've used all of your squares.
5. Stitch the squares together in rows of the desired width, making a 5/8-inch seam. Take care to ensure that the batting stays inside the squares and doesn't end up in the seam allowance.
6. Stitch the rows together, matching the seams as you go. Then sew around the outer edges of the quilt about 5/8 inches from the edges.
7. Make half-inch cuts in the seam allowances of each square, spacing the cuts about 1/2 inch apart. Be careful not to cut into the stitching. To avoid blisters, try wearing a leather glove on the hand you use to do the cutting.
8. Wash the completed quilt in cold water on the gentle cycle. Take outside and shake thoroughly before drying. Stop the dryer halfway through the cycle and clean out the lint filter, then clean it out thoroughly again at the end.

The raw edges that you clipped should be somewhat frayed after washing and drying. This is intentional, and they will fray more over time. Many rag quilters use only homespun fabric because it produces a better fray than other fabrics. It is an important part of how to make a rag quilt. It must have the frayed look.

Most rag quilts are made with two layers of fabric with batting in between, but this is not a hard and fast rule. If you're using a very thick fabric such as denim, you may choose to omit the batting. Or if you prefer, you could use denim for the front and flannel or another lighter material for the back.

Rag quilts are great for staying warm on those cold winter days, and they make beautiful family heirlooms. They require more fabric than a standard quilt, but the end result is well worth it. To make a rag quilt is easier than making a normal quilt but you still get that cozy "home" feeling with it.

You can get help. Download Rag Quilt Instructions, Access Is Instant!

Sewing is a very fulfilling hobby. If you can use a sewing machine and follow a pattern, you can make clothing, blankets, drapes and more. But the more you sew, the more scraps of fabric you end up with. Some people just toss them, but most save them in hopes that they can use them for something one day.

If you have tons of fabric scraps tossed into a closet, why not make them into a cozy rag quilt? Even if you've never quilted before, to make a rag quilts is easy. They do not require the seams to be perfect, and you can finish them in just a couple of days.

To make a rag quilt you can use just about any kind of material, but some work better than others. Here are some that you might choose to use:

1. Homespun fabrics

Homespun is the choice of most rag quilters. This is because it frays easily. The seam allowances on the front of the quilt are clipped specifically to produce fraying, and this is what gives rag quilts their scruffy look and soft feel.

2. Flannel

Flannel is a good fabric for any kind of quilt, and rag quilts are no exception. It doesn't fray quite as readily as homespun fabric, but its soft texture does allow for a fair amount of fraying. Flannel makes a particularly cozy and warm quilt despite its light weight.

3. Denim

Denim is rather tricky to work with when quilting, especially when you're making a rag quilt. Most patterns call for a top and bottom layer of the fabric to be used with a piece of batting in between each square. When using something as heavy as denim, you'll have to take care not to burn up your sewing machine. But denim does produce a nice look on rag quilts, so many quilters are willing to make the extra effort.

Using a combination of fabrics can make a very nice rag quilt. However, polyester blends are not recommended. They do not fray well and will not give the rag quilt its signature cuddly look.

A Quilt of Many Colors

Rag quilts have a causal appearance, so it's not necessary to use just two or three carefully matched fabrics. It's easy to get away with using just about any scrap you can find without defining a set pattern. This makes a fun, colorful and unpretentious quilt.

Using squares of different sizes also creates a nice effect on rag quilts. You might use large squares of two or three different fabrics, and alternate with squares made up of four smaller squares of other fabrics. You don't necessarily have to throw scraps out just because they're on the small side.

Rag quilts are fun and easy to make, and they give you a way to put all those fabric scraps to good use. You can whip one up in no time for a handmade gift on short notice. So the next time you're staring at a mountain of scraps, give rag quilting a try. You'll see, to make a rag quilt is easy and satisfying.

Download Rag Quilting Instructions, Start Quilting Now, Access Is Instant!

To make a rag quilt is really easy. So, what if you could create rag quilts for a year? With this great project book, you can do just that. A Year of Rag Quilts is simple book with easy-to-do projects. Featuring an authentic homespun look, these 12 quaint wall quilts boast seasonal patterns and wonderfully textured edges. Best of all, they're surprisingly easy to make, thanks to a effortless, unique technique and great step-by-step instructions.

Making quilts is a favorite pastime for many crafters and hobbyist, and if you are in this category then you will love A Year of Rag Quilts. The patterns are not only authentic but they are appealing to the eye. They will also make a good conversation piece.

You can take these quilts and create family memories from them. Get the entire family involved and share some quality time together. Or invite a few girlfriends over, make some hot apple cider, and have a great time creating a quilt that you can give-away to a pregnant friend or someone who may be sick and shut-in.

You can also give this book to a person who enjoys projects like making quilts and blankets. They will love A Year of Rag Quilts. And why not spice up the gift a bit with the material and tools needed to make one quilt. They will really love that. You can even make a basket and take it to a senior citizen's home. There are a many women, even maybe even men, who would love to have a project book with the materials needed to make a year's worth of quilts.

There is great possibility in what you can do with A Year of Rag Quilts in your craft basket. And because it is so easy to make a rag quilt, you'll have lots of fun with it.