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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Rhonda.D.
Date: 02-16-2005, 01:54 PM (1 of 34)
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I want to try a denim quilt, I found a pattern for one where you sew the top and backing together for each square and the raw edges show on the quilt top, then after you wash it the edges fray into a nice fuzzy outline. I wanted to alternate soft denim squares with another fabric, I wanted to use a cotton but I am wondering if I should use a heavier fabric like flannel to get a good frayed edge.....any ideas? Thanks Rhonda |
User: Rhonda.D.
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-16-2005, 02:00 PM (2 of 34)
There have been several threads on here.. Look for "rag quilts" threads..I made one from 8 8inch squares in 8 rows.. I used flannel for backing.. It was great.. We all decided you need to take them to a laundromat to wash and dry to get rid of all the threads when you finish it.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Susy
Date: 02-16-2005, 03:09 PM (3 of 34)
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I did a queen size denim rag quilt and it worked beautifully! I used a striped flannel for the back and made and turned every second square so I have horizontal and then vertical on the back. The denim and flannel "rag up" just great but yes, go to the laundromat, it makes quite a mess. It is also very heavy, too much for me but my husband loves it! Have fun with it! Susy |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 02-16-2005, 04:19 PM (4 of 34)
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Mine was alternating squares of denim and flannel, just to break up the look.
photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: postcardgirl
Date: 02-16-2005, 04:53 PM (5 of 34)
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Mine was all denim - but now it sits unloved in the cupboard, waiting to be finished - we're fighting over a suitable backing fabric! Here are some links I've collected to instructions and pictures of denim quilts: Denim Quilt Links (http://www.postcardgirl.com/jeanquilt.html) |
User: postcardgirl
Member since: 05-01-2001 Total posts: 367 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 02-16-2005, 05:23 PM (6 of 34)
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I did a demin crazy quilt. I used old bluejeans from my family. I cut out any shape. I put the pockets, fly zippers what ever I could get off the jeans. Then with a marker I wrote on any of the ones that were special. My house had caught on fire and my dad was over everyday making sure things were being done right. He always wore the same pair of jeans when he went into the house. When the house was all finished the jeans were to be thrown out. I washed them and eveyone got some of the jeans in their quilt with the story behind them. I didn't use any pattern for the quilt it was just cut and sew. My boys received the quilts and I must say they are heavy. To heavy for my taste, but the boys enjoyed them. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Susy
Date: 02-16-2005, 10:01 PM (7 of 34)
| denim crazy quilt, what a great idea! Did you just use any shape, not worry about grains, etc? and was it the rag quilt, separate backing, or what. I have so many old chunks of every size and shape cut out & haven't figured what to do with them. Let me know, I always love to make stuff out of recycled fabric, if possible. |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: angellover
Date: 02-16-2005, 10:05 PM (8 of 34)
I did a denim rag quilt, it was my first and only quilt I made. Being it was my first, I used the material I had. I used a mix of cottons and homespun ( I think its called). My blue jeans were from my family, including my kids so I made my squares smaller 6" so I could use their jeans too! It frayed nice, and I noticed that the second time I washed it, it frayed more. I thought it was a fun one to do, and easy for me as I am a beginner. 
________________
Have fun creating! Teresa Teresa's Crafts http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/wickin....net/my_photos |
User: angellover
Member since: 01-26-2005 Total posts: 59 
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From: Sailorliz
Date: 02-17-2005, 07:58 AM (9 of 34)
I also made a denim rag quilt with flannel for a backing. It was my first quilt and I used our family's jeans. I made it for my youngest daughter, to take with her to college. She loves it! And yes it is very heavy. I'm currently working on cutting more denim squares for a queen sized quilt for our truck camper. I'm thinking of maybe using fleece for the backing on this one. 
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: Beneda
Date: 02-17-2005, 09:33 AM (10 of 34)
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I was thinking of taking a rag quilt class at the local joann's but I have read so much about how careful you have to be so as not to clog your washer and dryer that it's got me a little worried. What do you think? Are my fears unfounded. Appreciate feedback. Thanks. Beneda |
User: Beneda
Member since: 12-07-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: Susy
Date: 02-17-2005, 09:47 AM (11 of 34)
| The rag quilts make a mess but I just took my big denim one to the laundromat and put it in their big machine the first time. I have made 3 others out of cotton and flannel and used my own machine (they were smaller) and just cleaned the lint screen lots. It is only the first time that they are washed that it is bad so I doubt if it would be too bad. |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: mamadus
Date: 02-17-2005, 01:10 PM (12 of 34)
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I used the rag quilt technique and old denim jeans to make kitchen rugs... I used redwork type designs and my embroidery machine to "quilt" them together... it worked out great... they're very durable, and definitely unique!! and they wash up super easy... justmy 2 cents... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: calcharlie
Date: 02-18-2005, 04:19 AM (13 of 34)
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I did a lap quilt using denim. I made it out of circles with patches of material in the center of each, flags/stars, and then squared each circle over the material. Made it in rows then sewed them together. No backing.. I used jeans that I bought at the local thrift stores for about $2 a pair. Took about 12 pair to finish it. It now lives in Maryland with some very good friends from my days in the Navy. It was just something I had to try for the heck of it. Charlie 
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User: calcharlie
Member since: 12-14-2004 Total posts: 28 |
From: mamadus
Date: 02-18-2005, 04:26 AM (14 of 34)
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I"ve seen that pattern Charlie, but I don't remember the link for it, do you happen to have it?? MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492
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From: calcharlie
Date: 02-18-2005, 08:55 PM (15 of 34)
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MO I thought I had it still but I recently cleaned up my computer and that was one of the things I threw out. Sorry. You might try Google for it. I will look around and maybe I have a paper copy somewhere. If I do I will let you know and I can email it to you. Charlie
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User: calcharlie
Member since: 12-14-2004 Total posts: 28 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 02-18-2005, 11:17 PM (16 of 34)
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Susy, I just cut out shapes that would make it look "interesting". The boys loved the pockets that they could put things into. It wasn't a rag quilt, it was a crazy quilt looking. The only shapes I worked around were the pockets, zippers, and any of the labels I left on. I back mine with flannel and used Warm and Natural. I made them queen size and they are very heavy. I do not wash them at home either. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: CherylinQ
Date: 02-19-2005, 02:46 AM (17 of 34)
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I was wondering what you used for backing on the rugs...sure sounds like a great way to use up old jeans... I used the rag quilt technique and old denim jeans to make kitchen rugs... I used redwork type designs and my embroidery machine to "quilt" them together... it worked out great... they're very durable, and definitely unique!! and they wash up super easy... |
User: CherylinQ
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: Joe_L
Date: 03-09-2005, 10:21 PM (18 of 34)
Hi everyone, I'm new here so if I make a mistake ignore it, lol. I'm currently in the process of making a denim quilt, not rag style though. I was kinda wondering wether or not I should bat it or not, I'm using a polar fleece backing. It's sole intention is for tenting on cool Saskatchewan nights in the summer. But I also don't want to it to be hideously heavy.I'd add a pic of it but I don't quite know how  So to bat or not to bat? Thats my question. There's no such thing as stupid mistakes...it's only stupid if it's repeated.
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User: Joe_L
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 7 
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From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 03-09-2005, 10:56 PM (19 of 34)
| I would say not to bat it, they are really heavy. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: mardigrasgirl
Date: 03-09-2005, 11:15 PM (20 of 34)
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Hi, I would also say not to bat. I would love to see the rag quilt rugs if you have one how big do you make them.ect. thanks Brother ultD 2002, imagine serger babylock, brother regular machine, amazing box
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User: mardigrasgirl
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 3 
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-10-2005, 07:22 AM (21 of 34)
I wouldn't bat either, too heavy. Camping means rough use and things getting hung out to dry. You don't need the extra layer. These sound cozy and warm just the way they are. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Joe_L
Date: 03-10-2005, 12:03 PM (22 of 34)
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Aaaaargh! I'm going to have to use flannelette for the backing. I cut up the squares for the back from two smaller fleece blankets (I thought there was lots) but there wasn't enough. Now I will have to bat it with a light batting with the flannel  Unless I buy a small amount of polar fleece and try to work it into the pattern. I guess I have to run into town now.lol 
There's no such thing as stupid mistakes...it's only stupid if it's repeated.
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User: Joe_L
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 7
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From: Joe_L
Date: 03-10-2005, 08:38 PM (23 of 34)
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OK.......Problem solved. I found an old (I know it's old, my grandma used to take it to the lake with us when I was 10) heavy, fuzzy blanket. The kind that motels use under the bedspread. ( I used to work at one) I will sew it onto the denim top and it will be nice and warm. NO BAT! LOL
There's no such thing as stupid mistakes...it's only stupid if it's repeated.
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User: Joe_L
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 7
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From: postcardgirl
Date: 03-10-2005, 09:02 PM (24 of 34)
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Sounds perfect!!
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User: postcardgirl
Member since: 05-01-2001 Total posts: 367
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From: Joe_L
Date: 03-22-2005, 11:02 PM (25 of 34)
OK, I finally finished the denim quilt after setting it aside for awhile, I just used a blanket for the backing. It was heavy to sew, but Yaaaay, I'm done!!  http://lukin.sasktelwebsite.net/denim_quilt.html There's no such thing as stupid mistakes...it's only stupid if it's repeated.
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User: Joe_L
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 7
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From: Sailorliz
Date: 03-23-2005, 10:29 AM (26 of 34)
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I like it! I was wondering how large are your blocks and the actual finished size of the quilt?
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386
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From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 03-23-2005, 10:47 AM (27 of 34)
| Joe L I think your blanket looks great. Good Job! |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: Joe_L
Date: 03-23-2005, 12:41 PM (28 of 34)
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The blocks were 6" square sewed at 1/4" seams or close to (I don't sew all that straight yet lol) with 6" strips at each end to make it longer. finished size is 66" wide by 77" long. DH has already claimed it as his own,lol Now I'm working on a Denim Patchwork Purse for my DD. Seeing as I have alot of leftover denim,lol I'll post a pic of it when it's done.
There's no such thing as stupid mistakes...it's only stupid if it's repeated.
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User: Joe_L
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 7
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From: Hogmami
Date: 03-23-2005, 01:22 PM (29 of 34)
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Your quilt is great.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: NanCee
Date: 03-23-2005, 01:49 PM (30 of 34)
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Joe, Your quilt is very nice. Has anyone made designs on these denim,cotton quilts? I was wondering how they do the circle designs on the alternate squares. I saw one somewhere but cannot remember how it was done. Anyone know? It was one of the frayed ones. |
User: NanCee
Member since: 04-15-2004 Total posts: 76 |
From: oklahomanana
Date: 03-23-2005, 01:52 PM (31 of 34)
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Your quilt looks great to me too~ Super job on it. I have made 2 rag quilts now, and Forgot to take a pic of the second one before it was given away. But here is a link to the one I did for our first grandson, and he loves it~ Can't go to bed with out it Dad says. Rag quilt (http://community.webshots.com/user/oklahomanana) Look for the album that say My quilts and then Cody's rag quilt. It is solid red flannel, and striped red flannel, and denim. It is very durable and does not have batting in between the squares. I think I did 9" squares and it was a 7 x 9. I think~ Too many quilts ago to remember~ LOL~ Rag quilting is addicting for sure~
One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406 
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From: teacheraid95
Date: 03-23-2005, 10:23 PM (32 of 34)
| Joe, Great job on the jean quilt. I love the design! I am trying to get the nerve up to do a frayed jean quilt. |
User: teacheraid95
Member since: 11-04-2004 Total posts: 12 |
From: booboo22
Date: 04-07-2005, 11:19 PM (33 of 34)
| I am working on a denim quilt now out of my Paw Paw's overalls. I chose a pattern where I could use pockets & all, <email address removed for privacy> |
User: booboo22
Member since: 08-18-2002 Total posts: 9 |
From: mamadus
Date: 04-09-2005, 12:53 PM (34 of 34)
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cherylin... I didn't use any backing for the denim rag rugs.. I jsut used 6 inch squares for one rug and 8 inch squares for 2 others... each rug has 2 layers so they are good and heavy...very durable... the smaller one does slip around a bit, but I can just put a piece of that rubbery shelf liner stuff under it if I don't want it to slip... what's great about these is that they wash up so easily..I even made one for the bottom of the dog's cage... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492
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