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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 “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: cowqueenie
Date: 03-10-2007, 11:00 AM (1 of 4)
I have a question about the Rag quilts I have seen in some magazines and around. The ones where the seams are on the outside. I tried making one but my seams don't shag out. Am I using the wrong kind of fabric? What should I have used?
"A trip to the fabric store is my therapy"
User: cowqueenie
Member since: 10-30-2006
Total posts: 125
From: dmoses
Date: 03-10-2007, 11:58 AM (2 of 4)
Flannel is used most often for making the rag quilts because it frays well, and fluffs up nicely when washed. What kind of fabric did you use? Also, did you clip into the seam allowances before washing? That helps to 'encourage' the fraying.
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: sue in NE
Date: 03-10-2007, 04:45 PM (3 of 4)
Have made a few of these and found almost any woven fabric, sutable for quilting, can be used. the Shag occurs when you cut the edging in short strips, like fringe, for each piece. Cut from the fabric edge to the seam. Then wash it alone and dry in the dryer ( DO NOT hag up to DRY) ( maybe twice depending on how much loose thread you get in the dryer. Have found through trial and error, do NOT wash the fabric first (washing first decreases the fraying) . Loosely woven fabrics fray out. tightly woven fabrics fray a little and curl, nice effect. Average density woven fabrics work fine. The width for cutting the fringe affects the shag look also. Vary it based on density of weave ( wider for loosely woven fabrics and narrower for densely woven fabrics. I use my thumb width as a guide. Actually tried the technigue with a knit (T-Shirt fabric) and got :cool: curly fringe. Not a bad look either.
The process is very similar to making chenille.
Sue in Ne. :cool:
sue in NE
User: sue in NE
Member since: 12-09-2005
Total posts: 7
From: cowqueenie
Date: 03-19-2007, 12:24 PM (4 of 4)
Thanks Gals!
This is the first chance I have gotten to get back to my posted question. I always wash my fabric first so maybe that it what happened. I will try your tricks on the next one and see if it turns out better! Thanks soooo much for the feedback!
"A trip to the fabric store is my therapy"
User: cowqueenie
Member since: 10-30-2006
Total posts: 125
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