Several years ago, the girls at our church began making these quilts for each new baby. A baby boom occurred soon after, so we began limiting it to the firstborn child of each family (simply because the two of us who had sewing machines couldn’t keep up). I think I have sewed probably around 25 of these quilts in the last 6 years or so. We too were blessed to receive one of these beautiful quilts from some wonderful friends at Big Brother’s baby shower.
The great thing about rag quilts is that they are very forgiving. If your pieces aren’t cut exactly right, that’s okay! You won’t even notice because there is a one-inch seam that allows for lots of mistakes! A couple years ago, a good friend and I took a quilting class. Although it was super-fun because I had amazing company, I soon realized I was in over my head! I kept trying to take the shortcuts I am used to taking with rag quilts and quickly found that regular quilting requires near-perfection. Since I’m not a perfectionist in the least, I think I’ll just stick with the taggie blankets and rag quilts from now on!
Although they take quite a bit of time to make simply because all the steps, they are really pretty easy. And the end product is totally worth it! They’re a perfect way to start off learning how to sew (after the taggie blankets, of course).
Two of my best friends from childhood recently had their first babies–one friend had a boy and the other had a girl. Since these friends will always be super-special to me, I wanted to make their sweet babies something special as well!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- About 8-9 yards of coordnating fabric (I like to use flannel because it “rags” well, but cotton fabric works well too…I would suggest using at least 6-7 coordinating fabrics with a couple solids)
- Batting
- Multi-purpose thread (I always just use white, no matter what)
- Sewing machine
- Rotary Cutter
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- Rotary Mat
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- Quilting Ruler
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- Pins
- Sharp scissors that can cut through several layers of fabric
*If you don’t have and don’t wish to invest in a rotary cutter, mat, and quilting ruler (which will make your life so much easier), you can simply make 6 sizes of patterns (3 for the fabric, 3 for the batting) and use scissors to cut them out. It will take MUCH longer this way, however.
Sizes of squares and rectangles:
Fabric (2-sided: cut 2 layers at a time and then put the wrong sides together): 9″ x 9″ square (21 count), 5.5″ x 5.5″ square (42 count), 9″ x 5.5″ rectangle (21 count)
Batting: 7″ x 7″ square (21 count), 3″ x 3″ square (42 count), 7″ x 3″ rectangle (21 count)
Instructions
I’m writing this all from memory (I don’t have a pattern), so if it seems I skip a step or my instructions don’t make sense…leave a comment and I will clarify!
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| 1. Gather your materials (and bask in the beauty of coordinating fabrics)! |
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| 2. Use your rotary cutter, mat, and quilting ruler to cut out the fabric into the squares and rectangles. I kept my material folded together (so that I was cutting through 2 layers at once). Plus, it’s easier once you go to the next step if the pieces are already sandwiched together (with right sides facing out). You will need to cut 21 sandwiched 9″x9″ squares, 42 sandwiched 5.5″x5.5″ squares, and 21 sandwiched 5.5″x9″ rectangles. Make sure to cut various sizes of EACH fabric (DON’T cut one whole yard the small squares, etc. because it won’t look right when you put the quilt together. |
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| 2. Then cut the batting (again using your rotary tool, mat, and quilting ruler). You will need 21 (7″x7″ squares), 42 (3″x3″ squares), and 21 (7″x3″ rectangles). |
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| 3. Place the batting centered between the two pieces of fabric. Remember…the RIGHT SIDES SHOULD BE FACING OUTWARD. You could pin it (if you want)…but I’ve found they normally hold together pretty well without pins (or maybe I’m just lazy). |
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| 4. Sew an “X” through each square/rectangle with the batting in between. It’s your choice whether or not you want to backstitch. I normally do (out of habit), but it’s really not necessary. |
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| See? |
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| 5. Place each size of squares/rectangles in their own piles. |
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| 6. Then clear a large area (on the floor) to begin laying out the pieces. Start by placing the 9×9 squares in a checkerboard pattern with 3 large squares in each row (for a total of 7 rows). |
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| 7. Then add the rectangles (making sure that fabrics of the same pattern don’t touch). Place one of the rectangles in each “empty” part of the checkerboard. |
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| 8. And finally add the small squares. You’ll use 1 rectangle and 2 small squares to make the equivalent of one large square. |
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| 9. Begin sewing each row together, leaving a one-inch seam. You’ll want to sew the rectangle and 2 squares together first and then sew those together with the large squares. |
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| See? One row done! |
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| 10. Once you have 2 individual rows sewn together, you’ll want to use your pins. Place the top row with the seams facing down (touching the ground…not as shown in the picture). Then place the second row on top of the first and line them up. Pin them together (about 1 pin per large square is sufficient). |
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| 11. Begin sewing, again leaving a one-inch seam, down the entire length of the row. Make sure you backstitch this time! Continue with steps 9-10 until all 7 rows have been sewn together. |
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| 12. Then sew around the perimeter of the quilt, leaving one inch on each side. |
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| You’re done sewing… I didn’t take a picture of the backside, but it WILL NOT be ragged, it will just look like a plain quilt. |
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| 13. Now it’s time to rag! Cut each layer using a pair of very sharp scissors about every 1/4″. It’ll take a while. Pop in a movie and get to work (but take a break for your hands in between). :) |
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| 14. Wash on the “gentle” cycle and then dry on “low”. Be sure to clean out the dryer vent afterwards. |
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| You’re seeing green! I made these back in October and am JUST NOW getting to posting it. :) |
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| This is the quilt that our sweet friends made for Big Brother. |
Oh, I think this will be the first quilt my girls make, thanks for showing how you did this.
Oh they look wonderful! It'll be on my to-do list for whenever we have another baby! So adorable- thanks for sharing :)
Jenae! I love this quilt! And you did a great job explaining how to make it! I am getting ready to make little boy bedding for our new addition and this is perfect!
Yes, great explaination! I'm itching to make one of these now.
This looks beautiful! And easy even for a novice like me. Thanks for posting! I just found your blog and love it :)
One dumb question- does the back side look the same too??
Angie,
That's not a dumb question at all!
No, the backside will just look like a normal quilt. The front side will be the ragged side.
First, thank you. I made taggie blankets using your instructions and that was the first time I ever opened the box of the sewing machine my mother gave me for x-mas one year. Only my 2nd time ever sewing and they turned out fantastic!
I am not sure that I fully understand how to sew the rows together. Are the two rows laid on top of one another back to back? Is it where you have the seams facing the ground and one facing up? Then, sew the rows together leaving a seam?
How big is the blanket when finished?
Jenae,
Little Lewis LOVES his blanket you made (the 'boy' one pictured above). We use it everyday from tummy time or to wrap him in it as we swing on the front porch. It's perfect! This was truly one of the best gifts we received.
Benefits of this type of quilt:
-it can be thrown around and 'really used' and it doesn't look worn.
-you can spill something on it and it won't show because it's so 'busy'.
-It's cozy.
-I love the ragged side!
Thank you for posting the directions on how to make one myself.
We love you.
Love it! Definitely adding this to my list of projects to complete! Thanks for sharing!
I'm also wondering what the dimensions of the completed quilt are?
Kirstin,
You are exactly right! The side with the seam faces the floor while the other row's seam side faces up. So basically, you're sewing the two non-rag sides together.
Mandy,
I'm honestly not sure of the actual dimensions. I would guess it would be something like 36"x42" (based on very rough math calculations), but I'm really not sure. I've never actually measured a completed one!
how many different fabrics (patterns/colors) do you recommend using?
I would recommend using at least 6-7 different patterns (that coordinate, of course). And I normally try to use at least 2 solids so that the blanket isn't too busy.
I saw this post last week but didn't mark it and tried to make my ragged quilt by memory. I didn't take into account the seam allowance and came up with a smaller version, but I love it! I will make my next one following your directions. Thanks for sharing!!
Well, I'm planning on making a rag quilt for baby #2, and when I googled it, you popped up. :)
This is my first quilt. I am making it for my sisters baby shower! I purchased the fabric and have begun cutting, however I am a little confused about the number of squares and rectangles I am supposed to cut. It seems like if I have to double up on each size of my fabric pieces to make the front and back of the quilt I would only need HALF that amount of batting since I won’t be doubling up on that. You specify 84 pieces of fabric AND 84 pieces of batting. Is this correct? And if so could you explain it to me!! :) Do I double up on the batting for each fabric piece?
Hi Ruth,
The cut squares are actually intended to be 2-sided (as that is how I cut them). So basically, you’re cutting 168 pieces of fabric (front and back) and 84 pieces of batting. Sorry if that didn’t make sense. The quilt will be 6×7 squares. 1/2 of those will be the large squares and then half will be made up of one rectangle and 2 little squares.
Hope this helps!
My daughter got a wooden doll bed for her birthday. I’m going to scale down your pattern and use it to make a little quilt to go with it. Great tutorial…love the photos…makes the directions clear.
Thanks so much for the detailed instructions! I just bought my flannel and I’m looking forward to starting. Did you prewash your fabric? Normally I would but I was thinking that maybe you didn’t in order to get the ragged look when you do wash it when it’s done. Thanks!
No, I did not prewash the material. I never do, which is why I love the rag quilt…you can cut corners (like this one) and it still comes out wonderfully! :)
Thank you so much for explaining in such great detail! I can’t wait to make one!! I’ve been working on a hand sew quilt – every stitch by hand for the past few years! I started it when my son went to Iraq. He really helped me to get thru that tough time!
I make these all the time but I use old jeans for the top and flannel for the back. I cut all my fabric into squares (6 1/2″) and I do not put the quilt batt in. They are warm!!!! I usually just use one fabric for the back, but do cut it into squares. When it comes time to sew, I just sew a piece of jean and a piece of flannel together, then proceed as you do, making rows and then sewing the rows together.
I do the same!! Use old jeans, cut them into 6″ squares–then I cut 6″ flannel–my husband loves to put a quilt on his recliner–he says I need to make sure to put the pockets in the quilt so he can put his remote in it. LOL
One question, you mentioned this was for a baby, approximately what size is this quilt using the dimensions for the squares you provided? I’m looking to do a larger quilt so I need to know how many more squares I’ll need. Knowing what size this quilt is will help. Thanks
It ends up being approximately 3 1/2 by 4 feet, give or take. :)
I want to make this as a twin bed quilt for my little girl. What are the finished demensions of your quilt? Trying to figure out how much to increase it.
Approximately 3 1/2 x 4 feet.
I should have read the comments first about the dimensions! . Thanks for the great idea!
Thanks so much for sharing this great quilt pattern!!!!
I just want to say thanks so much for this tutorial! My brother and his partner are due a baby in a few weeks so I used this tutorial to make a cot sized quilt or playmat. I only used 3 fabrics (admittedly not particularly babyish) and I made it smaller. I found this method of quilting so much easier than what I had been doing for previous quilts. You can view my quilt here:
Raggy : http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa296/saffy50/crafty%20bums/5dd515c6.jpg
Non raggy : http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa296/saffy50/crafty%20bums/d19a40eb.jpg
It is so cute! Great job!
Wow! Thank you so much for this pattern. I am a beginner (haven’t made a single quilted thing) and this looks like it would be a great project for someone new to quilting. Awaiting the birth of my granddaughter and am now looking forward to this great switch from traditional crocheted baby blanket!
I love this. Do you just have the rag look on the one side or is the back the same way. Very much a beginner..
No, the other side will be non-ragged and look like a quilt, except for the outer perimeter, which will have ragged edges. :)
Thank you, I’m going to try it…:))
I love this rag quilt. I am a beginner and I think this would be a great place to start. Thanks for sharing with everyone. Kay
love, love, love these!!!! I will definitely be making one, and soon!
I made many of these before i finally discovered the ACCUQUILT fabric cutter! They have a 9 inch square that cuts the fringes also. So if you’re doing a simple pattern it is a hand saver!!!!
Finally!! Instructions for making rag quilts that actually MAKE SENSE! I made one for first grandbaby with help from the quilting ladies at the quilt store. By time second grandbaby arrived, I had forgotten how to do it :( and the quilt store has new owners, so no help there, but I muddled through making one with strips of cloth instead of squares. Now grandbaby number three is awaiting his (he’s almost two lol), and I want to use flannel from my dad’s (his great-grandad’s) shirts… and again *sigh* couldn’t find instructions I could understand. THANK YOU!!
Thank you so much for sharing the details on how you do this I have seen so many pictures but no instructions!
New to the sewing and I am going to try this. I know this may sound like a dumb question, but do you buy 8-9 yards of each coordinating fabric (i.e. 6-7 patterns at 8-9 yards)??
Oh no, just 8 to 9 yards TOTAL! :) So you can plan on getting at least 1 yard of each coordinating fabric and you might do a few at 1.5 yards. :)
So, i read through all the comments and through the tutorial again and I cannot wait to make one of these but just so I’m clear with everything: You sew two pieces wrong sides together with batting in the middle. Then you sew the backs (which will end up being right back side with right backside) together with a 1″ seam allowance. then “rag” the seams and that’s the “front” of it.
Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us.
Sara
Yep, that sounds right…but then again, I’m a visual learner. :)
Thank you so much for this!! I can’t wait to get started. Great tutorial and great info. Thanks for all the extra tips and for responding to everyone questions in the comments. I have always wanted to make one of these but it looked too difficult. But with your great instructions I think I can do it!!
I am so excited to try this! I have been looking for a bedding set for our new little guy but can’t seem to find the colors I want. Now I can make one! For those that have used old jeans do you have to use a different needle on your machine? (Oh, and I posted this fantastic tutorial on Pinterest!)
I Love This Quilt I Am Going To Make This Some Day Thank You For Posting.
I was so tickled to see your pictures on Pinterest! I’ve been making these
quilts for several years now and it’s the only kind of sewing I want to do
anymore. It’s wonderful how “un-careful” you have to be.
I just wanted to suggest a couple of tips that work for me:
I always double stitch all of the seams. I had some trouble with big ole
grandsons tugging on them too hard and pulling the seams loose in places.
When I started sewing the seams twice, that trouble went away.
Also, I take mine to the laundry and have them wash the quilts twice
for me and dry once. I figured this out after stopping my washer up twice!
Love seeing your quilts! Happy sewing!!
Love your quilt. Thanks for taking the time to share. Have you ever used chennile? Have you tried to mix two fabrics?
Thanks,
DA
Yes, I have used chenille and it works great! It does stretch a little bit, so you’ll want to be careful of that. :)
I just finished my version of this quilt. Thank you so much for the pattern. I love it. I feel such pride in the finished product, I made it for my Mon to give as a gift, can’t wait for the little one to be bundled up in it!
Can anyone share what size and how many squares to use for it to fit a twin bed?
The quilt sheet I have says 72″x92″ for a twin quilt. Hope this helps
Hi. Thanks for the great tutorial! I’m just wondering if the small squares are supposed to be 4.5″ not 5.5″ or are the big squares supposed to be 11″? The small squares don’t seem to match up to the 9×9 square. Thanks.
Please disregard my comment, I figured it out. Sorry!
No problem…I’m assuming you figured out there needed to be a 1-inch seam allowance! :)
Thank you, Stefanie! That does help!
Your blankets are so beautiful and I am so excited to try one! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge.
I recently found out we’re expecting again :) :) so I think I will make one of these for him/her! My son has a different type blanket I made. It would be so fun to make a special blanket for each of my future kiddos. Can hardly wait to get started!
Love these! I first got one as a shower gift for my daughter, 8 years ago. I’ve been making them for every shower I go to ever since! Sometimes I do 4 small squares, instead of the rectangle & squares. But these are ALWAYS a hit with Mom & baby. And when a second baby comes along, Mom always asks for another blankie! :)
I have seen many of these thinking “that’s my kind of quilting!” Thank you so much for the tutorial. It answered all of my questions. However, can you please tell me what the finished size of this baby quilt is? Thanks,
Cheri
Honestly…I have no idea! My best guess would be 42 inches x 49 inches.
Hi, I am so excited to make this for my first grandchild, due this July. I have a question though. I purchased 100% cotton batting and it says you can pre-wash or not but that there will be 3% shrinkage. I noticed that you said you don’t pre-wash the flannel. What would you recommend? Pre-washing just the batting, neither or both?
Thanks!
Do what you feel comfortable with, but if it were me, I wouldn’t pre-wash it.
Then again, I’m kind of lazy when it comes to sewing…but that’s what I love about the rag quilts is that they don’t have to be perfect. :)
Good answer, I’m kinda lazy about this kind of thing too, lol. Thanks for responding so quickly!
I have seen these a lot on the internet but yours my favorite due to the different size square love it i am now as i am typing tring to figure out one thing win you put the small pieces together with the rectangle you don’t open the seam allowance you just sewing it one way or the other. I have opened the seam and no just figured out that I won’t be able to clip the seams down the middle you know what I mean? Or is there away before I get the old seam ripper out
Hi Jenae,
Thanks for sharing! What are the finished dimensions for this quilt? I want to make one for my Sweet Girl for her someday Big Girl Bed and will need to add to it! Thanks!! :)
Honestly…I don’t know because I don’t have a finished one. The one that was made for my son is slightly different. My best guess would be 42 inches x 49 inches.
I love this pattern! I just started making one to give away as a baby gift. I wanted to pass along a tip for anyone who is as lazy as I am. :) When cutting the fabric, I am just cutting the squares with scissors. After I measured and cut the first one, I used it as a pattern for the rest by laying it on top the fabric and cutting around it. Now, for the really neat trick…cut 42 9X9 inch squares from the fabric. Half of those (21) become the 9X9 inch squares. Take the other 21, fold them in half and cut them. You have 42 of the rectangles. Lay half of the rectangles to the side (21), take the other 21 rectangles, fold them in half and cut them. Then you’ll have your 42 small squares. It would be really time consuming to try to make different size patterns and cut each one individually. As the tutorial says, there is no need for perfection, and my squares all look pretty darn uniform even with these shortcuts.
Ignore my post above….I just realized the smaller squares are 5.5 inches and not 4.5 inches. My bad!! :)
Ok. I feel like an idiot but I accidentally cut tons of squares 5×5. Is there anyway to salvage this fabric? Or should I just start over?