Rag Quilt Classroom

January Catch Up

2012-01-24T06:25:00.000-05:00

I'm just dropping by to say hello this morning. Life is busy with sewing orders and lessons and such. No new rag quilt tutorials are even in my head to create at the moment. As soon as that happens I'll be back to post them here. See you then!

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year 2012!

2011-12-31T09:56:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year from http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/.

Triangle Squares Rag Quilt Christmas Tree Skirt Tutorial

2011-11-11T16:52:00.002-05:00

Here's the new tutorial I promised earlier this week. I hope you like it.

Triangle Squares Christmas Tree Skirt

Rag Quilt Tutorial

by Sew Practical

for Rag Quilt Classroom

Please read all instructions carefully before beginning. This is a simple and quick project to make. Skirt should finish at about 39 ½” x 39 ½”. Use ½” seam allowance throughout.

Supplies

2 yards of Fabric 1

2 yards of Fabric 2

crib size bag of batting

basic sewing supplies

Instructions
1. Cut thirty-six 8” squares from fabric 1 and thirty-six 8” squares from fabric 2.

2. Cut thirty-six 5” squares from batting then cut in half diagonally to make 72 triangles.

3. Place right side (printed side) of fabric 1 squares to right side of fabric 2 square. Of course fabrics like homespun, ticking and muslin are the same on both sides so they will not have a right side or wrong side.

4. Sew diagonally one way only. Repeat until all the squares are sewn together in this fashion.

5. Fold the fabric over so that the right sides are showing and you will have two perfect triangles. You may have to press them with your hands to keep them from folding back over.

6. Place batting triangles between the openings of the fabric – butted up against the sew line. Pin to hold the batting in place until it is sewn.

7. Sew diagonally in the opposite direction of the first sew line to hold the batting in place.

8. Use the diagram and the pictures as a guide to sew the triangle squares together using ½” seam allowance. Keep in mind that the right and left sides of the back three rows will not be sewn together. It needs be open so it can be placed around the Christmas tree.

    Layout diagram

    Front 3 rows

    Front 3 rows sewn together

      Back 3 rows

     Back 3 rows sewn together

    Back 3 rows sewn to front 3 rows

9. Depending on the trunk size of your tree, you’ll need to trace a circle in the center of the tree skirt as indicated. Food cans and butter bowl lids make great templates. I used a food can for this tutorial.

    Use can to trace circle

    Trace line

10. Cut out the circle. Be careful; seams will not be secure at circle until you sew around it.

11. Sew around the perimeter – including the split and circle. Snip edges.

12. Wash on cold gentle cycle and dry on low. Vacuum away any excess shedding. You’re finished!

   Finished skirt

     Close up

     Back of skirt

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Finally have a few ideas!

2011-11-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

After taking about an hour to think today after months and months of working without a break I have finally come up with an idea I think you all will enjoy. It's simple yet decorative. And hopefully something else that will work as a complimentary piece will work out as well. I do have a class to finish for one of my other websites and deep cleaning the house for Thanksgiving will begin shortly. By shortly, I mean a few days. But I think I can work on these rag quilt tutorials for you in between my cleaning and finishing schedule. So stay tuned!

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Looking for Rag Quilt Videos?

2011-10-20T06:36:00.001-04:00

We have now added a "videos" label on this blog to help you easily find those. Here's the link: http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/search/label/videos. Sorry I didn't think of this before but I thought of it only while I was creating a rag quilt class and it suddenly dawned on me that the link would be helpful.

Have a nice day!

Mama's still thinking

2011-10-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

I'm still thinking of a nice tutorial to offer. Thanks for your patience. I promise it will be worth the wait.

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/
http://www.ecraftclasses.com/
http://www.ecraftclasses.blogspot.com/

Still Thinking of a Project

2011-09-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

I'm still thinking about a new rag quilt tutorial Iwant to make for you all. I have a couple of ideas so I'm trying to hash them out into actual rag quilt tutorials while I'm working on other projects. I'm always open to suggestions. If you have any, please feel free to leave a comment to this post. It should be something that's fairly quick to make. And people are looking for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas ideas right now.

Thanks in advance!

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/
http://www.ecraftclasses.com/
http://www.ecraftclasses.blogspot.com/

We're now on Twitter

2011-08-29T07:59:00.000-04:00

We are now on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MomandPopCrafts. Watch for all of our latest craft news to be posted almost daily. Sometimes two or three times daily!

Mom and Pop Crafts

2011-08-22T10:56:00.000-04:00

I needed a place to feature all of our craft sites/blogs so I'm excited to announce Mom and Pop Crafts: http://www.momandpopcrafts.blogspot.com/. That way if you're interested in all of our sites but can't follow them all, then you can follow this one blog. Thanks for peeking.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/
http://www.ecraftclasses.blogspot.com/

Have not forgotten

2011-08-15T08:36:00.000-04:00

I wanted to let everyone know that I haven't forgotten that I need to make a new tutorial for the blog. Things are very hectic right now with homeschool lessons beginning but I promise to be back soon with a new tutorial for you. ; ) If you have any suggestions please feel free to comment to this post. You'd be helping me out a lot.

September Quick Tips for Creative Times Magazine

2011-07-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

This doesn't have a thing to do with rag quilting but most of you work on crafts of all sorts so I wanted to mention this info for that reason. I have had a horrible time trying to get my Quick Tips ready for the September issue of Creative Times Magazine. Too much other stuff on my mind I guess. But I finally came up with the eight that I needed and eight that I'm really proud of. Four are sewing tips and the other four are health and beauty tips that should be helpful for the upcoming fall and winter months. Be sure to download that issue on September 1, 2011 at the following link: http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com/current_issue.php. I hope you enjoy them. The July issue is currently at that link so download and enjoy that one as well. It's free!

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/
http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

All Rag Quilt Tutorials

2011-07-11T11:41:00.000-04:00

You can find all of our free rag quilt tutorials at the following link:
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/search/label/Rag%20Quilt%20Tutorials. As of July 11, 2011, there is a pumpkin bowl filler, prayer shawl, small rag quilt tree skirt, rag ball ornaments that are made similar to the pumpkin bowl filler, pillow covers, rag quilt valance, rag quilt table runner, and a shamrock pillow tutorial.

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Craft Tips by E Craft Classes

2011-06-06T08:30:00.002-04:00

Craft Tips by E Craft Classses is now available to teach our visitors as much about crafting as possible. Therefore, we're opening up an interactive page for our visitors. If you have a craft tip you'd like to share please leave a comment anywhere on the ECC blog and we'll include it on the Craft Tips page. We'll also include one website link for you. The website must be craft related. The remaining rules and other information can be found below the tips at the following link: http://ecraftclasses.blogspot.com/p/craft-tips.html.

Need Quick Tips and Serious Business Writers

2011-06-02T07:03:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you don't mind me posting this information here briefly.

Creative Times Magazine is looking for writers to fill the Serious Business and Quick Tips columns. As writers for CTMag, your online business will be represented with your articles as well as on the Editors page at the following link: http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com/editors.php.

Articles are due every other month and must be 500 words or less. You can look through past issues to see what types of articles have been written for these columns at the archives link: http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com/archive.php.

If you're interested in applying for the positions, please send articles that we can use in the Sept/Oct 2011 issue. Please send your articles to sewpdw at charter dot net by July 15, 2011. This will give us enough time to select new writers in the event that several do apply. You may also email with any questions you may have.

You must be able to work on a tight schedule so if you're plate is already full, you may want to wait for another writing opportunity to come along when you have more time to commit to the position. The new writer will receive the writing deadline for each issue and you will also receive a few reminders up to the point of submitting your articles.

You must be also able to accept constructive criticism. We're looking forward to hearing from you.

Rag Quilt Pumpkin Bowl Filler Tutorial

2011-06-01T16:47:00.004-04:00

Rag Quilt Pumpkins Tutorial

These are made from strips of football shaped fabric. Sew these together using a ½” to 1” seam allowance. You may make and sell these online and at craft shows, but please remember to give designer credit to Sew Practical.

Supplies
At least 3 different homespun fabrics (should be fall colors like orange, mustard, yellow, rust, etc.)
Optional: green fabric or felt to make leaves. Small cuts of jute (unraveled) for curly vines.
Cinnamon sticks or sticks gathered from the yard
Soft bristle toothbrush
Hot glue gun and glue stick
Fiberfil

Instructions

1.Print the template after downloading from link above template picture.

2. Cut out the football shapes. There is one each to make small, medium and large pumpkins.

3. Trace the pattern of your selected template onto doubled fabric. This will serve as one panel per trace. You’ll need 6 panels per pumpkin.

4. Cut the panels out of the fabric.

5. Sew the panels together with seams on the outside. Use 1/2” to 1” seam allowance. Leave a gap at the top for stuffing.

6. Snip the seams.

7. Stuff firmly.

8. Cut or break cinnamon stick (or other stick) to desired length.

9. Place into hole to use as stem. Hot glue around the base of the stem to secure the hold.

10. Glue any leaves and vines near the stem if you have decided to add these.

11. The most effective way to get these seams to fray is to use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush firmly across the seams in a back and forth motion. You also might want to do this over a trash can.

12. Your pumpkin is finished. Make a whole pumpkin patch!

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-29T19:31:00.000-04:00

I wanted to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day. Also wanted to let you know that a new rag quilt tutorial is coming soon.

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

New Tutorial is Coming Soon

2011-05-12T07:01:00.000-04:00

I wanted to check in and let everyone know that I haven't forgotten about this blog. I'll have a new tutorial added within the next couple of weeks so check back soon. Thanks for dropping by.

http://www.ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Betty's Princess Rag Quilt

2011-04-19T17:13:00.000-04:00

My friend Betty from http://www.hummergardencrafts.com/ finished this gorgeous rag quilt recently. I love the way it turned out.

http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Care for your rag quilts

2011-04-04T11:26:00.000-04:00

Use cotton or cotton blends when creating your rag quilts. Many people will wash and dry their rag quilts for the first time at a laundry mat because of the intense shedding. Wash on the cold/gentle cycle. Dry on low. Check your lint trap regularly and remove excessive lint build up to avoid dryer fires. Shake well after removing from the dryer.

The lint should subside greatly after use and a few washes. You can use a lint roller or a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment to remove excess lint and strings.

If buying a rag quilt and the type of fabric used isn't mentioned, be sure to ask the seller before purchasing.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Types of fabric used to make rag quilts

2011-04-04T11:24:00.000-04:00

Cotton and cotton blends are the most preferred. Of course, you have different weaves, etc. that contribute to more or less ragging. See the list below.

Loose weaves such as homespun will have a very ragged effect. You'll have a huge mess in your washer and dryer the first few times you launder your rag quilt. In my opinion, these are always the prettiest though.

Tighter weaves such as cotton prints cause less mess.

Medium weaves such as muslin and flannel create a nice in-between effect - not too much mess but a little more ragging than prints.

The backing can match the front fabrics, or use muslin for wall hangings. Use flannel if you'll use your rag quilt to keep warm.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Batting for rag quilts

2011-04-04T11:23:00.001-04:00

This is basically left to the preference of the creator. I have found the low loft polyester batting to work best for me. Low loft seems to provides less shifting between your front and back squares. Polyester also causes less sneezing and watering eyes compared to the cotton for me. Cotton triggers numerous allergy-type problems for me.

Of course, you could skip batting altogether and go for a lighter weight quilt. I like to use at least two flannel squares for backing in this case so that you get a nice quilted look without the added thermal heating that batting creates.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Quilt Terminology

2011-04-04T11:16:00.000-04:00

Some of this is also general sewing terms that are used while making rag quilts. I'll add more as I think of them. Ü Everything is in alphabetical order.

Create a row - Sew your determined squares together to form a row.
Half and Half method - http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/2010/07/half-and-half.html.
Lock the stitches – Stitch forward, back, forward over the first and/or last 3 to 5 stitches to ensure that the stitches are locked and won’t come apart. Likeness to knotting the thread.

Rag BOM – Block of the month for a rag quilt.

Right side – Printed side of fabric when applicable or fuzzy side of flannel when applicable.
Row tags – Numbered tags to place on the first squares of each rag quilt row before sewing together. This makes the task of sewing the rows in the correct order easier.
Sandwich - A layer of bottom fabric, batting (flannel may be substituted), then top fabric. Right side of all fabrics are facing outward.

Seam allowance - How much you sew from the edge of the fabric (example: 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch).
Snip - Clipping the seam allowances.
Snip as you go - Something that I recommend. Complete snipping in the following order as it applies: sew on any appliques to squares and snip if they are ragged appliques, sew triangles to create squares then snip the seams, create rows and snip the seams after each row is complete, sew rows together and snip seams once two rows are completely sewn together.

Traditional X - The traditional way of quilting the squares of a rag quilt. Sew from one corner to the diagonal corner. Repeat with the other two corners. See video at this link: http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/2010/07/rag-quilt-traditional....

Wrong side - The non-printed side of fabric or non-fuzzy side of flannel.
http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Quilt Don'ts

2011-04-04T11:10:00.000-04:00

BREATHING ISSUES

Due to the shedding, I really don't believe rag quilts should be made for the elderly, babies, asthmatics, pug nosed dogs or other animals and humans with respiratory problems. While creating these I suffer from an upper respiratory reaction causing sniffles, coughing and stuffiness. This has led me to believe that anyone suffering from respiratory ailments would suffer more severely if using a rag quilt.

POTHOLDERS
Neither should a potholder be rag quilted due to the fact that the shedding pieces will wind up in your food or possibly on your oven elements and cause a fire.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Budget Buying Rag Quilt Supplies

2011-04-04T11:08:00.000-04:00

Sign up for newsletters from your favorite craft supply store. Both snail mail and email newsletters if they're offered because each may offer slightly different sales. If you don't want to receive the snail mail flyers, those can usually be seen online. Hancock Fabric usually offers 10% off total sales at the cash register. They'll often run 30% and 40% sales off any batting throughout the store. You have to pay attention; these are generally for specific days. They also hold great sales online and they'll announce those in their newsletters so you'll have the exact links to the sales.

Hobby Lobby usually has 25% and 40% off one item. I use these to purchase the large boxes of fiberfil and bolts of flannel for my backing fabric. They often have 30% PLUS off of some of their fabric each week so that's a great time to get some of the more expensive fabric too. The percent off vouchers are also good for purchasing other expensive items like your cutting mats, rotary cutters, and rag quilt scissors. If you need a couple of expensive items at once, print off two coupons and take someone else with you who can go through separately with one of the coupons and pay for the other item for you. Hubby does this for me a lot.
These are the two stores in our area. Other stores like these - Michael's and Joanne's, etc. - have very similar sales. Even if they aren't in your area, they are all online. Ü Most also offer free shipping if you purchase a certain amount.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Prayer Shawl Rag Quilt Tutorial

2011-03-25T09:27:00.004-04:00

Prayer Shawl Rag Quilt Tutorial

This tutorial will help you complete a beautiful prayer shawl rag quilt. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning. You may make and sell these online and at craft shows, but please remember to give designer credit to Sew Practical.

Supplies

1 yard fabric for your plain squares
1 yard fabric for the cross border squares
½ yard fabric for the cross squares
2 yards backing fabric
thread
general sewing supplies
Optional: batting

Instructions

1. Print the templates from the download provided at the end of these instructions.

2. Cut (68) 4” squares from your plain fabric. I used a green blender cotton fabric. You will quilt these using the ichthus and cross templates that you printed out.

3. Cut (61) 4” squares from your cross border fabric. I used an ichthus and cross cotton print.

4. Cut (30) 4” squares for your crosses. I used a pretty rose cotton print that coordinated well with the other two fabrics.

5. Cut (159) 4” squares from your backing fabric. I used an ivory flannel.

6. Cut (159) 2 ½” squares from batting if you choose to use it.

7. Place front and back squares together (with batting centered between the squares if you use it). Right sides of fabric should be facing outward.

8. Sew the traditional X to hold squares together.

9. Optional: Cut the fish and cross squares out of the template. Cut the cross square slightly larger as shown in the picture so the square won’t fall apart when you cut out the cross. Then cut the fish and cross out. Skip to # 12 if you aren’t quilting the ichthus and cross onto the squares.

10. Trace the fish onto 35 of the plain squares and trace the cross onto 33 of the plain squares.

11. Sew on the trace lines to quilt the ichthus and cross onto these squares.

12. Follow the layout template and sew your squares in the appropriate order leaving ½” seam allowance. Snip the seams as you complete each row.

13. Sew around the edges leaving a ½” seam allowance. Snip the edges.

14. Wash on cold, gentle cycle. Dry on low. Shake well outside. Vacuum or roll to remove any remaining strings.

Download template below.

Copyright 2011 Sew Practical. All rights reserved.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/
http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Shamrock Rag Quilt Pillow Tutorial

2011-02-06T15:58:00.005-05:00

Drop by Tattered Sisters each week to see new projects. Join in on the fun as often as you can!

This tutorial will help you complete an appliquéd rag quilt pillow that will finish at about 8” x 8”. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning. You may make and sell these online and at craft shows. You may even change the size, but please remember to give credit to Sew Practical and Hummer Garden Crafts for the design. Click on any picture to enlarge.

Supplies Needed:
Shamrock template – printed
½ yard cotton Shamrock print fabric
Scrap green fabric
Scrap green and white plaid
Scrap batting
Fiberfil
Green beads or buttons are optional

Instructions:
1. Search for a shamrock coloring page to use as your appliqué template. Shamrocks should be about 2” x 2” or 3” x 3”. I found mine at: http://www.coloringcastle.com/pdfs/seasonal/stpat-sayings.pdf.

2.Cut a shamrock out of the template and trace three onto doubled green fabric and three onto doubled plaid fabric. Cut out each pair. Adding appliques in pairs makes them stronger so that's why I do this.

3. Cut eighteen 4” x 4” squares and two 10” x 10” squares from the shamrock print.

4. Cut nine 2 ½” x 2 ½” and one 10” x 10” squares from the batting.

5. Pair two of the shamrock prints and one batting square to create each sandwich. Sew the traditional x to hold each square together.

Center batting on the wrong side of one of the squares

Place the other square on top - right side up

Sew traditional x to hold sandwich together.

6. On six of the squares sew the green shamrocks pairs and plaid shamrock pairs using a close zigzag machine stitch.

Front View

Back View

7. On the three remaining squares either leave blank or sew buttons or beads at the cross section of the x’s like I did.

8. Sew three rows of three squares together in any order that you prefer. Use ¼” seam allowance. Our own Betty Erskine suggested a tic tac toe layout so I used the beaded squares as the winning line up. Snip the seams.

9. Draw diamonds on one of the 10” x 10” squares. This piece can be used as the wrong side when sewing the front and back of the pillow together.
Draw X on one 10" square. You might want to enlarge this picture.

Draw one set of lines 2" apart

Draw the other set of lines 2" to complete the diamond pattern.

10. Place the batting and other 10” x 10” square behind it and quilt the diamond pattern.

Place the batting between the front and back squares of the pillow back.

Sew over your lines to quilt the diamond pattern.

11. If you’d like, sew green beads or buttons at the cross sections of each diamond (on the side that doesn’t have the markings).

12. Sew the right sides (print side) of the pillow front and back together using ¼” seam allowance. Leave an opening at the bottom large enough to turn the pillow right side out.
Place rights sides of pillow front and back together.

Leave small opening

13. Wash on cold gentle cycle. Dry on low. Shake outside. Vacuum to remove any additional strings.

Whipstitch closed after stuffing

14. Stuff pillow and whip stitch the opening closed.

15. Congratulations! You have a new pillow to decorate your home for St. Patrick’s Day.
Front of pillow

Close-up of pillow

Other: Time did not permit me to do this, but I was thinking that embroidering the trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit - onto three of the squares would have made a nice “winning line-up” for the tic tac toe theme. After all, St. Patrick did purposely select the shamrock to symbolize the trinity.

Thank you for helping me with this project, Betty! Visit Betty at www.HummerGardenCrafts.com.

Copyright 2011 Sew Practical. All rights reserved.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

How to Bind a Rag Quilt

2011-01-28T15:36:00.006-05:00

Most rag quilts are finished by snipping the edges as well as the seams. However sometimes I like to do something like add binding to the edges of my rag quilts for a different look. Below is how to do this if you would like to try this yourself.

First, determine how much binding you will need to finish your quilt edges. Binding usually comes in 3 yard lengths. As a rule, I purchase at least one extra package than I need to allow for the seam allowance required to sew these sections together. There are several ways to do this so a Google search should help you determine the easiest way for you. After sewing your binding sections together, you may want to press the seams before beginning. You will need to pin or baste the binding in place around the edges of the quilt. Tuck the corners as shown below.

CLICK ON ANY PICTURE FOR LARGER VIEW

You’ll also want to be sure that you spread the rag quilt seams so that each side of the seam is lying flat before pinning over it as you see in the picture below. Otherwise you’ll have a big lump under your binding.

Most binding is stitched on by hand, using the blind hem stitch. The stitches of a blind hem stitch are under the binding and out of sight of course. Again a Google search of this term should be helpful to find a process that works best for you. Below is a picture of my blind stitches.

Yes this does take a little bit of time. Notice that you sew one side of the binding onto the quilt and will hem the other side on once your first side is finished.

Optional: Add Buttons to corners and seams before binding the back of the quilt.

Below is the finished quilt.

How to Cut Your Rag Quilt Squares

2010-12-02T08:04:00.006-05:00

Supplies NeededSelf-healing cutting mat with 1" grid (24" x 36")
Mats can be purchased at any local craft store. Take a coupon as these can be a bit pricey.
OLipfa Ruler (see link below)
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/olliprulbr5x.html

Rotary cutter (28 mm or larger)
http://search.store.yahoo.net/bevfabriccrafts/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=bevfabriccrafts&vwcatalog=bevfabriccrafts&query=rotary%20cutter&x=17&y=16

I use a 28 mm cutter because the blades are less expensive. I can still cut 4 layers of fabric easily with this size. Links are provided so you can see the items. Purchasing from the website given is totally at your discretion.
InstructionsIt is important to practice this technique on an inexpensive piece of fabric before you actually cut into your good fabric.
1. Align all fabric edges on straight lines of the mat grid. As mentioned above I do like to cut 4 layers of fabric at a time in order to save time since rag quilt squares don't have to be perfect. If you're cutting squares for a traditional quilt, you may want to stick to cutting one layer for that perfect fit you need for those. Anyway, I can cut 2 yards in about 10 minutes by doing this. That's a huge time-saver when you need to cut 10 + yards of fabric for a rag quilt.

Because I do like to cut so many layers at once, I will cut twice to be sure my blade made it through all the layers.
2. Butt the lip of your ruler against the bottom edge of your mat. Align your ruler on a cutting line. Be sure the top and bottom of your ruler are on the same line before cutting.
3. Press down on the ruler with one hand to secure it while slowly rolling the cutter along the edge of the ruler. Slowly "walk" your hand down the ruler as you cut so you can keep the cutter from sliding.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Small Rag Quilt Tree Skirt Tutorial

2010-11-11T08:05:00.008-05:00

This tutorial will help you complete a small tree skirt measuring about 41” when it’s completed. This is a very simple project that can be completed in just a few hours. Please read all instructions and look at all pictures thoroughly before starting your project. Use ½” seam allowance throughout. Click on pictures to enlarge. Click on the download button to save the full pattern with templates to your computer.

SuppliesFabric 1 – 1 yard
Fabric 2 – 4 yards
Crib size batting
Matching thread

Instructions

1.Print pattern pieces.

2. Cut out pattern pieces.

3. From Page 1, trace 10 pieces onto doubled sections of fabric. Be sure to place the appropriate edge on the fold as indicated on the pattern piece. These will be your top skirt sections later.

4. Cut sections out. Leave folded.

Wide base is the fold

5. Tape pattern sections together as shown.

6. Trace 10 panels onto doubled Fabric 2 for a total of 20 panels. These will be your front and back panels. In order to trace all of your panels onto the four yards, you must turn your pattern to trace in the opposite direction of the last trace as shown in the picture below.

7. Cut the panels out.

8. Cut pattern on the dotted lines then use as a guide to cut 10 pieces of batting.

Batting will be slightly smaller than the panel

9. Place batting between front and back panel.

Center batting over back panel

Place top panel over batting

10. Quilt panels. First sew 1” off the edges, then sew 2” off the edges.

11. After all panels are quilted, place folded sections across the top.

12. Sew across the folded edges and the top using ½” seam allowance.

13. Snip the edges.

Fold will have loops after snipping

Snipped top section

Top view of snipped fold

14. Sew panels together using ½” seam allowance. Snip the seams.

15. Sew 1” seam allowance onto outer top sections to match the panel edges.

16. Sew ½” seam allowance around all remaining edges. Snip seams.

17. Wash on cold, gentle cycle and dry on low. Shake well outside. You may also need to use your vacuum and brush attachment or a lint roller to remove any excess strings.

We are thrilled when people want to make items from our patterns and tutorials to sell. Permission is granted. All we ask is that you please let buyers know that you used instructions by Sew Practical. All rights reserved. © 2010

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/
http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Ball Ornaments Tutorial

2010-11-11T06:59:00.007-05:00

Rag Ball Ornaments Tutorial© 2009, 2010
Templates are provided for three different sizes of ornaments. Please read all instructions and look at all pictures thoroughly before beginning your project. Each ornament takes about 30 minutes to complete. Click on any picture for a larger view. Click on download button to save tutorial and template to your computer.

Supplies

Fabric Remnants

(Optional) Extra buttons or small embellishments

Polyfil Stuffing (about 1 oz per ornament)

Jute, cording, or ribbon for hanger

Needle nose pliers are helpful for inserting the stuffing

A pencil (eraser end) is helpful to pack the stuffing tightly

Instructions

1.Print template. Cut out Rag Ball Ornament Panel templates.

2. Trace onto doubled fabric and cut 6 panels for each ornament so that you have 12 panels total. Hint: Now is when you will want to sew and small embellishments to the center of each doubled panel. I have chosen not to do this with this ornament.

3. Use 2 layers per panel and sew 6 sets of panels together using about a ½” seam allowance. Leave open at one end so you can stuff the ornament.

First stitch

Notice the small opening on the
left side (which will be the top of
the ornament when finished).

Opening should be slightly larger than the diameter of a pencil.

4. Snip seams. Wash and dry ornament(s) - with larger rag quilt items if possible.

5. Stuff the ornaments.

6. Cut hanger from jute, cording or ribbon about 6” long. Double the hanger and place raw ends into the ornaments about ½”. Sew hanger into place while sewing the opening closed.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/
http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Angel Rag Quilt E-Pattern

2010-10-19T10:37:00.003-04:00

Quilt finishes at about 70" x 108". Pattern is for intermediate to advanced rag quilters. Lots of photos included with the instructions!

Download the pattern free by clicking on the download button below the picture.

Create Rag Quilt Triangle Squares

2010-09-15T12:49:00.005-04:00

As I mentioned before, I use a lot of triangles in my rag quilt designs. Most of those triangles have to be sewn together to create new squares.

To do so, place back sides of the triangles together.
Sew the long middle edges together using 1/2" or 1" seam allowance (per pattern instructions).
Cut off the excess edges as seen in the video.
You now have a new square made from two triangles.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/
http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Quilt Triangle Quilting Tip

2010-09-11T10:06:00.007-04:00

I use a lot of triangles in many of my rag quilt designs. A simple single row of stitches is all that's needed to hold the triangle sandwich together. This video demonstrates how to use the straight lines that exist on your sewing machine to be able to keep that stitch as straight as possible.

First I used the front edge of the sewing machine. As I sew along, the tool case guides me. Then the edge of the bobbin casing. Finally the strike plate. Your sewing machine may be slightly different but it will be the same concept.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/%20http://www.sewpractical.com/http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Making Pillow Covers with Two Different Rag Quilt Techniques

2010-09-02T12:49:00.023-04:00

Finished pillow covers on the pillow forms

9 Patch Pillow Cover Template

Click to enlarge and print

Two Different Rag Quilt TechniquesPlease read all instructions and look at all pictures thoroughly before beginning. Although I teach the technique to sew from seam to seam to save time and my sanity, I thought I needed to touch on the two other rag quilt techniques that I’ve seen explained. If other designers join us they may use either of these techniques and I want you to be familiar with them. The main reason I don’t use these techniques is because a lot of pinning is required and that takes a lot of time. Another reason is that I would most likely break a needle. The final reason is that you have to wait until your project is completely finished to snip the seams and most of you know by now that I like to snip as I complete each row. That’s much easier on my aging hands.

I’ve made two 9 patch pillow covers since these are small projects. Nine squares should be plenty to display the techniques, and you’ll have two usable products when these are finished. In this tutorial, the “right side” of the nine patch top is the seam side. Step 3 under “Nine Patch Top” is the main step that changes from Technique #1 to Technique #2. Each technique completes one pillow cover. Only you will be able to tell two different techniques were used to create this pair of pillow covers.

Technique # 1Supplies14” x 14” pillow form
2 different coordinating fabrics (one of these should be 1 yard)
matching thread
Print the template

Instructions:Nine Patch Top1. Cut 27 squares 6” x 6” each (15 from fabric 1 and 12 from fabric 2). You’ll use 3 stacked squares per section. Sew the traditional x to hold the stacks together if you wish.

27 squares

3 stacked squares per section

2. Using the template as a guide, sew 3 sets of squares together per row using ½” seam allowance. Do NOT snip.

3. To sew rows together, line the first two rows up. Pin seams open on both sides. Sew across the seams while sewing the first two rows together. Sew carefully as these seams will be VERY thick to sew over.

4. Repeat to sew the third row on. Do NOT snip yet.

You can see how the seams now lie open

Back1. Cut two pieces (from the 1 yard of fabric) measuring 16” x 11” each.

2. On each piece, turn one edge under ½” twice and sew to hold. Pieces will finish at 16” x 10” each.

Fold edge 1/2" twice. Pin to hold.

Wrong side of pillow back

Right side of pillow back (click
on picture to enlarge if necessary
to see the finished side better)

Finish1. Place right side of one back piece to the top of the right side of the nine patch top. Align raw edges with raw edges. Sew around the raw edges using ¼” seam allowance.

You will want the seams to lie
open along the edges as well
(click on pic for a better view)

Pin to hold top back section on.

Pay close attention to pin over

the seams so they'll stay open while
you sew the back on.

Pins removed after sewing

2. Place right side of the other back piece to the bottom of the right side of nine patch top. Again, align raw edges and sew around the raw edges using ¼” seam allowance.

Back bottom is sewn in place

Finished edges are NOT sewn

Zigzag around the edges to finish the inside

3. Turn the cover right side out. Snip the seams.

Showing seams lying open after
front is sewn to back

Snipped seams. Yes, each side
of the seams will have to be
snipped independently

4. Wash, dry and place on pillow form.

Technique # 2Supplies14” x 14”
pillow form
2 different coordinating fabrics (one of these should be 1 yard)
matching thread
Print the template

Instructions:Nine Patch Top

See Technique I if you need to see pictures for like steps.

1. Cut 27 squares 6” x 6” each (15 from fabric 1 and 12 from fabric 2). You’ll use 3 stacked squares per section. Sew the traditional x to hold the stacks together if you wish.

2. Using the template as a guide, sew 3 sets of squares together per row using ½” seam allowance. Do NOT snip.

3. To sew rows together, line the first two rows up. Pin top seams toward you and pin bottom seams away from you (or visa versa). Sew across the seams while sewing the first two rows together. Sew carefully as these seams will be VERY thick to sew over.

One side of seams facing one direction

Other side facing the opposite direction.

4. Repeat to sew the third row on. Do NOT snip yet.

You can see the seams lying in
opposite directions.

They are twisted as you can see
that the top of the seams lie in
the opposite direction of the bottom
of the seam. That's ok. You won't
be able to tell after snipping.

Back1. Cut two pieces (from the 1 yard of fabric) measuring 16” x 11” each.
2. On each piece, turn one edge under ½” twice and sew to hold. Pieces will finish at 16” x 10” each.

Finish1. Place right side of one back piece to the top of the right side of the nine patch top. Align raw edges with raw edges. Sew around the raw edges using ¼” seam allowance.

2. Place right side of the other back piece to the bottom of the right side of nine patch top. Again, align raw edges and sew around the raw edges using ¼” seam allowance.

Maintain the "twist" effect along
the edges when you add the back
pieces. Pin the seams in place as
you did with the seams on the first
cover after you get the back pieces
in place.

3. Turn the cover right side out. Snip the seams.

Shows better detail of the twist effect
after sewing the back pieces on.

Some of the seams will be
turned away from you so...

Turn the cover around so that
you can more easily snip the
seams

4. Wash, dry and place on pillow form.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Quilt Valance Tutorial

2010-08-18T08:47:00.016-04:00

This tutorial is generic in order to create various sizes of valances, so please be sure to read very carefully. Use three layers per square so you will have a nice ragged effect. Use ½” seam allowance. Your valance will finish at the same width of your curtain rod and can be as long as you want it to be. Usually between 13” and 18” length is customary. If your window is very wide, you may need to piece fabric together to create your rod pocket strip OR make a few smaller valance panels instead of one large panel to use for any such window. Follow the instructions below for EACH panel if you choose the latter. Click on any picture to enlarge

Supplies Needed:¾” to 1” curtain rod
Fabric amount (varies due to valance size, square size, amount of different fabrics used, and number of squares used)
Thread
Clothes pin or other small clamp
Measuring tape

Rod Pocket Strip:1. Measure rod from end to end around the corners. Use clothes pins or other type of clamp to hold your measuring tape in place. Round up to the nearest inch. Mine just happened to measure exactly 39” but I rounded up to 40” to allow for shrinkage during the wash.

2. Cut a strip from one of your fabrics the width of your rod PLUS 2” x 8” L. I cut mine 42” x 8”.

3. Turn sides under ¼” twice to hide the raw edges. Sew to hold. Your piece will now be one inch longer than the rounded rod width x 8” L.

4. Fold in half so the strip is 4” L.

5. Stitch 1 ¾” from the fold. This top section will be the rod pocket. Set aside.

Valance:1. Divide the original rounded width of your rod (mine was 40”) by the number of squares you want to use per row. You may need to adjust the number of squares until you get a size that can easily be used (for example: it will be difficult to cut a square 3.111”). Add one inch to the selected square size in order to have the ½” seam allowance needed to sew the squares together. I want my squares to be 5” so I cut them 6”.

My triple layered 6" squares.
Two right sides facing the front
and one facing the back.

2. Sew the traditional X to hold squares. Create your first row of squares. Snip the seams. I have 8 squares in each row (8 squares x 5” = 40”). Multiplied by 3 layers per square so I cut 120 squares total.

3. Sew the first row to the rod pocket strip using ½” seam allowance. Snip the seams. These should fit nearly perfectly. However, if either is short for some reason, adjust by tugging and “stretching” the shorter section to fit.

4. Create and add more rows until you’re satisfied with the length. I added 3 rows altogether to finish at about 18” (5” x 3 rows = 15” + 3” rod pocket = 18”).

5. Sew around the edges of the rag quilt squares. Do NOT sew the ends of the rod pocket closed. Snip the seams of the rag quilt squares.

6. Wash, dry, remove excess shedding and hang.

Back of valance

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Quilt Table Runner Tutorial

2010-08-12T10:34:00.008-04:00

Rag Quilt Table Runner Tutorial

This tutorial is generic in order to create various sizes of table runners. Please be sure to read all instructions carefully. The large squares will provide enough area to set a lamp, candles, nic nacs, pictures or other displayed items. I did not use batting for this table runner. Use at least two layers of fabric per square so you will have a nice ragged effect. Use ½” seam allowance to create each runner. Sew layers together using the traditional “X”. The finished width will be about 19” and the length that you desire. Remember to snip the seams as you complete each row. The first picture shows the layout I used. Click on any picture to enlarge.

Supplies Needed:
About ½ to 1 yard of each fabric depending on the size you want to create.
Thread

Instructions:
1.Large squares will measure 10” each.

2 layers of 10" squares

2. Small squares will measure 5 1/2” each.

2 layers of 5 1/2" squares

3. Cut out one set of large squares for small runners. Cut as many as you desire for larger runners. I will use 2 large squares.

4. Use 2 rows x 2 rows of small squares between each set of large squares. Sew each of the 2 rows of small squares together.

5. Sew the large squares onto each end of the small squares. This is the center of your runner.

6. Add one row of small squares above and one row below the center. Use 2 small squares for each large square and match small squares to small squares.

7. Determine how many more squares you’ll need – or want - on each end to complete the length of your runner. I used 4 rows x 4 rows for each end so the runner would finish at about 68” x 19”. Create your rows then sew the rows together. Snip the seams.

8. Sew the ends to the center of your runner. Snip the seams.

Left side

Right side

Full view of finished runner

9. Sew around the edges and snip.

10. Wash and display on your table or mantle. Below are a few random views of the runner displaying different items.

Full length

Nearly full length

Close-up 1

Close-up 2

Close-up 3

Used as a mat for the sewing machine.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Basic Rag Quilt Tutorial

2010-08-06T07:04:00.011-04:00

Basic Rag QuiltClick on any pictures to enlarge.

Layout Grid

Supplies List

Fabric 1 – 1 ½ yards

Fabric 2 – 1 ½ yards

Fabric 3 – 1 ½ yards

Flannel backing - 4 yards

1 crib size bag of batting

500 yards of thread10 row tags from scrap paper

General
*Become familiar with the Rag Quilt Terminology.

*Please read these instructions thoroughly and carefully before beginning.

*We’re going to use 8” squares and an 8 x 10 grid for this quilt. See grid above.

*We’ll use 3 different coordinating fabrics for the front squares. These are labeled 1, 2, & 3 on the grid.

*Flannel is typically used on the back. I usually use ivory but black was suitable for this particular quilt.

*Determine which seam allowance you’ll use. If you use a ½” seam allowance, finished squares will be 7” making a larger quilt. If you use a 1” seam allowance, finished squares will be 6” for a smaller quilt.

* Cut 6 ½ inch squares from batting if you’re going to use a ½” allowance and 5 ½ inch squares if you’re going to use a 1” seam allowance.

* I decided to use a 1” seam allowance so that my finished quilt will be approximately 48” W x 60” L. Using a ½” seam allowance, the quilt would finish at approximately 56” x 70”.

*Make pillows from any remaining fabric. Ü

Directions
1. Cut 30 8” squares from fabric 1.

2. Cut 24 8” squares from fabric 2.

3. Cut 26 8” squares from fabric 3.

4. Cut 80 squares from batting according to the seam allowance you will be using. See info above in the General section.

5. Cut 80 8” from flannel backing.

6. Sandwich your squares. Right sides of all fabric needs to be facing outward. Be sure your batting is centered between your outer squares.

7. Sew the Traditional X to quilt your squares (and to hold the sandwich together).

8. Lay out your squares using the grid provided above. Place row tags on the first square in each row. You may not finish this in one day at this point so stack your squares neatly in order.

Lay out squares

Stack squares neatly

9. Create row one by sewing all of the squares in that row together. Snip the seams. Continue to create one row at a time and snip after you
complete each row. Leave your row tags on the first square in each row.

10. After creating all of your rows, sew row one to row two. Snip the seams. Continue to sew your rows together and snip the seams after you complete each row until you are finished. You may want to sew rows 1 through 5 together and rows 6 through 10 together then sew the two halves together. This is what I call the Half and Half method and is less strain on you, your machine and the quilt.

Half of quilt shown. Make other half then join both halves.

11. Now you can remove the row tags. Sew around the edges of your quilt using the same seam allowance you used to sew the quilt together. See the shortcut tip HERE. Snip the seams.

12. Wash & Dry

Front finished

Close up of front

Back Finished (I had to use another black fabric to finish the back when I ran out of black flannel).

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Cleaning Your Rag Quilt Scissors

2010-08-04T12:54:00.005-04:00

You can't snip if your scissors won't spring back! Sticking blades occur after a few hours of snipping and friction. This can be eliminated in a matter of about 2 minutes. Click on picture to enlarge the cleaning supplies. Click on the arrow to see the cleaning video.

Cleaning Supplies you'll need are a Qtip, napkin, sewing machine oil

1. Pour a little oil onto the Qtip and rub across the blades.

2. Pour a little more oil onto the other end of the Qtip and clean the area of the scissors near the grips.

3. Wipe off the oil with your napkin and watch the scissors spring back into action.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/%20http://www.sewpractical.com/http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Applique - Another Quilting Option

2010-08-04T12:46:00.005-04:00

Appliqueing your squares is another quilting option you can consider besides the traditional X. This example is of a ragged applique.

Click on any photo to enlarge.

Sew appliques onto the square(s) with 1/4" to 1/2" seam allowance. I use two of each applique in order to have a good ragged effect.

Snipped edges

Quilted back. I actually stitched around the outer edge of the pumpkin for additional quilting. You could also just trace and stitch the outlines on the front (omitting the applique) of your squares so that the front and back would look similar to this picture.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Sewing the Rows Together

2010-07-31T11:48:00.006-04:00

Sew only between the seams when sewing your rows together. Click on the arrow to see video.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/%20http://www.sewpractical.com/http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Sewing the Edges

2010-07-31T11:24:00.007-04:00

Use this technique to sew around the edges ONLY. Click on any picture to enlarge. Click on arrows to see videos.

Split the seams two sew between them

Sew between the seams

Sew the corner edges without interruption

View over left shoulder

View over right shoulder

You can see in both videos that I have to stop only momentarily to pull my seams apart. The pictures above the videos show the split seams in better detail.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/%20http://www.sewpractical.com/http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Half and Half

2010-07-31T11:10:00.004-04:00

Top half and bottom half shown

Finished quilt

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Snipping the Seams

2010-07-31T10:49:00.007-04:00

Click on photo to enlarge

Snip between the left and right seams
Click on arrow to play video

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Fixing Mismatched Squares

2010-07-30T21:33:00.008-04:00

Click on picture to see larger view of mismatched squares.

It's obvious that the seams do not line up.

View 1 of how to fix the mismatched squares

Push arrow to see video

View 2 of how to fix the mismatched squares

Push arrow to see video

http://ragquiltingwomenworldwide.ning.com/

Creating Rows

2010-07-30T13:14:00.004-04:00

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Quilt Traditional X

2010-07-23T11:10:00.005-04:00

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/%20http://www.sewpractical.com/http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/

Rag Quilting Supplies

2010-07-22T12:02:00.010-04:00

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Basic rag quilting supplies

24" x 36" self-healing cutting mat

Rotary cutter and rag quilt scissors

Lip on ruler allows it to butt
up against the cutting mat and
remain straight while cutting.

Another view of the lip on the ruler.

http://www.ecraftclasses.com/

http://www.sewpractical.com/
http://ragquiltclassroom.blogspot.com/