How to Make a Shaggy Edge Quilt

Shaggy edges add depth and texture to a patchwork quilt.

Denim, flannel, cotton, homespun and fleece are commonly used to piece together a shaggy quilt thanks to the speed and ease with which these fabrics fray at unfinished edges. Fabric remnants and squares cut from other projects or second-hand clothing, sheets or curtains are ideal sources for inexpensive quilt pieces. While commercial quilt batting can be used, old flannel shirts or blankets make excellent batting substitutes.

Things You'll Need

• 4 yards assorted fabrics
• 2.5 yards lightweight cotton batting
• Cutting mat
• Washable fabric marker or tailor's chalk
• 8-inch-square template cut from cardboard or plastic
• 6-inch-square template cut from cardboard or plastic
• Ruler or quilter's square
• Sharp scissors or a rotary fabric cutter
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine
• Iron

Instructions

1. Wash, dry and iron all fabric before starting the quilt to prevent shrinkage and bunching. Stitch together small scraps or pieces of contrasting fabric to construct larger pieces and press the seams open, if desired. Lay the fabrics face down on a cutting mat and outline 112 squares using an 8-inch template and tailor's chalk or washable fabric marker.

2. Cut out the measured squares using sharp scissors or a rotary fabric cutter and a ruler or quilter's square as a guide. Outline and cut out 56 squares of batting fabric using a 6-inch-square cardboard or plastic template as a guide.

3. Lay an 8-inch-square of fabric wrong side up on a work surface, center a 6-inch-piece of batting on top of that and lay another 8-inch-square of fabric, right side up, on top of the other two layers. Pin the layers together, matching the outer layers at all the edges.

4. Stitch a diagonal X through all the layers, beginning at both upper corners and backstitching to lock the stitches. Repeat the layering, pinning and stitching process until 56 squares are completed.

5. Arrange the quilted squares in a pleasing pattern, then stitch them together in 8 rows of 7 squares across, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance exposed on what will be the quilt's top. Backstitch to lock each row. Sew the rows together, again leaving a 1-inch seam allowance exposed.

6. Stitch a 1-inch seam around the outer perimeter of the quilt, locking the stitching when finished. Snip 3/4-inch-deep cuts in every exposed seam allowance, including the outer quilt edge, about 1/2 inch apart using sharp scissors. This will hasten the fraying process.

7. Wash and dry the quilt normally, keeping an eye on lint traps, as a large amount of loose threads and lint will accumulate. Shake any remaining loose threads and lint off the dry quilt outside before ironing it on the unfrayed side of the quilt.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the seam allowances if less fraying at the edges is desired.

• Repeated washing and drying will make the seam allowances more shaggy.

• Wash and dry the finished quilt at a laundromat if there are no lint traps in your washer or dryer to prevent possible appliance blockages and fires.

References

• Jubilee Homespun Inspiration: You're Going To Love Rag Quilting!
• Love To Sew: Directions On How To Make A Ragged Quilt
• Quilting101.com: Rag Quilts

Resources

• Generations Quilt Patterns: Standard Quilt Sizes and Mattresses Chart