How to Sew Squares into Blocks to Make Rag Blankets

Rag quilts are a fun and simple entry to the world of quilting. They are easy to make using basic sewing skills, and make great gifts. They can be made out of various types of materials, and the potential colors and patterns are only limited by your imagination. Follow these simple directions and you'll be turning them out by the dozens!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Material for quilt blocks
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Thread
• Straight pins

How To Sew Squares Into Blocks for a Rag Quilt

1. Your block size can be as big or small as you'd like. Smaller blocks will take a lot longer to cut, sew and fray than the bigger blocks, but is a matter of choice. I would suggest an 8" or 9" square to start with. It is big enough to work with, yet small enough to afford lots of the fraying that is the appeal of the quilt.

2. Once you decide on your block size, you can get started cutting them. Cut the blocks 1/2" larger than the size you decided on, to allow for the seam. Make sure they are perfectly square and are all the exact same size. I use a square template that I cut from cardboard. I cut blocks while watching television and toss them into a box. That way, I always have them on hand when I feel like sewing them together.

3. If you are using patterns, make sure to alternate your squares for each row.To begin sewing the blocks together, pin two of them together, with their right sides facing out. Sew a straight line down one side only. Sew 1/2" in from the edge to create the seam you will later fray. Continue adding blocks until your row is as wide as you want it. (A row equals the width of the quilt.)

4. Now we need to sew the rows together to start the length of the quilt. Pin two rows together lenghthwise, again with right sides facing out. Remember that all of your right sides have the exposed seams. When you pin the sections together, all of your seams should match up. Pin the seam lines open on both rows -- that is, the 1/2" seam allowance should be folded back in opposite directions of each other.

5. Sew the same 1/2" seam allowance all the way down the two rows. Continue making and adding more rows until the quilt is as long as you want it. Then sew the 1/2" seam allowance all the way around the outside edges of the quilt. At this point, you can decide to either fray the quilt all the way around or hem the top for a finished look. It's a matter of personal choice, as the quilt looks fine either way.

6. Fraying the quilt: Fraying is just a simple matter of making cuts or slits into each of the seams, all over the quilt. You can do this by laying out the quilt on a table; or, once you get the hang of it, you can have it across your lap, making snips as you watch television. Snip in on each seam (yes, each seam!), being careful not to snip into your stitch line. Make your snips about 1" apart. Once your quilt is washed, these edges will start to fray, and will be quite beautiful!

Tips & Warnings

• To make it easier to follow the 1/2" seam allowance, place a piece of black electrical tape on the sewing line of your machine. It's alot easier to see and follow than the machine's sewing line.
• Be creative in your use of material. The squares can be made from old jeans, clothing your children have poutgrown or scraps from other projects. Continue to gather material of your choice until you have enough for your quilt, or "build" it as you have time.
• If you plan on mixing "old" material with new material, make sure you wash the new material before you cut the blocks. New material can shrink, leaving you with a quilt that will pucker up the first time you wash it.