How To Make A Rag Quilt - Easy Quilting Project for the Beginner

Quilting for the first time? Start with a simple rag quilt. The perfect quilt project that is very forgiving for the beginner! 

Years ago I was looking for a new hobby and so I picked up sewing. I am self taught which means I learned a lot by trial and error (more error than anything)! I still love to sew but my interests have expanded into quilting. 

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I love browsing Pinterest looking at beautiful quilts created by the professional quilters and designers. I love learning about the history of the various quilt block patterns as well as seeing the modern quilts with contemporary patterns. 

Quilts are practical artwork - they are nice to look at and can make a statement all while keeping you warm and cozy!

I started dabbling with quilt making when I first saw a baby rag quilt. As a mother of a newborn at the time I was in love with flannel fabric (it makes the best, most absorbent bibs). 

The patterns and prints on flannel fabric is endless and the softness is amazing. I made several rag quilts for my kids as well as gifts for others and I really enjoy the process of cutting the edging around the quilt so that it frays on purpose. (I recommend these scissors for cutting)

Check out this rag quilt listed in my etsy shop Sapucha:

If you have never made a quilt but have basic sewing skills this is a wonderful quilt to start with. It is so forgiving and always ends up looking good! 

This is the perfect project to do with your kids too! Measuring, cutting, coordinating fabric and then sewing are skills you can teach your kids. My girls have made many rag quilt doll blankets for their American Girl dolls. They love rummaging through my fabric scrap bin finding pieces of fabric to make a little mini rag quilt with. 

Rag Quilt Tutorial For The Beginner

Rag quilts can be made using different shapes of fabric like squares as shown in my blue one above or long rectangle strips. 

If you want to make a rag strip quilt I've put together a tutorial on how to make one here. Strip quilts are quick and easy to make even for a beginner. Check out the rag strip quilt (and tutorial) I made for my husband's boss. It is a baby size crib quilt that took me just a few hours to cut, sew and finish. 

click HERE to read more

If you are looking for another good tutorial to follow here is one I also recommend:

Click here for tutorial

Where to Find Rag Quilt Fabric

Besides Amazon there are many great places to get flannel fabric. Here are some I recommend to get you started: 

1. Jo-Ann Fabrics is a great place to start since their inventory of flannel fabric is huge! And they always have coupons! 

2. Walmart - our local Walmart has a fabric section that includes lots of flannel fabric and notions too.

3. Fabric.com - is an online fabric retailer with a variety of selection. I have used them in the past and have always like the fabric I've ordered.

4. Hobby Lobby - they always have coupons too! I think their selection is pretty good however I haven't had good luck finding sewing savvy salespeople. (that's what Google is for right!)

5. Bloomerie Fabrics - this online retailer has a great selection of beautiful fabric. I LOVE this online store.

6. Upcycle old flannel shirts or sheets! 

Rag Quilt Tools 

Having the right tools is an important part of quilting. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to learn something new with inadequate tools. 

Aside from fabric the next most important tool you will need is a basic sewing machine. My sweet husband bought me my first sewing machine as a Valentine's Day gift many years ago. He was wise to start with a basic Singer sewing machine with a few bells and whistles to get me started. 

Rag quilts require a lot of cutting (more like "snipping") so along with a basic sewing machine you will want a good pair of scissors. I've learned that you need to be diligent in hiding your good sewing scissors so that they are never used to cut things other than fabric. Even paper can dull them! Also, good sewing scissors are sharp - so please keep them away from young children. Here is the pair of scissors I use and LOVE! They even come with a little blade cover so I don't accidentally stab myself as I scrounge around inside my sewing basket looking for them. 

purchase here on Amazon

Other basic tools you will benefit from but don't necessarily have to buy right away are a good self healing cutting mat and a quilters ruler. Don't worry, if you don't have these things you can still make a great rag quilt. These are just great tools to have handy when you start getting serious about quilting. 

I hope this inspires you to stretch your sewing skills a little and try something new. Don't you just love making something that is beautiful and practical? I certainly do! 

Don't forget to pin this post so you can refer back to it when you start your own rag quilt. Follow my blog so you don't miss any future quilting posts - especially for beginners!