What Is a Rag Quilt? Introducing you to your new, go-to blanket. 

If you love blankets that are soft, feel cozy, then I highly recommend getting (or making) a rag quilt. and a little more relaxed than a traditional quilt, a flannel rag quilt may be exactly what you’re looking for. Known for its exposed seams and soft, frayed edges, a rag quilt has a casual, textured appearance that becomes even more charming with use. 

Rag quilts are commonly sought out for heavy throws, toddler's bed, thoughtful gifts for friends who love handmade items, or just seasonal décor to spice up a room. They are similar to traditional quilts, but they offer that distinctive, lived-in look. 

So, what exactly is a rag quilt, and what makes it different from other quilts? Here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Rag Quilt? 

A rag quilt is a just quilt made with the seam allowances left exposed on the outside of the quilt rather than being hidden inside. 

After all of the pieces of the quilt are sewn together, the exposed seams on the outside are clipped down. When the quilt is washed and dried, the clipped edges of the quilt are automatically frayed and fluffed, creating the soft, textured seams that give rag quilts their signature appearance. Rag quilts are intentionally supposed to have a cozy, slightly rustic finish.  

Every wash can soften the quilt further, helping the ragged edges become fuller over time. For more information on washing, refer to our FAQ section of The Stitchbound's Rag Quilt. 

What Is the Best Rag Quilt Fabric? 

One of the most important components of choosing the perfect rag quilt for you is finding your preferred rag quilt fabric material. If you prefer something warmer, you might want to consider choosing flannel. If you decide to make your very own rag quilt, you can find flannel swatches here. 

Flannel is often a popular pick not only because it is just super soft and comfortable, but because it naturally creates particularly beautiful frayed edges. 

Why Flannel Works So Well 

A flannel rag quilt is a go-to pick because the flannel material maintains a soft brushed surface while still being a woven fabric that can fray along exposed seams. 

Some rag quilt makers use multiple layers of flannel, but others combine the flannel with other materials such as cotton. 

Often, the choice of what fabric combinations to use comes down to the rag quilt's purpose. Do you want a rag quilt as a statement piece in your living room? The quilt's weight and texture matters depending on your use. I'd recommend picking a lightweight rag quilt to use as a nursery blanket but opt for something heavier if you plan on wrapping up in it yourself to read a book or watch a movie. 

If flannel material is not your thing, there are plenty of other fabrics that will fray just as well. Popular choices include cotton, lightweight woven fabrics, or even denim! 

How Is a Rag Quilt Made? 

The process of making a rag quilt depends on your overall design and how many layers you want to factor in. It's actually not a significantly different process from making a traditional quilt. 

You can learn more about making your own rag quilt in our blog post here. 

One thing to note, every fabric will fray somewhat differently, so the end product may look different from what you'd expect. 

So Are Rag Quilts Strictly Made Into Squared Blankets? 

Not always! Squares are the most common because they make the rag quilt easier to piece together, but the same construction style can be used for several different designs. 

Rag quilting can be incorporated into: 

The "Rag" technique looks good on many sewn pieces. One of my favorites is actually a rag quilt pillow because it a subtle, yet eye-catching addition to any room. 

There's also the rag quilt flag, which is one of the more unique crafts that you can make in this style. The flag is essentially a quilt pieced together in an intentional way to resemble a flag. The process for making one may sound difficult, but the process is easy if you plan ahead of time. 

Rather than having perfectly smooth seams, the sections of the flag are separated by the characteristic frayed edges of rag quilting. This creates extra dimension and gives the finished piece a handmade, vintage-inspired appearance. 

Rag quilt flags are perfect for holidays or just patriotic home decorations. Some people display it on walls as opposed to using it as a blanket even.  

What Makes Rag Quilts Different From Traditional Quilts? 

Visually, the main thing that separates rag quilts from regular quilts is how the seam is constructed. And for the quilt maker, the process also differs by the additional touches that it requires. 

The seams on traditional quilts are typically hidden away by closing up the raw fabric edges on the inside. What's so special about rag quilts is that they intentionally bring those raw edges to the outside. Traditional quilts also might have extra stitches to secure the layers together. 

If texture is a big thing for you, I recommend going with a rag quilt. 

Do Rag Quilts Get Softer? 

As I mentioned earlier, another differentiating factor of the rag quilt is the process. Once it's patched together, you will need to wash it a few times to make the exposed seam fluffy and textured. When you order one from a store, this is usually done for you. Washing also helps soften the fabric in general. 

How Should You Wash a Rag Quilt? 

Always follow the care instructions provided from wherever you receive your quilt since various fabrics can require different rules for maintaining. 

In general, rag quilts made with washable cotton or flannel can often be machine washed. Because the exposed seams often shed, always make sure to clean the lint trap after drying.  

The very first wash is usually when you'll see the most fraying. Over time, the edges typically become softer and fuller, helping create the cozy texture rag quilts are known for. 

Why Choose a Handmade Rag Quilt? 

Rag quilts are mostly appealing for their handmade look. 

Fabric combinations, exposed stitching, patchwork layouts, and frayed edges make each design feel unique in its own way.  

• Rag quilts are perfect gift ideas
• Kids room blankets
• Living room throw blankets
• Thoughtful housewarming gifts
• Christmas quilts
• Personalized gifts 

Because fabric selection makes a huge impact on the finished design, rag quilts can satisfy a wide range of interior design themes from bright and playful or neutral, to vintage, girly, rustic, or even modern. 

Flannel Rag Quilts: Cozy, Textured, and Made to Be Used 

All in all, a rag quilt isn't meant to look perfectly smooth and that's exactly what makes it special. 

The exposed seams, soft fringe, and patchwork construction give these quilts character that the traditional quilts don't quite replicate. And again, this technique isn't just for blankets. From a decorative rag quilt pillow or patriotic rag quilt flag to a small rag quilt purse, the signature style can be used throughout handmade home décor and accessories. 

Whether you're searching for a cozy blanket, a thoughtful handmade gift, or simply curious about how rag quilts are made, their craftsmanship makes them a distinctive addition to any home.