I am sure you have seen these before. I call them Flannel Ragged Blankets, they are also called rag quilts, ragtime quilts, and many different variations along those lines.
I make flannel ragged blankets all the time, so I decided I would write up a tutorial on how to make one yourself. I have also included a pattern and some tips I have learned from my own experiences.
They are a bit time involved, so you can always just order one from me, and that will only take you a few clicks of your mouse! But, for those of you who have a sewing machine, here is how you can create one.
First, you will want to head out and buy some flannel material, unless you have a collection of fabric on hand, like me. You will be about *3.5 yards of flannel, but always get extra to account for shrinkage and then go ahead and get a little more extra, so you don't run out of what you need. For this blanket I used 7 different flannels, but you would really only need 3 and 5 would be ideal.
Once you get your fabric home, you need to wash and dry it. If you skip this step, the blanket will shrink funny when you wash it later and you will end up with a wonky blanket, don't skip this step!
(*this figure is based on having 20 inches of usable flannel when it is folded in half and after it is pre-washed, if you flannel is less than that measurement, you will need more flannel)
Below is my drawn out pattern.
Ready to cut your material? You may need to iron your material after you wash and dry it. I know it is a pain, but you need to have flat material so you can get square, squares when you cut it. All the measurements that follow are for cutting two layers of material at a time. Fold the flannel in half like it is when you buy if off the bolt, right sides facing out. Make sure that the layers are smoothed together with no wrinkles.
You will need:
1- 8x8 inch square
4- 8x18.5 inch rectangles
16 - 10x10 inch squares
I used 5 different materials to make the 16 10 inch squares, but you really would only need to have two different materials for that. I was using what I had on hand that went together.
(Tip: when purchasing a walking foot, do not get one that has plastic for the bracket piece that is next to where the foot gets screwed onto the sewing machine, I went through two of those kinds before I found this one that has a metal bracket piece. The plastic can't take the pressure and it brakes after a couple blankets.) I have included some photos, so you can see what I am talking about.
(Tip: always double check which way your seams are facing before you sew. All of your seams will be out on one side of the blanket and the other side will be smooth when you are finished)
Back-stitch over the center seams
Repeat the process with the other two sets of 4 squares.
(Tip: it helps to sew with the rectangle side down and the seams up, so when you come to the seam, you can just lay it flat as you sew over it, and not have to lift it up from the bottom to get it to lay flat.
3/4 inch in from the edge with the seams laid flat
Get a special ragging shears for cutting the fringe, it looks like this...
It has a very short blade and it is spring loaded. It will take you at least twice as long to fringe the seams if you use a regular scissors and you hand will be sore for a couple days!
(Tip: DO NOT SNIP THROUGH YOUR THREAD! If you do, it isn't the end of the world, but you should go back and stitch over the snip a couple times, just to make sure that seam doesn't come apart)
Some quick pictures outside before it starts to rain:
ragged side
Smooth side
Close-up Shot
Close-up Shot
