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When to reverse stitch and when to save yourself some time…
When it comes to rag quilting, a little extra reinforcement goes a long way, especially if you want your rag quilt to last through years of cuddles, washing, and everyday use. One of the easiest ways to strengthen your seams is by reverse stitching, also called backstitching. In my own quilts, I always reverse stitch… Read more
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The Chenille Myth
When I first began making rag quilts, I called my label Candlewick & Roses. Here in New Zealand, “candlewick” refers to a textured, tufted cotton bedspread, usually vintage. I had collected quite a few over the years and loved using them in my quilts. The “roses” part came from one of my favourite flowers. What… Read more
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The question I get asked more than any other:
“How do you get your fluffy seams?” My answer has always been the same , and it’s surprisingly simple but it’s often overlooked while people search for the “secret.” 1️⃣ Use 100% cotton fabrics Woven fabrics like quilter’s cotton, muslin, and flannel give the best ragging. Synthetics don’t fluff. 2️⃣ Prewash your fabrics Prewashing gets… Read more
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How (and Why) I Tear Fabric for Perfectly Straight Quilt Squares
When I’m cutting rag quilt squares, I don’t start with a rotary cutter, I start with a snip and tear. Fabric is woven from two sets of threads: • Warp threads run the length of the fabric, parallel to the selvages. • Weft threads run across the fabric, from selvage to selvage. The weft threads… Read more
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Rag Quilt Seam Widths – Finding the Perfect Balance
When making a rag quilt, seam width isn’t just about holding your layers together, it’s a design feature in its own right. Because the seams are exposed and frayed, they become part of the texture and style of the finished quilt. Choosing the right width can make a big difference to how your quilt looks,… Read more
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Why Polyester thread Is best for Rag quilts
Cotton thread is traditional for quilting but polyester thread is the better option for rag quilting. There’s why: 🧵 Stronger & More Durable Rag quilts go through a lot, snipping, fraying, washing, and tumble drying (sometimes many times over). Polyester thread is much stronger than cotton and less likely to snap under pressure, especially at… Read more
Ramblings (Blog)
