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| The Great Outdoors Rag Quilt |
Learn how to create a Cozy Up with Nature: Introduction to The Great Outdoors Rag Quilt.
I just love a rag quilt! It has the cozy weight of the finished product you want to curl up on the porch with a hot cup of coffee, the tactile beauty of frayed edges, and the convenience of quilt-as-you-go creation. The Great Outdoors Rag Quilt, designed by Northcott Studio is an absolute must sew for those who are looking for a weekend project to add rustic outdoor beauty to their home!
The pattern is ideal for anyone who has been quilting for some time and is seeking a nice ‘palette cleanser' between their more challenging paper-piecing work, or for those just starting out who want to get into quilting a full-sized throw!
Pattern Overview & Specifications
Constructed to accentuate luxurious wilderness printing, earthy colors and nature themes, this throw-sized rag quilt comes out at a generous 55” x 73”. Large enough to be used for a cabin lap blanket, as a throw for a couch or to wrap around a campfire.
Fabric & Material Requirements
When making this project to follow the official pattern specifications you will need five main focal fabrics, in addition to your batting and backings:
- Fabric A (Block 1): 1 1/2 yards – cut into 17 squares measuring 10" x 10".
- Fabric B (Block 2 Center): 7/8 yard – cut into 18 center rectangles 5" x 10".
- Fabric C (Block 2 Outer): 2/3 yard – cut into 18 outer rectangles measuring 3 1/2" x 10".
- Fabric D (Block 2 Outer): 2/3 yard – cut into 18 outer rectangles measuring 3 1/2" x 10".
- Fabric E (Outer Border): 1 1/8 yards – cut into 24 rectangles (6" x 10") and 4 corner squares (6" x 6").
- You will need 4 3/8 yards of flannel batting (cutting across all block sizes).
- Backing Fabric: 4 3/8 yards – cut across all block dimensions.
Construction Techniques: How the Magic Happens
In Rag Quilting, seam allowances are turned outwards, as opposed to the “traditional” way of turning allowances inwards. Each individual block consists of 3 parts, the back, flannel batting and the top of the quilt.
In Rag Quilting, seam allowances are turned outwards, as opposed to the “traditional” way of turning allowances inwards. Each individual block consists of 3 parts, the back, flannel batting and the top of the quilt.
Here are a few important steps to follow:
- Quilting Each Unit: Blocks quilted one by one after being pinned. The simple diagonal "X" across the 10" squares is great and binding all layers very efficiently.
- Exposed Seam Assembly: Blocks are seamed together with backing up to each other with a generous 1/2" seam allowance. This results in the raw edges of the fabric to be visible on the front of the quilt top.
- Alternating Layout: The quilt has an 7 x 5 grid with both Block 1 and Block 2 laid out alternately. The direction of Block 2 is alternated row by row, resulting in a dynamic geometric flow.
- After placing the 6" border to the outer edges and sewing a 1/2" perimeter stay stitch line, the fun part starts – snipping! Perpendicular cuts are cut at all exposed seam allowances every 1/4" to 3/8" apart (but not at the seamline).
Final Thought
The most unique aspect of The Great Outdoors Rag Quilt is that it's forgiving and rewarding. No need to fear point matching and elaborate binding skills. The exposed and snipped seam allowance will puff up into fabulous fluffy ravel. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful homemade gift or a cozy weekend project to enjoy the beauty of nature, download this pattern, select your favorite outdoor prints and get clipping!
Full Pattern: The Great Outdoors Rag Quilt Free PDF Pattern 🎁
