Video Tutorial – RAG QUILT FOR BEGINNERS

If you’re looking for a fun and practical sewing project, a rag quilt is a great place to start. Not only is it a great way to use up excess fabric and old clothes, but it also creates a cozy and warm blanket that’s perfect for snuggling up on the couch. In this rag quilt tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew a rag quilt from start to finish.

To begin, gather your materials. You’ll need fabric for the top layer of the quilt, batting for the middle layer, and flannel for the backing. You’ll also need a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler to cut your fabric into squares. The size of your squares will depend on the desired size of your quilt.

Next, sew your squares together to create rows. Once you have your rows, sew them together to create the quilt top. Be sure to use a sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle, as the layers can be thick and difficult to sew through.

Once you’ve created the quilt top, it’s time to add the batting and backing. Cut the batting and flannel to the same size as the quilt top, and then lay them out in the order of quilt top, batting, and flannel backing. Pin the layers together and then quilt as desired. You can quilt in straight lines or in a pattern – the choice is yours.

Finally, it’s time to create the rag effect. Using your rotary cutter, cut along the seams between each square, being careful not to cut through the backing. After cutting all the seams, throw the quilt into the washing machine and dryer to create the frayed edges. The more you wash and dry the quilt, the more frayed and cozy it will become.

As you finish up your rag quilt, it’s important to consider how to care for it. Due to the frayed edges, it’s best to wash and dry the quilt separately from other items to avoid tangling. Additionally, be sure to use a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent further fraying. And remember, the more you wash and dry the quilt, the softer and more cozy it will become.

Rag quilting is a fun and practical sewing project that creates a cozy and warm blanket perfect for snuggling up on the couch. By following this tutorial and taking care of your quilt, you can create a beautiful and functional piece that will last for years to come.

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First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book

Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.

That was my first reaction when I started flipping through Scrappiness Is Happiness by Lori Holt.

This book is packed with colour, cheerful quilt blocks, and the kind of playful patchwork designs that make scrap quilting so addictive. I found myself stopping on page after page thinking, “That block would be perfect for leftover charm squares…”

It’s the sort of book that encourages you to dig straight into your scrap bins.

What This Quilting Book Is All About

As the title suggests, this book celebrates scrap quilting.

Instead of focusing on a single large quilt pattern, the book includes a large collection of quilt blocks and scrappy quilt layouts designed to use small pieces of fabric.

If you’re someone who hates throwing away fabric leftovers (which is most quilters), this book is full of inspiration for turning those scraps into beautiful quilts.

Inside the book you’ll find:

dozens of colourful quilt block patterns
• scrappy quilt layouts
• projects designed for leftover fabrics
• Lori Holt’s signature cheerful quilting style

The Quilt Blocks That Caught My Eye

While browsing the pages, several blocks immediately stood out.

There are plenty of classic quilt block shapes, but the way they’re presented with bright fabrics makes them feel fresh and modern.

The blocks are ideal for:

scrap quilts
• sampler quilts
• block-of-the-month style projects
• mixing prints and colours

I particularly loved the blocks that combine traditional shapes with playful colour placement. They’re simple enough to sew but still look visually interesting when repeated across a quilt.

The Style of the Book

If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.

The book leans heavily into:

bright cheerful fabrics
• vintage-inspired colour palettes
• classic patchwork shapes
• fun and approachable quilt designs

It’s the kind of quilting book that feels uplifting to browse. Even if you’re not ready to start a new quilt immediately, it’s inspiring just to flip through the block designs.

Who This Book Is Best For

After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:

quilters who love scrap quilting
• anyone wanting to use up leftover fabric pieces
• makers who enjoy block-based quilt designs
• quilters looking for colourful, cheerful quilt inspiration

Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.

Would I Recommend It?

If your scrap bin is starting to overflow (which tends to happen to all of us eventually), Scrappiness Is Happiness is the kind of book that turns those leftover fabrics into opportunity.

It’s full of lively quilt block ideas and creative layouts that make scrap quilting feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

For quilters who enjoy bright fabrics, classic patchwork shapes, and the freedom of scrappy quilt design, this book is a fun and inspiring addition to the quilting bookshelf.

Have you read?