Rag Quilt Free Pattern

If you’re looking for a quilting project that delivers instant gratification, a Rag Quilt is exactly what you need. Perfect for beginners (and incredibly satisfying for experienced quilters), this cozy, textured quilt is all about soft seams, frayed edges, and rustic charm.

Rag quilts are wonderful because they don’t require complex piecing or intricate blocks. Instead, the magic happens in the raw, exposed seams that fray beautifully after washing. The result? A soft, cuddly quilt that looks vintage from day one.

Today I’m sharing a Rag Quilt Free Pattern, and at the end of this article, you’ll find the complete downloadable PDF so you can start sewing right away.

Rag Quilt pattern

What Makes a Rag Quilt Special?

According to the pattern instructions, the defining feature of a rag quilt is: The frayed edges of the joined blocks.

Unlike traditional quilts, rag quilts are sewn wrong sides together, leaving the seam allowances exposed on the front. These seams are clipped and washed to create that signature fluffy, textured finish.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Quick to assemble

✔ Perfect for flannel, homespun, or denim

✔ No binding required

✔ Super cozy and soft after washing

This is a fantastic first quilt project for adults or young beginners.

Fabric & Materials

Recommended Fabrics

The pattern suggests fabrics that fray easily, such as:

Flannel (most popular choice)
Homespun
Denim

If using denim, you may want to skip batting to avoid excessive weight

Middle Layer Options

You can use:

Thin batting
Flannel
Or no filler at all

For the sample lap quilt:

Top: Flannel
Back: Flannel
Middle: Batting

Quilt Size & Block Planning

The sample quilt in the pattern is a 56″ x 72″ lap quilt

Block Layout:

Finished block size: 8”
7 blocks across
9 blocks down
Total: 63 blocks

Because both top and back require full squares:

126 fabric squares total (63 front + 63 back)
63 batting squares

Cutting Instructions

Important: Seam Allowance

Rag quilts use large seam allowances to allow for fraying.

The pattern recommends cutting squares ½” to 1″ larger on all sides than your desired finished block size

For an 8” finished block:

Cut fabric squares 9” to 10”
Cut batting 8” (same as finished size)

The wider your seam allowance, the fuller your frayed edges will look.

Step-by-Step Construction

1️⃣ Make the Quilt Sandwich (Per Block)

Place backing square wrong side down.
Center batting on top.
Place top square wrong side up.
Batting is sandwiched between the two fabric squares.

2️⃣ Quilt Each Block

You can:

Stitch a simple “X”
Or do loose meandering

This secures the layers before assembly

3️⃣ Join Blocks – WRONG Sides Together

This is where rag quilts differ from traditional quilts!

Place blocks WRONG sides together
Raw edges should face outward (to the front)
Sew using a ½” to 1″ seam allowance

Join blocks into rows first, then sew the rows together.

4️⃣ Sew Around the Outer Edge

After assembling the quilt top:

Sew ½”–1″ inside the outer edge all the way around

This secures the border before clipping

5️⃣ Clip the Seams

This step creates the rag effect!

Using sharp scissors:

Snip into seam allowances every ¼”–½”
Be careful not to cut into stitching
Clip outer edges as well

6️⃣ Wash to Create the Rag Effect

Wash and dry your quilt on a long cycle.

Important tips from the pattern:

Clean your lint filter frequently
Consider using a laundromat if needed
The more you wash it, the softer and more ragged it becomes

Customizing Your Rag Quilt

You are completely in control of:

Block size (4″–10″ recommended)
Quilt size
Seam allowance width
Fabric combinations

Try:

Plaid flannel for a cabin feel
Baby prints for nursery quilts
Denim & chambray for rustic décor
Holiday flannel for seasonal gifts

Final Thoughts

Rag quilts truly are one of the most satisfying quilting projects you can make. They’re forgiving, cozy, and absolutely perfect for gifts, beginner workshops, or quick weekend projects.

The beauty of this pattern is its flexibility — you decide the size, the fabrics, and how fluffy those seams will be. Whether you’re making your very first quilt or adding another handmade treasure to your home, this Rag Quilt Free Pattern is a timeless favorite.