Does anyone know the history of rag quilts?
In rag quilting, the edges are ragged…. frayed and sometimes the fabric within the quilt is also frayed. So, it is almost three-dimensional looking. Rag quilts are aptly named…they were normally made from old blankets, quilts and sometimes clothing that could no longer be recycled. Also, rag quilts were not made in patterns, and the pieces usually overlapped to minimize the fraying. Quilting is thought to date as far back as the crusades, soldiers needing protection from the chaffing of armor would “quilt” together layers of wool and woolen cloth to be worn under it. Rag quilting was a frontier type of quilting, necessary because stores were so far away, and nothing could afford to be wasted. They used different types and weights of cloth, and sometimes even included pieces of pelts too small for any other use. Today, “rag” quilts are made on quilting machines, using frayed fabric to give them the old-timey look.
