Clip As You Go Technique for Quilting.
When I was making my most recent Rag quilt, a few weeks ago, I had been very keen to try Jo Cline’s Butter Knife Technique.
Due to my haste of wanting to try the technique, I could not wait until I had finished the whole quilt.
Well you have heard of Quilt As You Go, I’ve come up with Clip As You Go!
I understand there are many reasons why people make rag quilts. It can be difficult to handle a big quilt in the conventional sense, and become physically impossible to do, where as Rag Quilting opens new doors. Rag quilting can also offer a speedy solution to quilt making and offers a beautiful three dimensional technique.
One thing I have found difficult with Rag Quilting is clipping all the seams at the end of the project. I found my hands became very tired and achy.
Any how getting back to the butter knifing, because I was so keen to try the technique I couldn’t wait until the end so this is what I did.
As I finished each section or four patch, I clipped the seams. I had a big clean bench area ready, with the knife an a rubbish bag. I rubbed over the seams and disposed of the excess lint, then went onto the next part.
Note that the smaller the cuts in the seam allowance the fluffier the ragging will be. They can be cut at every half inch, quarter inch or eighth of an inch
As each piece was finished sewing, I clipped the seam allowance taking care not to cut through the seam itself. I used the back of a butter knifel to run over the clipped seam allowances to improve the ragged look. Then disposed of the lint,preferably outside I found there was no pain in my hands as I only worked on one section at a time. By the time the whole quilt was put together I only had to clip the outside border of the quilt and I was done! Ready for washing.
This technique makes Rag Quilting much easier I believe. If you find all the clipping at the end is hard going -then this technique is for you too! The only caution I would have is to make absolutely sure your layout is correct before snipping.
Have a great day!