With this free quilt pattern make an American flag rag quilt to decorate for the 4th of July and summer. Rag quilts are easy and fun to make!
I really love the 4th of July; it’s one of my very favorite holidays. I love the summer, food, and the inspiration of Independence day.
Last week I saw a flag rag quilt floating around on pinterest and was immediately inspired. I have actually never made a blanket or a quilt, and this was my first experience making one.
If I can make this quilt, anyone can make this quilt! I hope the experienced quilters out there don’t cringe at how I put it together.
There are affiliate links in this post.
I figured out the measurements of a real 3’x5′ flag so that I could make a full-size one myself, and I shared a free quilt pattern of this flag rag quilt.
I still enjoy pulling this flag quilt out every single summer. It’s great to sit on outside to watch fireworks or as a throw on your couch. I love that it’s like an old tattered flag handed down through the generations.
I’ve also made a patchwork US state map quilt that I’m going to have out all summer! Or you can make these other free quilt tutorials!
How to Make an American Flag Rag Quilt
Supplies
- 50″ or 1 1/2 yards red flannel
- 30″x25″ or 2/3 yards blue flannel
- 90″x50″ or 2 yards white flannel
- 60″36″ or 1 2/3 yards flannel center
- 60″x36″ or 1 2/3 yards back fabric
- white thread
- Free Flag Pattern – find it at the end of the post
- sewing tools
- sewing machine
Sewing Instructions
The seam allowance is 1/2″ everywhere.
Cut out the pieces and then lay them out in the right shape and order. Start by sewing the short stripes together.
Since I’m a beginner quilter, I need to see it all lined up, to be able to get all the pieces in the right place.
Sew wrong sides together of the red and white stripes so that the seam allowance shows on top.
*Tip* Start sewing from the same side of the quilt so that anything uneven ends up on the other side. You’ll only have to straighten the edges of one side of the quilt.
Sew the shorter striped piece to the blue union piece. Sew the long stripes together.
Then sew the two large rectangles together.
Press all your seams open.
Lay your back piece with right side down. Lay your piece of flannel on top. Then lay your pieced flag right side up.
Safety pin throughout the quilt as much as you’d like.
Sew straight down the middle of each open seam allowance.
Trim all the edges so that all three layers match up and all sides and corners match up.
For the stars I traced a circle that had a diameter of 11.5″.
Then I used a cup with a diameter of 3.25″ to fit 13 stars around the large circle.
Trace a 2.25″ circle and cut a star from it. Use this star as a template and trace it into each 3.25″ circle.
Pin the white star piece through all layers onto the quilt. Sew each star outline.
Cut out the excess fabric leaving a 1/2″ seam allowance around each star.
Cut all the seam allowances every 1/4″ to 1/2″ to create the rag effect. This is by far the longest part of the whole process.
Wash and dry your quilt at least once. You may need to do it again to get the rag look you want.
If you make a flag rag quilt using this tutorial and free pattern, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!
Kitra diehl says
Loved seeing this. I made one a couple of years ago and with dumb luck it turned out, doing another version and happy to not have to figure it again! I will just add an inch to each piece. I did the backing to the pieces and it had a bit more interest but yours would be easier I think. Thank you
Heather Handmade says
Oh yay!
Ruth says
I have made a few shaggy projects so I thought I could breeze through this. I just finished the stripes And it’s all wrong. Please add to your instructions that the measurements are for the finished project. I also did not have a long enough piece of the red flannel without piecing. Your instructions say 50” or 1 1/2 yds which is not equal so I went with the longer measurement and it was 6” too short. 7” too short if you add a seam at each end. Thanks for the free pattern Though. Super cute!
Sandi Lee says
I’m not sure what you mean by 1 1/2 yards is not enough for 50 inches. 36+18 is 54 inches long. I’m confused.
Colette Dennis says
I had the same issue Danette had. Also, make sure the flannel you buy will give you the "lengths" you want.
Danette Hoeft says
I just made this with her measurments off the flag…it is incorrect. Need to add for your fringe. Dissapointed…just gotta make a boarder all the way around….so i don't waste 3 blankets
Janette Seidel says
Can I do like with other rag quilts and sew the back with the front?
Heather Feather says
Yes you can just cut the back pieces like the front. I was going to do this, but didn't know exactly what I was doing and realized it too late to change it. You will need more back fabric if you do it this way.
Kelly Thomason says
I love this quilt but have a question. Is the backing flannel also or cotton? I didn't see it specified.
Heather Feather says
You can do whatever you'd like. I did a printed cotton woven.
suzyhomemaker says
Thanks for linking up. I love the quilt. Your instructions are great too. It might even be something I could sew!
Michelle Paige says
Thanks again for linking up to my Red, White, Blue & You Link Party! I'm featuring your quilt tomorrow on my blog. http://www.michellepaige.blogspot.com
Our House Story says
Oh this is super cute!! Thanks for linking up at our patriotic link-up party! I am going to remember this for next year! I love how rustic it is!
Heather Feather says
Thank you! I'm so glad I found your patriotic link-up party because it's all the ideas I could ever want in one place! I love July 4th, so I can't wait to use all the decorating ideas and tutorials!
Two Cute...doll clothes says
Really cool! Love it! 🙂
Kellene
Crafty Cousins says
So so cute! I love it. Your blog is lots of fun. I can't believe I didn't find it until now.
~Natalie
Holla! We're your newest followers! 🙂
Saxon says
This is adorable…love the fabrics you chose!
-Saxon
Kristie says
Adorable! I have a 4th of July baby, this just might end up being a present this year. So cute!
Jean C. says
Might I also recommend that because flannel sheds sooo much as it's washed/dried the dryer lint trap needs to be emptied often to make sure there is not a fire hazard! Your flag turned out so cute… I may have to see what I have in my stash to make one up too. Thanks for sharing.
Lindsay says
Very cute Heather!