How to Make a Flag Rag Quilt

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 weather, yummy food, and the inspiration of Independence day. There’s so many outdoor activities like water games, parades, and fireworks.

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! It’s a simple project, and it doesn’t follow all of the quilting rules since I’m not an experienced quilter.

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 just love 4th of July sewing projects! I can’t wait to make other fun decorations to go with it!

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 one of these other free quilt tutorials!

How to Make an American Flag Rag Quilt

Supplies

• 60″ or 1.75 yards red flannel
• 30″x25″ or .75 yards blue flannel
• 90″x50″ or 2 yards white flannel
• 60″x36″ or 1.75 yards flannel center
• 60″x36″ or 1.75 yards back fabric
• white thread
• Free Flag Pattern – find it at the end of the post
• sewing tools
• sewing machine

Do you just want the pattern and tutorial as a PDF? Get the pattern and photo tutorial for just $3. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it.

Sewing Instructions

The seam allowance is 1/2″ everywhere.

Cut out all the pieces and then lay them out in the right shape and order. All of the stripes will be layered over white flannel of the same size.

Since I’m a beginner quilter, I like to see it all lined up to be able to get all the pieces in the right place.

Start by sewing all of the short stripes wrong sides together.

*Tip* Start sewing from the same side of the quilt so that anything uneven ends up on the other side.

Straighten the edges of one side of the quilt that is uneven.

Layer the navy rectangle over a white piece of flannel.

Sew the shorter stripe piece to the blue union piece with wrong sides together.

Layer the long stripes over the white flannel pieces. Sew the long stripes together with wrong sides together.

Straighten the edges of one side of the quilt that is uneven.

Then sew the two large rectangles together with wrong sides together.

Lay your backing piece with right side down. Lay your flag quilt top on top.

Safety pin through all the layers all over the quilt to secure the layers.

Sew straight down the middle of each open seam allowance. I find it helps to use a walking foot if you have one to keep the layers from stretching.

Sew all the way around the edge 1/2 inch in.

Trim all the edges so that all three layers match up and all sides and corners match up.

Go through and cut all the seam allowances every 1/2 inch. Get every row and all the way around the edges.

Wash and dry your quilt at least once. You may need to do it again to get the rag look you want.

Optional: add white flannel stars to the navy rectangle. The stars will be 3.25 inch circle. Place them however you want. Cut out the excess fabric leaving a 1/2″ seam allowance around each star.

Get the Flag Rag Quilt Free Pattern

1/2 inch seam allowances are included.

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!