Amy's Modern Fray

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Amy's Modern Fray

Welcome to my page! I design modern rag quilts with a fresh twist on tradition + quilt patterns that let you create your own.
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You'll find inspiration & light how-to's. Whether you're here to make, learn, or just be inspired~
I'm so glad you're here 🌷

06/17/2026

Seams Simple Enough? Let's Compare!

I've noticed that when people talk about rag quilts, seams are a hot topic of conversation. They're what make rag quilts instantly recognizable, and they're often the first thing people notice.

There are a lot of factors that affect how a seam will look after washing. The choice of fabric is a big one and a topic to explore on its own! But for today, I thought it would be helpful to compare two seams made with the same basic cotton-and-flannel construction and see what happens when you change the seam allowance and clip spacing.

The seam on the left uses a ½" seam allowance with clips spaced very close together, about ⅛" apart. Because there are more cuts in the seam, the fabric has more opportunity to fray and blend together. The shorter seam allowance also tends to bloom into a smoother, more uniform dome shape after washing and drying.

The seam on the right uses a ⅝" seam allowance with clips spaced a little farther apart, ranging from about ⅛" to ¼". The longer seam allowance and wider clip spacing allow the individual snips to hold their shape more, creating a seam with more texture and a slightly shaggier appearance.

Understanding how seam allowance and clip spacing affect the finished seam gives you one more tool for customizing the look of your rag quilts. 🩷

06/12/2026

A Cart, a Horse, and a Quilt Walk Into a Bar...

I've been picking up some beautiful fabrics lately on my Shop Hop trips, and I'm getting the itch to start a new rag quilt. The problem is, I have so many ideas floating around in my head that I'm having trouble deciding which direction to go!

Sometimes I see a fabric and just know how I'm going to use it. Other times I pick out a pattern and then go in search of the perfect fabric.

This time, I can't decide which is the cart and which is the horse! 😉

When you're planning a new quilt, what comes first: the fabric or the pattern?

06/09/2026

⚾ Etsy Customer Spotlight: Beautiful Day, Baseball Edition ⚾

One of my favorite things about designing quilt patterns is seeing the creative ways quilters make them their own.

This Beautiful Day quilt was made by Leeann for a baby boy, and I absolutely love the baseball-inspired details she added! She used the "Play Ball" Jelly Roll by Moda, along with Candy Blue Kona Cotton and light blue flannel from Hobby Lobby.

In the appliqué blocks, she added baseball motifs and had a friend machine embroider the letter “B” in several squares for an extra special touch.

Thank you, Leeann, for letting me showcase your beautiful quilt. Watching it sway in the breeze truly made it live up to the name Beautiful Day.

If you've made a quilt from one of my patterns, I'd love to see it! And if you've been thinking about making your own Beautiful Day quilt, the pattern is available in my Etsy shop (link in comments).

06/08/2026

A Little Fabric Math! 🌸

While I was enjoying the All Michigan Shop Hop this weekend, I had a goal: buy at least a little fabric from every shop I visited. Most quilt shops have fat quarters pre-cut and ready to grab, but I usually ask for a skinny quarter instead.

Why?

A fat quarter measures about 18" x 22", while a skinny quarter measures about 9" x 44" (WOF). Both contain the same amount of fabric, just cut differently.

If you like using 8" squares in your rag quilts, that difference matters. A fat quarter gives you 4 squares, while a skinny quarter gives you 5 squares. It may only be one extra square, but that's one more block to play with when it's time to design a quilt.

As a bonus, asking for a skinny quarter gives me a chance to chat with the people working in the shop while they cut my fabric. I always enjoy hearing about their favorite fabrics, projects, and local quilting community.

Are you a fat-quarter shopper, or do you ever ask for a skinny quarter?

06/04/2026

A Modern Take on Chenille 🩷

If you've spent any time on my page, you've probably noticed that ribbed chenille is one of my favorite ways to add texture to a project.

I love the soft, touchable feel of vintage chenille bedspreads, but I've never had much luck finding them. A few years ago, I discovered terry chenille fabric, and it's become my favorite alternative.

I have it in white, ivory, pink, and blue, but it comes in a wide range of colors, from pastels to saturated shades. I especially love how its clean, uniform texture leans modern while still giving a nod to vintage charm.

Another bonus is the width. At 57" wide, you're getting about 35% more fabric per yard than standard quilting cotton. That extra width makes it a nice value and gives you more flexibility for larger projects.

I've added a link to the white version in the comments (affiliate link at no extra cost to you), but there are several other colors available as well. 😊

06/02/2026

The Evolution of a Rag Quilt 🌸

Ever wonder why an old rag quilt feels softer than a new one?
It isn't just the washing. Several things happen over time that transform a rag quilt's texture and feel.

🌷 The fibers relax
When fabric is new, the fibers are tightly woven and often treated during manufacturing to help it look crisp on the bolt. With washing, drying, and use, those fibers gradually relax, creating a softer feel.

🌻 The seams get fluffier
One of the unique things about rag quilts is the exposed seam allowance. As those clipped edges continue to fray through repeated washings, they transform from cut fabric strips into soft, fluffy fringe.

🪻The layers settle together
When a rag quilt is first finished, the layers are still relatively stiff and separate. Over time, use and laundering help the layers settle together, giving the quilt a more drapey, relaxed feel.

🌼 The fibers trap more air
As the fibers loosen and fluff up, they trap more air. That's part of what creates that soft, cuddly feel in a well-loved rag quilt.

🌺 Use leaves its mark
It's not just washing that softens a quilt. Folding it, snuggling under it, and everyday handling all contribute to breaking in the fibers.

That's one of my favorite things about rag quilts, they don't just age, they evolve. 🌞

05/30/2026

F is for Fleece or Flannel? 🤔

Fleece and flannel both come up a lot when people are picking fabric for their first rag quilt, and they're not interchangeable. They may both start with an F and come on a bolt at the fabric store, but they behave very differently once you start cutting, clipping, and washing. Here's what you need to know about each one.

⚠️ Fleece – Fleece is a synthetic material (usually polyester), so it doesn't shrink or fray. When clipped, it forms a soft fringe rather than the fluffy frayed edge you get from cotton flannel. Because fleece doesn't fray, the seams tend to stay a little floppy instead of puffing up the way flannel does. It's warm and soft, but not the best choice if you're after the traditional rag quilt look.
A note of caution... because fleece doesn't shrink like cotton, it can cause distortion. Prewashing all of your fabrics before starting can help.

✅ Flannel – Flannel is the classic choice for rag quilts, and for good reason! It's a woven cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface. Because it's woven, the edges naturally fray and fluff up when clipped and washed, creating those beautiful textured seams that make rag quilts so special. It's easy to work with and gives your quilt a nice mix of weight and softness. A note of caution... Flannel tends to shrink more than quilting cotton so prewash all fabrics before cutting to keep your finished quilt from puckering later.

If you want those soft, fluffy seams that make rag quilts so cozy, flannel is the F you're looking for. Fleece can work, but it won't give you the same result. 💜

05/29/2026

The Tale of Two Rag Quilts 📖

These two quilts tell a story of my quilting journey that I'd like to share with you.

The first quilt was made years ago using the traditional rag quilt method. I used matching fabrics on the front and back, with two layers of white flannel in between. The seams are clipped at ½-inch intervals and I didn't add any stitching to secure the layers together.

I loved it then, and I still love it.

The mix of fabrics creates a beautiful kaleidoscope of color. It has that charm that first drew me to rag quilting, and it brought me such joy when I made it.

Looking at it today, I can also see lessons I've learned along the way. Without an X stitch, the blocks have a more relaxed, baggier look than I prefer now. And while I still adore all of those fabrics blending together, I find they don't stand out individually the way they do in my more recent quilts.

The second quilt was made using my favorite inlay technique along with a securing X stitch. The little solid-color frames around each fabric help every print stand out, while the X stitch keeps everything neater and more tailored. I also reduced my seam clips to about ⅛ inch apart, which creates a fuller, more polished seam that better suits my personal aesthetic.

Neither quilt is right or wrong. In fact, I think both are beautiful.

One represents where I started, and the other reflects what I've learned through years of quilting, experimenting, and refining my personal style. That's something I love about creating; our techniques evolve, our preferences change, and every project teaches us something.

Which style appeals more to you: the blended kaleidoscope look, or the framed and tailored look?

05/28/2026

Road Trips & Pattern Planning 🌸

I’ve been busy planning my next tutorial and I'm very happy with how it's coming together! I’m at the stage where I need to choose just the right fabrics to really complement the design.

I’ve held off on my choices because the annual All Michigan (Quilt) Shop Hop starts June 1st! This year there are 104 participating quilt shops spread across both the Upper and Lower Peninsula. I would absolutely love to visit all of them, but that is a whole lot of Michigan to cover!

We’re planning a road trip through the Upper Peninsula in June to take in all the beautiful Lake Superior scenery, waterfalls, and little towns. I’m hoping to visit 5 of the 9 quilt shops up there while we travel. I have a feeling I may come home with more fabric ideas than I know what to do with😊

Does your state have quilt shop hops like this? And has anyone ever actually managed to make it to every participating shop? I’d love to hear about it!

05/25/2026

Just dropping in to Wish a peaceful Memorial Day to all. Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. ❤️🤍💙

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Ortonville, MI

Website

https://themodernfray.etsy.com/

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