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teresa_nc7

Scrap Quilt Class - Block #3

teresa_nc7
16 years ago

Our next two blocks will be string-pieced, a very easy and tried-and-true technique.

My source is "Spectacular String-Pieced Quilts: A Pattern Book" by the editors of Traditional Quiltworks and Quilting Today magazines.

First a little background: traditionally, string quilts are constructed from narrow strips of fabric (or strings) left over from clothing or other sewing projects. Here is a case for the more fabrics the better! String quilts are about contrast and value than color coordination. The quilters who came before us used newspaper or phone book papers to piece many of their quilts. Today we can use vellum, deli paper, blank newsprint, old sheets, muslin, or thin regular interfacing as our foundation.

Note: keep in mind how you plan to finish your string quilt; paper will need to be removed, old sheets are difficult to hand quilt through and will add more weight to the finished quilt. For this class, I have used very lightweight regular (not fusible) interfacing - probably bought on sale!

Our block for this class uses the same print for the center string of each block as well as the borders and the binding. I am using a navy small print; the picture in the book uses a medium dark gray print; a brown print, red, or any other medium dark print could be used. Use of the same print serves as a unifying factor in this very busy quilt.

For a quilt 72 1/2" x 91 1/2" made of 63 blocks, you need 2 3/4 yards of the print used in the center of the blocks, the borders, and the binding.

To make one block:

Cut a foundation of 11" square of your chosen foundation.

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Cut a string 1 7/8" x 15" of your medium dark print. Cut other strings in various widths.

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Center the medium print strip diagonally, right side up, on a foundation.

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Stitch a random width strip to one side of the center strip using a 1/4" seam allowance. Don't be concerned if the strip is too long and hangs off the ends of the foundation; just make sure the strip is long enough. Press strip right side up when finished.

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Continue to add strips to one side of the foundation and press each one right side up.

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Then add strips in the same manner to the other side of the block, pressing as you go to cover the foundation.

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Trim the foundation to 10" square.

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I think it wise to stitch/baste 1/8" around the entire string-pieced block after trimming. This holds down the strings on the edges and helps the block not to distort when tearing out paper.

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And your string-pieced block is finished!

Here is a photo of the finished quilt:

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This type of scrap block is a great place to hide those "not so pretty scraps" and even put in a part-polyester string now and then. You can even make pieced strings if you want to get really scrappy and sew some strings with wonky seams to add a vintage appeal.

Scraps of bindings will make easy string blocks - just be sure to cut them in varying widths; string-pieced blocks should not be too accurately done!

Have fun!

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