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String Quilts - Edey's Vintage and Current Needlework
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Edey's Vintage and Current Needlework

String Quilts

String quilts are real easy to make.  The "strings" are long strips of fabric, not cord type string. Usually it's left over strips of fabric that are too narrow for other purposes; this is a good way to not waste those scraps.

Basics for making a block: Cut a large square of a backing fabric, like plain muslin, but use whatever you want. Make as many blocks as you want for your quilt. I have a large 12 x 12 ruler that I just lay down on the fabric and cut around it. Then cut lots of strips of different fabrics at least 1 1/2 inches wide or wider. Varying the widths make an interesting quilt block 

Next: You will be stitching down a strip with the wrong side up and stitching the right side with a 1/4" seam , then flipping the strip over. Fingerpress or iron it down. Lay the next strip down against the raw edge, stitch it down and flip it over, keep going until you have the whole square covered with strips. Then turn over the block and using the edge of the backing for a guide, trim off the overhanging pieces.

Make several blocks and lay them out in several different designs before sewing together.  Cut a backing the same size, quilt to the top, then attach a binding. For small projects I used store bought bias binding, but you can also make you own.

I've made several of these for arm chair covers and for putting on the back of chairs, to keep those areas clean.  They can be made into pillows, cushions, lap robes. It's a good way to use up fabric you aren't using and it's just taking up space.  Edey

Comments

 

karen kay said:

i just had my fabric and pieces out just a minute ago and the quilt you are talking about sounds so simple and easy.  i was getting together my  sunbonnetsue  wall hanging out that i didnt finish last year to see what i had left to do which is very little[thank goodness] and i forgot about the type of quilt you are talking about.  thanks for reminding me. also i want to make a cathederal window  piece big enough for a pillow til i get the hang of it.  i think they are so pretty.  

December 27, 2008 3:42 PM
 

Edey said:

I like string quilts because you are able to accomplish a quilt with just some simple cutting and stitching, no precise cutting of fabric to make it, like with templates.

Cathedral window is so fascinating. I'm amazed that anyone figured it out. It is the most intriquing of all quilt blocks I think. If you don't have the instructions for it, it would be hard to figure out how to do it.

Edey

December 27, 2008 8:36 PM
 

karen kay said:

the cathedral window is pretty baffling.  some of my co-workers and i made blocks and we had a co-worker that knew how to do this, so that made it waaaay easier.  i've made several blocks just to practice out of different material, but like my usual self, never did follow thru with a pillow.   i am addicted to the computer now that i have retired, and it has taken the place of a lot of my crafts.  i just need to budget my time more,  but the computer keeps calling me. oh my

December 29, 2008 10:18 AM
 

Edey said:

Me, too on the computer addiction. I can stay on it for 4 hours in the morning but have to get up and do some chores during the day.  There is so much out there to see.  Edey

December 29, 2008 11:52 AM

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