string quilts
 

Hi, everyone. I am cleaning cupboards and such this week, and everyone knows that is great thinking time. What am I thinking about??-Well, of course which quilt to make next! I think I understand the usual concept of a string quilt. Some of the ones I've seen are built on muslin blocks for a base. My question is, after you do your string work and assemble the quilt, aren't the squares awfully heavy to quilt through? Or is there something I am missing?

I have made many string and crazy quilts using muslin for the base. If I use batting, it will make the quilt heavier, (great for winter), but it doesn't make it any harder to quilt thru. I did a king size string quilt with backing, batting and top that I hand quilted (never again, took me almost a year to do), but it wasn't that hard to quilt.

I think they would be heavy to quilt by hand. If you're using a machine there's usually no problem. No question, it does make for a heavier quilt.

seems like the weight would be equal to, or even less than, a flannel quilt with flannel top and backing. So, should not be a problem quilting!

I have a string quilt on my "have to make one" wish list. I am going to use the middle of an old dust ruffle for the base. The fabric is very light weight and I'm going to use the ruffel for the backing.

What is the purpose of the muslin or dryer sheets? Is it just to keep the bias cuts from stretching? Do you HAVE to use a backing on the blocks?

I'm thinking it would depend on how narrow strips you are using. I did not use a backing on the one I made with 2-1/2" strips. Also it depends on your attitude toward sewing things cut on the bias.

Okay, how narrow can/should you make the strips?? I used 1 inch (finished width) strips in a block and did not seem to have a lot of trouble with stretch. If you make narrower strips, wouldn't the seams be really thick, or do you make 1/8 inch seams then??

Saw a tute on paper piecing one the other day but personally I like the quilt as you go idea. Made one and loved it .

I wrote a tutorial last year for making string quilt blocks without a foundation. It's not a flip-n-sew method. Maybe it will help you.

http://www.seamstobeyouandme.com/wor...uilt-tutorial/