Thread: Questions About Making String Quilts

I did the spiderweb quilt using the papers from MSQC and it went very fast. Tearing the paper went quickly too, but I think it kind of distorted the triangles and I had to square them up to keep the center from bulging. I have not tried cloth so can't say which is better.

I have made many string quilts as well as "sew and flip" block quilts, and I always use old thin sheets for foundation. There is extra weight and thickness with a fabric foundation, but it works for me.

For those who use muslin foundation - do you then add batting and backing and quilt as usual?

Cheryl

I save used dryer sheets as foundation. They are safe to use with fabric and you can use them whole, mine are 6 by 9, or sometimes I trim them down to 6 by 6. They are thin but stable and you don't need to take them out when done. Try it, I'm sure you'll love it.

I just sewed mine together without any paper or muslin. I don't think I had any strips that were less than 1-1/2". I didn't have any problems. I have had a problem with another type of quilt that was a triangle with a large base that stretched so I do starch my material now. I sew by hand so it is probably different than sewing on the machine.

I save tissue paper like you get with shoe boxes and tissue paper by the package is cheap. I 20x30" sheet will give you 6 10" layer cake slices. I save all my tissue paper. And I usually tear the paper off after I have the sheet filled. It's one of those things you can do at the computer or in front of the tv.

I have also used muslin. There is a product out kind of like interfacing. It stays soft and is lightweight. Makes for nice blocks that don't stretch. I oversize the blocks and trim after sewing my strips.