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string quilts

Old 03-26-2012, 12:14 PM
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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?
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Old 03-26-2012, 12:44 PM
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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.
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Old 03-26-2012, 12:46 PM
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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.
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Old 03-26-2012, 12:46 PM
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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!
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Old 03-26-2012, 01:15 PM
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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.
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Old 03-26-2012, 02:30 PM
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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?
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Old 03-26-2012, 02:37 PM
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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.
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Old 03-26-2012, 02:42 PM
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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??
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Old 03-26-2012, 03:27 PM
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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 .
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Old 03-26-2012, 03:36 PM
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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/
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