String Blocks - What Was I Thinking!?
 

I made some string blocks on a paper foundation.

That went well and good.

Then I decided to stitch about 1/8 inch all the way around each block - while the paper was still on the back.

It seemed like such a good idea to leave the paper on and keep the units stable - there were all those bias edges and floppy corners to keep in place.

Then I sewed the units together.

That paper was a challenge to remove from the seams.

Next time - I might use a very long basting stitch to keep the edges in place - or not. Maybe a touch of glue to keep the corners from flopping?

Well all is not lost you learned what not to do.

How about some spray starch on the final press of the block, then trim/square up the block. It should hold for you. So sorry for your bad experience.

Totally agree ... spray starch or Best Press will hold those edges in place
and allow for a nice clean/square trimming.


If using paper ... be like PP'ers ... use a short stitch and the paper will come off with no problems at all.

I just finished a string quilt on paper foundation. I didn't stitch around the blocks before putting them together. I just stitched the strings to the paper and then stitched the blocks together and it worked fine.

What I will do next time - - -

It is a lot of work. I've found its a good project for me to work on when I come home from work too tired to sew. I just turn on the TV, find something on the DVR and rip paper for an hour or so.

I do lots of PP and I really don’t mind doing the paper. I use a stiletto or small pair of scissors to help, and because I use a stitch length of 1.4 (or 1.2 for teeny tiny areas) it all comes out fine. I do it front of the tv with the bin next to me.

Bear, don't you hate it when good intentions turn on you and bite? :)
I just started a string project and I decided to starch them because they don't feel stable. I think that will help a lot.
I don't mind the papers,either. Kind of fun as long as you have a short enough stitch length.