I use the cheapest muslin I can find, and I wait until it is on sale. I don't use dryer sheets or paper, but that is just personal preference.

I too use a foundation. I use ANYTHING for it......often a piece of fabric that I really dont wanta use for a quilt itself......it will be all covered up by the strips, so doesnt matter what color it is or anything..I am wondering if you could use "used" fabric softener sheets after they have been in the dryer.......think I may try that next.

oh sorry, I see now that someone else already talked about using dryer sheets..........typical of me, always behind on things!

A traditional crazy quilt uses all sorts of different fabrics and some of them either stretch or are not very strong - that is why a foundation is a good stabilizer. If you use the crumb approach to making blocks or using a "crazy quilt" layout with only cotton fabric, I can imagine doing so without a foundation. You'll know when the strings or pieces become too thin and unmanageable.

Many thanks everybody for sharing your tips with me, I have visited Quiltville now and I am going to try the kitchen cloths too, I have not seen in New Zealand, the dryer sheets you mention. I am just having a play around with some of my scraps,I have never done these kind of methods before, I am quite excited with what I have discovered so far! When I think of all the small fabric scraps I have thrown out over the years! I won't be doing that again, they make the prettiest quilts!
Thank you all again!

Gal
PS
I like the idea of using ugly fabric too, this gives a whole new scope for those cotton shirts I pass up at the op shop because I don't think I could use the colour!

Excellent idea! i have heard of others using them this way too. but never tried it myself!

i use the cheapest muslin i have..but it about 1 or 2 inches bigger than the block i want it to be. then square it up when done. this is for string blocks..

i have never done a crazy quilt yet..

My Aunt used to make this kind of quilt with a fabric as the foundation. She called these "Summer Quilts" because with the fabric, foundation, and a backing the weight was just enough on cool summer nights. I learned that this was a traditional name for this kind of quilt.

Jois

Jois, I like the sound of this method I think I shall give this a try, be easy to hand quilt through too!

Gal

I use foundation too.........auto swapper pages, have to be squared up but its ok........also for small blocks I use patty papers..........I purchased a box from GF......calla/Sue