I decided to make a few string blocks just to see how they looked. Now I have 80 done and I like them all. The fabrics are all colors and patterns, but for some reason they look good all put together. I am surprised at how nice they look, I picked the scraps totally at random and sewed them onto a 7 inch muslin backing. So I will have 61/2 " finished blocks which I am putting together with 11/2 " black sashing. The bad part about this is that it doesn't even scratch the surface of my scrap box! Bet I could make 20 string quilts, better get busy!

Wow! You've been busy! Post pics when you have a top put together. Would love to see one! And good luck with the rest of that scrap box!!

I've been bitten by the same bug! I have 75 blocks done and can hardly miss the scraps I have used up. They are really pretty. I think our idea of putting them together with black sashing is right on!

Please give us a picture

what is a string block?? I have loads of scraps and love scrappy quilts.
Kate

What width did you cut your strips???? You do know that scraps multiply when you're not looking don't you???? LOL!!

Here is a pic of some I made. I sent 56 to REDGARNET for kids quilts.

I love making string blocks! It's surprising how fabrics that don't normally play well together look great in string blocks! On another board they had an Ugly Fabric Swap that one person made into string blocks and it was really eyecatching!

Awesome! I wish I had your ambition!

oh wow!! I'm wanting to make one so badly..

i too am a STRING BLOCK LOVER!!! instead of muslin, I use the ''why did I ever buy that fabric'' fabric for the foundation layer. The only thing is that you have to watch those very light fabrics letting the foundation fabric show through but if I'm a bit concerned, I just grab 2 light strings and layer them....no problem!! String blocks do have a way of multipuling overnight but the quilts are just so cool!!

jodi

I have a lot of strips and strings. As long as they are reasonably straight, I use them as they are. They are different widths and they work fine. I am making the telephone book blocks. You cut pages out of a telephone book into 8 inch squares (or whatever you wish) and then piece your strips on the papers. I like to sew them together into a quilt top before I spray with water and remove the paper because some of the strips are on the bias but when they are sewn to another fabric they won't stretch. I also have some "glitzy" cottons and some with metallic trim and I use only one strip of that in a block because I don't have a lot of it. It really spices up the block.These blocks are addictive and I really enjoy them.

im envious...i have just started quilting so dont have tons of scraps...better believe i am now going to save every scrap i come across now!!!

seems like a good thing for someone like me who cant get their seams to behave themselves and line up lol

but for now...i will dream

Your blocks are cool. Are you using any sort of pattern, or just randomly sewing strips onto a foundation that will then turn out however it wants to? When you put them together, will it look like a crazy quilt? Thanks for showing us!

Could you use the wrong side of the 'why did I buy it' fabric instead of having to double layer the strip? Just a thought.

I am a believer that sheets are ok to use in quilts. I buy a white or cream sheet at the thrift store and cut them into seven (7) inch squares. Easy, peasy.

Sheets for foundation fabric, now thats a good idea!

Can't wait to see the pics.....

Do a Google search for scrappy strip blocks. There are some great tutorials out there. That's how I learned to do my blocks.

Absolutely true! Scraps are related to hangers, after all.

What I want to know is why I can never find the "perfect" scrap for what I want to do? I guess the "perfect" ones are shy.

I hope to see your quilts when you are finished. When I want to make a scrappy quilt, I put my cut fabrics in three different paper bags, and then just pull. I have so much fun that way because you never know what your going to get. It's addictive!

I have done them on paper backing. You can make any shape you desire as long as they all go together well. I have a collection of star points that will eventually get put together. Ann in TN

If they look good now, just think how smashing they will be with sashing in a quilt. Good work!

Looks great...

I love string quilts and use alot of my ugly fabrics as base. I do use the wrong side often. They are addicting.

Forgot to say, Your blocks are so pretty, colorful and happy. They work well together.

I like to put the first strip diagonally across the square of telephone book paper and then work out from each side. You can also just put them across the paper from one side to the other. There are no hard and fast rules. Do whatever you want.

what is a string quilt? got a picture?

WOW! What a way to use your scraps.

Your blocks are lovely. I have 2 massive boxes of strips I hope to turn into something similar one day

String quilts are such fun, used to be Log Cabin quilts that were made from the leftover bits of fabric, until somebody showed how to do string blocks, can't tell how many quilts I have made for donation, and enjoyed the process every step of the way. Happy daylight savings time, by the way. piecefully, the old one

Never tried a string quilt. DH gets all my scraps.

Yes,IB I use the back side if I want to, and I make string quilts a lot . All my strings are in a basket or 2 or 3 lol right beside my machine, if I need a change of pace I sit and mindlessly make blocks.

Wow! Great use of your scraps.

What is a string block and is there a tutorial on how to?
campers from Homer, Michigan

How awesome is that!!!

I love string blocks. Right now, I am working on 2 RRCB quilts from Bonnie Hunter. You use string blocks in this. I have some ideas for another quilt in which to use these blocks. Good way to use up some scraps.

I am also a string lover. My fabric width leftovers get cut into anything from 1.5" to 2.5" strips and are made into any size block that I want to work with at the time. Great scrap buster. Also cut irregular scraps into squares from 2" to 4" and grab and sew them together. Have one top finished and waiting to be quilted and I love it. BUT, my scraps are still multiplying. Ho Hum!

I do started this about a month ago after posting something on what to do with my scraps. I love it and make a point to sit down and do about 10 squares every 2 weeks. I don't know what I'll do with the blocks when they are done but I do have fun - its a diversion from regular quilting and something with little planned purpose. Plus everytime I lay the squares out I decide I need more of this or that and so I keep going!

I like your idea about using telephone book as backing for your blocks, I have a lot of old telephone books I can use them up.