Hi Everyone,

I'm going to start on my mom's string quilt this week and I wondered if anyone had advice on technique?
What works, what doesn't work.... what do I need to be sure to do?

Does it seem too bulky? My first thought is that there's two layers of fabric (with the foundation piece and the strings)... does that make a difference? Do you notice it?

Any advice/tips would help!

Sorry, I haven't made one yet. I don't think there would be any problems with bulk but I am interested in what those who have made them will say.

I use old sheets --tear them into 8 inch blocks and sew my strips on . I cut the strips any width, it uses up alot of scraps. then I trim the blocks own to 7 inches . It doesn't matter about the 2 layers , it just adds extra warmth and stability. Elaine

Here's one of my favorite places for great pics and help. I'd think the quilt w/the extra foundation would feel wonderful to be underneath!LOL Go to: http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpa...ng_piecing.htm
read how to w/her and view the good pics. Notice at the top of her article is the 'next' button for more...Hope this helps and do post a pic as you go for the rest of us!LOL Skeat......who always loves all stages of quilting:)

I made one using muslin as the foundation. It wasn't bulky or stiff. Some use pages from a big phone book and remove the paper. For a light summer quilt I have sewn stings to two layers of muslin and then sewn the blocks together quilt as you go method. If you can find it, Anita Murphy has the best string piecing book I've ever used. Called Reversible Quilts. I have used her method on many of my regular block quilts too.

I used muslin. It really doesn't add bulk. I work on a couple at a time.

When I was doing crumb blocks, I'd get them big enough, then square them up and then use the leftovers for the next group.

They are fun and fast. I did the strip twist from www.quiltville.com and it was fun to see it transform the more colors were added. my pic is on the other thread of our projects for this year.

Hi,

If I decide to try it I am going to use cotton batting as my foundation. That way it will already be quilted when I finish the assembly and the back will just be a lining.
I'll let you know how it turns out.

Here's a tutorial on making string blocks. http://heartstringsquiltproject.com/guidelines.html

I usually use thin muslin or light colored fabrics for my foundation. After layering with batting and backing the quilt is a bit thicker than usual. Sometimes I skip the batting and use flannel for backing, great for kid's quilts. If you do want to use batting, you could use paper or deli wrap as your foundation, which you need to tear away before layering your quilt. May in Jersey

I made my string quilt using pages from catalogues. They were free! You do have to rip them out but I find that kind of fun also and usually work on the tearing stage while watching the tele.

I need to make a quick lap quilt for my little boy. His sister is getting one made from the d9p top I made following Izy's tute so now he has to have one too! This might be just the thing! I've got lots of scraps (haven't we all, lol!); if the scraps are too small for the strings can I join them together to make them longer? I guess this will give a real scappy look but I don't think he'll mind! Which is best for foundation, paper or cloth? I guess you tear the paper out after you've sewn it but leave the cloth in? is it hard to quilt through a double layer of cloth? i hand quilt so have to think of my poor fingers! Maybe I could try the batting as foundation idea, I've made log cabin blocks this way and it worked well; any ideas or tips gratefully received!

K x

PS Sorry to ask more questions rather than answer yours, Trugger, hope you don't mind!

String quilts are lots of fun!

For variation, consider using the same color fabric for the first strip of each block (the diagonal strip/string you start in the center with). That will give you some uniformity, and will also give you a diamond shape when the blocks are sewn together.

Another option is to start w/ a rectangular foundation rather than a square one. Your strings will then form a diamond shape.

If you look in webshots, you should be able to find lots of examples. A warning: They can be addictive!

I love string quilts and Crazy Quilts. I use an UGLY fabric for the base.
Everyone has a fabric they have no ideas why they bought it or even aquired it. Even one a little heavier is good to use , then you can use a lighter weight batting.
These quilts are so much fun. I cut my squares first and then have at it.
Enjoy :-)

K~
Yes, you can join scraps together to make longer strings--it will give you a really scrappy look!!

Since you are going to be hand quilting, I would use paper foundation. Just be sure that whatever paper you use does not "bleed" ink onto your fabric--that gets really messy!! If you use smaller stitches and then fold your paper on the stitching line, it "perforates" the paper and makes it easier to remove from the back of the fabric. That is a trick I use when paper piecing.

Hope this helps....

salisaquilter...where did that quilt on your avatar come from??I've never seen it before and it is too cute! Thanks-Skeat

I made this back in the 70's, so don't remember where the pattern came from. I have it on my quilting room wall. Thank you for your interest
Sal

Thanks Marcia! I used up some muslin I had as foundation in the end so I'm EITHER going to just machine quilt in the ditch round the blocks OR do the hand quilting wearing welders' gauntlets!!!

K x