string quilt
 

Hello fellow quilters, I am currently working on a string quilt using muslin foundation. I've been wondering how to do the border since it will be only one layer and not double as the blocks are. Should anything be added so the border will be the same weight as the main part of the quilt. The border will not be very wide since the blocks will measure approx. 80x90. This is my first foundation quilting project. I have searched the internet and have not found anything referring to adding a border to foundation blocks.

What kind of border are you planning to add? I don't think I've ever seen a border added to a string quilt before. How wide will it be? Will it be pieced (like blocks of some sort)? Or solid, strips of fabric? If it is just solid strips and fairly narrow (like only a couple inches) you probably won't need a foundation.... But wider you might want one... Lots of variables, depending on the type/size of border.

I have a string quilt on my avatar pieced on muslin, then a piano key border pieced on adding machine tape. I removed the paper, of course. The sashing and borders in between are single layers...not a problem.

If you think about it, any quilt has areas where there is only one layer of fabric, other areas where there are 2, 3, 4 layers, even more because of seams allowances. Once the quilt is quilted these areas seldom matter. I wouldn't worry about it.

I agree with Dunster. I have done a string quilt and I did my border just like always (1 layer) nothing extra added. After it was quilted you can't tell the difference.

If you think you must add something to your border to make it the same weight, how about some light or medium weight fusible interfacing or stabilizer?

First of all I want to thank each and everyone of you for your suggestions. The border will probably be only 1 to 1.5 inch finished so looks like the seam allowances will take care of the thickness. My quilt is black and white with the center strip being lime green...just needed a black border to tie it all together...thanks again for everyone's input!!!

Sounds wonderful! I love black & white quilts and the lime will surely make the quilt *sing*!

My string quilts I've made on paper foundations which were removed before sandwiching and quilting.

I don't think the thickness will be an issue once your quilt is together because, as you mentioned, your seam allowances will take care it.

Post pictures when complete...the quilt sounds wonderful.

I think the only time I would have a concern is if I were hand quilting. Extra layers make it harder. If you are tying or machine quilting, it will be just fine.

I used a narrow inside border and a border print about 9 inches wide for the edges of my string quilt. It is beautiful. Yes you can successfully use borders with a string quilt.

I agree with everyone here. I've made several string quilts and haven't put anything behind the border. If anything, the single layer perhaps lets the string blocks become more prominent with the extra thickness. As has been said before, it's your quilt to do as you please.

Hope you post a photo when the quilt is done. Fabric selection sounds very interesting!!

I've done a couple of string quilts using muslin for the foundation and haven't found it to be a problem when I add my borders which are usually a solid one layer. Never noticed there being a difference in thickness though I know there is. Once it gets sandwiched together and quilted you might not notice the difference as much as you think.

If you wanted to add a border with the same weight you could add it the same way as you would if you were making "a quilt as you go" quilt.

You-tube has quite a few good tuts on how to do this.

I usually don't add borders to string quilts. I use a paper foundation that tears off easily, mail order clothing catalogs.; its free. :)

Thanks for asking this question, I have thought it, but never remembered to ask the Board. Now I know the answer!

this is something I've wondered about too LOL! I'm working on finishing a string quilt now from a swap several years ago not sure if I'm gonna add a border or not. I have another I really wanted to finish but it's using eleanor burns's quilt ina day where you leave a center strip open to the muslin and I don't have more of the same muslin and can't find any that matches and it bugs me to put regular string quilt blocks with it LOL!

Thanks busy fingers, I am making a string quilt with a border, and now that it's time to put the border on I didn't know what to do, I like your answer.

I bought a bolt of cheap muslim it was so thin so not good for a quilt, I used that instead of paper...no ripping, I saw no difference in thinkness and it was very easy. You can also use old linings from curtains or old thin cotton shirts that you were going to donate.

I just made a QAYG string quilt and made a piano key quilted borders and applied it just like I did the blocks. I haven't posted the pictures yet.