Strings - how many do you use?
 

I'd like to just putter this weekend and thought using up some of my strings would be a good way to do it.

Looking at blocks in various string quilts, do you have a favorite amount of strings for each block? I've seen quilts with 6, 7, 8, or more.

Would it matter, really, to have some with odd amounts in there (i.e. not all blocks with the same number of strings) once I put the quilt together?

Or does it look more "even" if each block has the same number.
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I am collecting my strings right now. When I did a quilt before it did not matter how many strings I used but the strings would be 1-2 1/2 inches wide, no smaller no larger. As I was going I tried to grab some fat strips and then a narrow strip.

I just finished the String Me Along top. The pattern called for a uniform center for each block, but after that you could use any width I wanted between 1" and 1 3/4". No set number of strings per block.

No set number. Part of the fun of making string quilts is the randomness of choice. I found for my personality and "design esthetic," if you will, that I preferred the center strips to be uniform, and for the center trianges that come together be close in size. So I guess I tried to control the size of the end pieces. OTher than that, I tried to vary the strip widths and colors. I also kept everything cool. I don't like mixing warm and cool colors. Also remember that black will grab the most attention, so use it judiciously. Decide the skinniest and widest strips you would like to see finished, and then add 1/2". I like 1-2.25 best.

Red, I like varying the width of my strings and don't tend to use anything over 2.25" wide.
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I tend to agree with having a more or less uniform center strip - if doing diagonal units like Faintly Artistic has done - and then having the "corner pieces" about the same size.

After doing a few units - you might want to lay them out and see how you like the distribution of the colors you are using. In the string quilt I made, it was the "electric blue" that caught my eye more than any other color.

Timely topic, Red!
I reached out for instructions on making a string quilt. Well I made about 6 blocks and love doing them!
I used different widths and my blocks are 8 inches. That was a good size because I just finished a large quilt
and had lengths leftover.

I also like to keep the center uniform by keeping empty the center 2" of a block of an 8" square of muslin. Once the strips are laid against my pencilled line, the center becomes a 1-1/2" strip. I've never done it, but I think the foundation squares would look lovely in a solid color too.
Oh - and the strips in my stash are of varying widths and I sew them on randomly.

I just put on strings until the foundation is covered!

You can have it be as controlled or as random as you want. I've done strings with the same center fabric in each for some uniformity, and I've done them completely random, just using whatever I reached in the string bin and grabbed first. Both are beautiful.

Cari

Faintly Artistic, that is a great quilt!

Mine are really random and I'm liking the results[ATTACH=CONFIG]598834[/ATTACH]

It's a personal choice, but I prefer random.

I think that it depends on the personality of the quilt you want to make. If you make a block, whatever size you determine you want to make:

If the strips are all the same width, then the quilt will have a more structured look.
If all the strips are of a random width, then you have a more scrappy look.
If you make the center strip all of the same width and the rest of the strips random widths, then you will have a structured scrappy look.

I've done them all different ways and all of them look different. My favorite is the center strip being the same width as I feel it gives your eye somewhere to rest, while all the other strips crazy sizes.

One thing I do try to do, however, is make my corner strips a little wider, so that when I cut the block down to the size I want, I don't little pieces of fabric left on the corner. If you have ever cut a strip block down to size before, you will know what I mean.

SusieqOH; I sent you an email with a pic; did you get it?

I've done a couple of string quilts; used different widths; no specific place; just kept going til I covered the area that needed to be covered. Then squared it up.

Oh I like your quilt! Love the colorway and the design … great job!

Random (.75"-1.5") for me. If they were all the same, I'd be compelled to make them match--no thanks! :)

I love the rectangle! What size did you use??

Faintly Artistic (love that name!) - I would be interested in learning what size your rectangles are also. I love the ones you showed us! Great job!

When I made a quilt such as this, I was told to try to alternate lights/darks to make it more interesting. They are almost as much fun as the jelly roll quilts--seeing how they turn out with no planning of placement.

Faintly Artistic, I'd say you are underestimating your ability. Those pink and yellow blocks are just lovely. I keep scraps in bins by color--this idea would work perfectly for me!

The last one I made, the strings were different widths, but I tried to put the blocks together by color, if that makes sense. [ATTACH=CONFIG]598971[/ATTACH]

I've also made one with each block having the same size strings. This one was a modern quilt challenge in my local quilting group.[ATTACH=CONFIG]598972[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]598974[/ATTACH]