Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   Using muslin (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/using-muslin-t220557.html)

alikat110 05-03-2013 03:15 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Here is a pic of 6" blocks i just started. I cut 6" squares and am sewing as described above...it is sew easy.

bjchad 05-03-2013 04:15 AM

I've been using deli dry waxed paper you can get at sSam's club or BJs for a foundation. You can cut it to size either by hand or with a go or sizzix cutter and it tears off very easily. It's a lot cheaper than what is sold specifically for quilting. It does not put any residue on your fabric if you iron while still on the paper.

misseva 05-03-2013 09:53 AM

If you have a very old thin, almost worn out sheet it makes good foundation squares and the cost is minimal. I find some at yard sales, etc. You can get a lot of foundation blocks out of one sheet.

Daisy Dew 05-04-2013 04:24 AM


Originally Posted by neenee586 (Post 6040536)
It's not a silly question. When I start my blocks I use a glue stick to lightly glue down the main strip face up. After that the next strip is sewn on right sides together (RST) then flip and press. Repeat this process on both sides of first strip, using different width strips to add interest. For my foundation I use any cotton (perhaps something too thin to use in a quilt) fabric I have on hand sewing to the wrong side which is usually lighter, I don't care to mess with paper and like the heavier block. If you use the same solid color for main strip that gives a different look.

Here is a link to pix of string blocks, I hope I've helped a little. Good luck!
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&g...BuPnyAGCvoG4DQ

What a wonderful site - so sew many ideas! Yikes.

janbland 05-04-2013 04:31 AM

My Aunt gave me an antique quilt that was pieced on muslin and it didn't wear well. Bonnie Hunter recommends piecing on paper rather than muslin. She recommends using phone book pages or cheap sketch pads from the dollar store. I have been saving the light weight paper that companies use for packing materials. I iron it flat and cut it into squares. It's amazing how many squares you can get out of paper that would otherwise end up in the recycle bin.

RGAY 05-04-2013 04:53 AM


Originally Posted by Txsuthrn (Post 6040439)
I wanted to order tHe 10 in piecing squares Missouri quilt co has and has a tute on it also. The site says out of stock so I went to my local shop when I asked about them the lady said oh don't do that just cut musli draw lines that way u don't have to tear paper. Well I am a very inexperienced beginning quilter I just stood there and finally said ok. Now I know I'd need 10 in muslin squares but how far apart do I draw the Lines? They are slanted not straight.. Forgive my Silly question but it's the only way I know to find out and this group is so kind to beginners.

The only silly question is the one you don't ask! This board membership is so helpful and knowledgeable! Glad you asked this question - many will benefit from all the responses, including me, another newbie to this board!

Snooze2978 05-04-2013 05:58 AM

As I had a bolt of muslin, I went that way. Yes it is a bit heavier than usual with 2 layers of fabric but as I'm making these as lap quilts for elderly folks, they will enjoy the extra warmth. I starched my muslin, then cut them out to size. I'm using up a bunch of my scraps this way too. Craftsy also had the basic same pattern but smaller plus yet another one which you start with a foundation but cut off the excess afterwards. This one makes a star in the center when you put the 4 pieces together. I've made one of each so far and am on 2 more but this time I'll just leave the foundation on both of them. This is a great way to use up your scraps as they seem to multiply during the night.


Suz in Iowa

Gannyrosie 05-04-2013 06:27 AM


Originally Posted by neenee586 (Post 6040536)
It's not a silly question. When I start my blocks I use a glue stick to lightly glue down the main strip face up. After that the next strip is sewn on right sides together (RST) then flip and press. Repeat this process on both sides of first strip, using different width strips to add interest. For my foundation I use any cotton (perhaps something too thin to use in a quilt) fabric I have on hand sewing to the wrong side which is usually lighter, I don't care to mess with paper and like the heavier block. If you use the same solid color for main strip that gives a different look.

Here is a link to pix of string blocks, I hope I've helped a little. Good luck!
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&g...BuPnyAGCvoG4DQ

wonderful tutorial, thanks I needed that.

tessagin 05-04-2013 07:06 AM

I also use tissue paper. You can get 30 sheets that are 20"x20" for less than a $1.00. You can get 4 10" squares that are great for paper piecing. I also use the phone book pages.

SewExtremeSeams 05-04-2013 07:25 AM


Originally Posted by neenee586 (Post 6040536)

Here is a link to pix of string blocks, I hope I've helped a little. Good luck!
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&g...BuPnyAGCvoG4DQ

Thanks, I had not seen that before. Lots of possibilities!


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:55 AM.