When foundation piecing on muslin - do you leave the muslin out to the edges or do you extend the top layer (the finished side) 1/4 inch around the edges?

Quiltaddict has some good advice. I also loved the pictures of the string quilt that was posted.

Something you might want to consider is going to Craftsy.com. The 2012 Block of Month has two string patterns. The class is free. You can make these two blocks and decide which method you would prefer to use. Also make one block using paper.

Always make a sample block of any quilt you want to make. I learned this the hard way. ;) Happy quilting.

If you don't want to use newsprint - old telephone books or even magazines, then I would suggest using a light weight muslin or any fabric that you might have on hand, preferably nothing too bright that would show through your strips, but any lightweight fabric would do. Personally I think I would use a white muslin for the middle diagonal strip about 2 - 2 1/2" wide, then add your strips to either side in any width your scraps dictate. I like the strip of white in the middle, as I think it makes the strips stand out more.

What a great idea! Now why didn't I think of this. smh Thanks.

My choice for foundation blocks depends on the fabric I'm using. If I know a lot of the fabric has been cut on the bias, I'll use fabric, whether that be muslin, old fabric, old sheets, etc. If I'm not sure how it's been cut, I'll usually but not always choose fabric. I have used paper here, and ended up with some "wonky" blocks because the bias stretches more than those cut on the length or width of the fabric; e.g. straight grain. I've used all kinds of paper, including old telephone books, and on this point, it's whatever works for you or whatever you have on hand.

I am not finding that string quilts done on muslin wears faster. Is it that the fabric used was cheap, and maybe the quilter was just using it up because they didn't want to make quilt blocks with it? Or do you think it has something to do with having fabric as a foundation? I'd be curious to know other people's experience with this.

Oh, and I press and starch my muslin (fabric, etc) foundation pieces before I use them. Helps keep them square.

To: Bearisgray -- I entend my material out to the edge, including 1/4 inch seam allowance. I've not done it the other way, but it seems to me that if you're only attaching muslin to muslin, it would be much less strong. Also, I don't know how you could solve the problem of the edges of the fabric strips sticking up on the top, not being sewn down into the top. I hope that was clear.

Well I understand what your doing as I have done a few string quilts myself. What I don't understand is why you went and bought expensive muslin when a worn out old sheet will do? I guess I just don't have the money the rest of you do. Just sayin'. Or perhaps you didn't know...

So far the ones I've made I cut 13.5" foundation pieces, sew a tad beyond that. I have a 12.5" square ruler that I trim them to, then sash with 2.5" strips. Will try to post a pic soon.

I would like to be enlightend as to string blocks wearing out sooner by using muslin/fabric instead of paper. Thanks.
neenee

I like using muslin and sewing the strips on it. As a matter of fact, I have a bunch of squares cut - just waiting for the sewing strips mood to set in. LOL. I have used paper before but don't like all the tearing and the time it takes.

What a great idea. I cannot handle a large quilt and the quilt as you go idea with the strip piecing is so clever.

After my mother trims sheets she gets donated from a motel to be used in her LWR charity quilts (60 x 80), she cuts 10" squares for me from the remnants (bless her heart). I do strip blocks or sew and flip on those squares as a foundation. After piecing, I trim to 9.5" and clip the corner off the foundation for less bulk at seam intersections.

One advantage of using old sheets is that no pre-shrinking is needed.

Dayle