could add two borders to add size.

I think if you use a sashing you're going to lose part of the design that your strips make. But if you do decide on a sashing I'd go with the black or even a deep navy blue.

As for a border, if you're doing one and have lots more scraps left, I'd do a piano key border.

I'd move the left side column of blocks to the top or bottom, making it rectangular and more "planned" looking; also, in my opinion, I would add white sashing between all the blocks; a white border and a color binding. To me, that would sing! Your quilt is marvelous!

This is how I would do it.

Check out this string quilting page. It is a primer but has pictures of different settings and looks. I like it without the sashing best. Good luck. http://www.quiltville.com/stringquiltingprimer.shtml

This is a beautiful quilt. I agree with others it doesn't need sashing but if you really need it I think black would be nice. I like black in a quilt.

I like it without sashing. Depending on who it is for would make the choice of border color easier. I would pick up one of the dark colors in the squares.

If you use a light color (all the same) for the center of the string blocks it kinda makes its own sashing and design. Haven't done one yet but have seen one and I really liked it. It didn't have sashings between the blocks and it looked really nice.

I like this without the sashing. It's easier to see when you see a finished quilt, isn't it. aaaaaahh..the wonders of quilting. LOL

A good formula to use is make the sashing 1/3 of what your blocks are. For example: 12" block would use 4 1/2 " sashing. Or if you have 8" blocks, you'd use 2 1/2 " sashings.

For future reference when making a string quilt like this, consider using the 'self-sashed' method of putting a 2inch strip of the same fabric down each center of fabric diagonally. When you put the blocks together that diagonal fabric creates an on-point 'sashing'.

I do it all the time and I use the cheap muslin or ugly fabric wrong-side up as my foundation.

here is a photo, hope the link works
http://thumb5.webshots.net/t/72/172/...5gEHgwx_th.jpg

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

I like it without sashing too.

The foundation won't cause a problem. Well, it would be hard to hand quilt through, maybe, but like you mentioned, it will be an extra layer of warmth.

try this http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...14041145pkBOLL"><img

in the future, if a photo is too small, hold down the ctrl button while clicking the + sign several times on your computer, it will enlarge it somewhat. sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't

wqh, sue in CA

Sorry, I might be confusing you, the directions are for starting a new quilt, not the one you have already made... let me start again. Use cheap muslin or ugly fabric you have on hand ( put the ugly fabric wrong side up so that any pattern or darker color won't show thru to lighter fabric strips you are using) to make your foundation blocks. Then with 2inch strip of fabric width of fabric (black for instance) and center it diagonally down your foundation (does not have to be measured, just eye-ball it). Sew one edge, less than 1/4 inch, all the way down and continue adding foundation blocks ... this makes it fast and easy. Then grab a 'string' and place it right sides together with the sewn edge of black fabric, sew using 1/4 in (could be less but make sure your first sewn line doesn't show), flip it down add another string and continue to corner. Repeat process on other side without having to stitch the edge of black to foundation cuz the other side will have it secure.

The black fabric (or color of your choice) will create the on-point sashing when you put your finished blocks together.

You probably already know about the placement of strings, and I am not the best at giving written instruction online, but someone else who has never made a string quilt might want to know how to do it.

I hope that makes sense. If not, we can try it again, LOL

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

My thoughts exactly! It will be beautiful!

Oh my gosh, here is a tutorial on exactly what I was trying to tell you. AND it is with photos, so easy to follow and it shows white as the 'self-sashing'

http://quiltville.com/stringquiltingprimer.shtml

Bonnie shows that she marks the foundation and she uses the foundation as the 'sashing' strip instead of sewing a separate fabric down the center.

hope this helps

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

I would not use a sashing,just put borders on to make it the size you need. :D :D

I think black would be best and about 2 to 2 1/2 inches would probably be good. I am just giving my opinion, I am rather new at this.

I am almost done with my striped quilt, first try. It needs to be twin size. Is there any advice on how wide to make the sashing between blocks so that it doesn't look just like I am trying to make it bigger by using sashing? I want it to be a reasonable amount but don't want to go overboard. Also, should sashing be dark if most of the strips are dark or of your choosing or what? Print, solid? Ideas needed. The blocks are just pinned to my flannel wall; I have yet to sort them on where they should go.

I made a strip quilt like this too last fall. I used sashing that was ivory and was so sorry I hadn't used black or a dark brown. I think it would have looked much better.

If it were mine, I'd have to audition sash width & color before deciding.

You have a really lovely quilt! In it are a lot of both blues & earth tones. For that reason, & also because I am not a fan of black, I would use a narrow, probably an inch or so, sashing of either navy blue or dark brown. You will still get the effect of a string quilt. You might try a "piano key" border of alternating navy blue & dark brown. I wish you luck in your decision!!!!

I love black but why don't you move your squares 2 inches apart and see what white would look like.

I would have black or navy sashing 1" then same color around whole quilt then the border. I think someone else had the same idea.

I love it without a sashing. It looks like a Kalidiscope. If you do sash it go very narrow and use a dark or the white design board on the back looks ok too but keep it narrow. It is lovly as is also.

I would use a dark sashing (black, navy, or dark brown) no wider than 2 inches. A narrow sashing would be awesome. BTW, beautiful blocks. I like your arrangement just as it is now.

I love it without dashing but would add some borders, can you tell me how to make those blocks!

I also like it without the sashing. Stunning. Would go with dark border.

I like the effect like it is without sashing. I would use a border though. Very pretty!

In this case, there just isn't a wrong way to do it. It's just a matter of personal preference. You can make it the size you want either by borders or sashing. If the room it's going to live in is not brightly lit, I would go for white or off-white. If the room is already sufficiently bright, I might opt for a dark color for borders (or sashing). Have fun!

I'm no expert either, but I would definitely go with a dark sashing; it will bring out all of the beautiful colors in your blocks. Black does seem like a good choice to me too.

You could also skip the sashing and just go for a dark border; again, I'm thinking black. I can't wait to see the finished product. It's beautiful.

Decide how you want it to lay on the bed and make the sashing accordingly. The border will vary, depending how far you want it to hang down.

By the way - beautiful colors!

Check out AndoverFrabics.com for their Tic Tac Flannel quilt. The blocks are the same as yours and they set it together with about one inch strips of black and did the border in what looks like two inch squares of the different colors used in the quilt. A very beautiful quilt. Esther

I like asmmauer's idea. That would accent the quilt beautifully.

I like the blocks butt together as is - but if you're really committed to sashing it try the tiniest 1/2" - 3/4" medium-dark neutral, grey or taupe sashing to keep the blocks blending with each other rather than have them look separated, those colours just sing!!

I don't think I would sash it either. Just a border.

I agree, Jan!
angela!

[quote=CompulsiveQuilter]I agree, a light/white would really make the colours glow. Narrow, though, not a big sashing.