Wildernessties

A couple years back I made a small scrappy quilt for my newest granddaughter using this method. I cut out some 8 inch squares from old bed sheets. Then I stitched the diagonal strips onto the square. I should clarify that I cut the actually sheet squares slightly larger than the 8 inches and then After I had stitched all the scraps on the square, I used my 8 inch template to be sure the square was as close to 8 inches as I could get it.

I was happy with the outcome so now I want to make a queen size quilt using this same method. I mentioned it to a quilter and I got the feeling she didn't care for my method. So my question to you is, do you think this will work ok for a larger quilt or is it possible it will be too heavy? Or is there another problem I'm not seeing with this method. I'd really appreciate any thoughts on the subject. I am going to attach a picture of the baby quilt so you will better understand what I'm trying to say. Thank you!![ATTACH=CONFIG]592524[/ATTACH]

Grace creates

I think it would be a little heavy, but use a thinner batting, or maybe you prefer it to be heavier. You can use a very thin cheap muslim instead.

Prism99

This is a foundation piecing technique that has been around for (probably) centuries. It does add a little weight, but honestly the batting is more significant when it comes to weight. If you use a polyester batting or a wool batting (Hobbs or Quilter's Dream), the quilt will still be light enough. Medium or lightweight cotton would also be fine. The only type of batting I would not use is very thick cotton batting, as that batting alone adds a lot of weight. Warm and Natural, for example, is quite heavy for a batting. Hobbs 80/20 would be fine.

Edit: I agree that thin, cheap muslin (washed and dried a couple of times) would add less weight than sheeting. Now that I think of it, though, some of the sheets you can find at the thrift shop can be quite thin and lightweight after all those years of use.

Irishrose2

It's done all the time. Do a search for string quilts. I think most people use something they can tear away, like paper, but if you are happy with the weight your sheet, then go for it. Your baby quilt looks good.

Pat M.

Yes it will be heavy BUT great in the winter time, I made a 120"X120" king quilt this way.

Jan in VA

Use your sheet foundations and then perhaps just a layer of flannel for the batting. Quilters Dream batting makes a thin cotton batting: http://quiltersdreambatting.com/dream-cotton.htm look at the Request batting.
I don't like polyester batting for a baby quilt because it tends to be too hot.

Tartan

Jamie Walen posted on YouTube on quilting antique hand pieced quilts. He puts a solid layer of muslin behind the hand pieced top and then quilts it. If a professional can put an extra layer of fabric in a quilt, why not you? Go for it!

cjsews

You can also use a non woven interfacing. I found one at Joann that I have used. It was light weight and worked great

Daylesewblessed

I use this method frequently and like it. The only tip I can give is to trim away the foundation at the corners before putting the blocks together. It will help reduce seam bulk.

In addition, try to plan it so that your strip seams don't fall in the corners for less bulk.

Jane Quilter

that is the way I do string piecing and quilting, and it works fine. Your baby quilt is adorable.