I’ve had such fun making my string scrap blocks. It’s an easy way to use up some of your scraps to make quilts, pillows, table runners, baby quilts, or anything else you can think of–all without foundation papers to pull out at the end.
String Scrap Quilt Top – Cindy Grisdela
The top above isn’t all sewn together yet–I’m still making blocks. I really like the way the strings that are pieced create interesting connections. If you vary the values of the strings you use–lights, mediums, and darks– you’ll have blocks with more visual depth.
I start with a strip of a low volume black and white print to create my diagonals. In the top I’m working on, the strips are different because they come from the scrap bag. I like the contrast of the black and white fabric with the colorful prints. You could decide to use a different kind of print or another solid. The idea is to create additional movement in the design by standardizing the center diagonal.
To create the block, I lay the black and white strip on the diagonal over a 9 1/2″ square ruler.–the strip is about 1 1/2″ wide. I’m going to build the block on top of the ruler to get the size I want instead of using foundation fabric like muslin or paper. The muslin would stay in the quilt and make it heavier than I’d like and I don’t like pulling foundation paper out of the blocks when they’re finished.
Start with a black and white strip on the diagonal – Cindy Grisdela
You can use whatever size square you like–even a piece of cardstock or paper if that’s easier.
Add strings from the center out – Cindy Grisdela
Begin building the block from the center diagonal out. Use either full strips of one color, or pieced strips. Remember to make sure that the ends of each strip overhang the ruler enough so that there will be a full seam allowance when the block is trimmed.
Try to vary the widths of the strips for more interest.
Add corner triangles to String Scrap blocks – Cindy Grisdela
When the ruler is almost covered with strips, it’s time to add a triangle to each corner to finish the block.
Trim the String Scrap block – Cindy Grisdela
The last step is to put the ruler on top of the block, aligning the diagonal line on the ruler with the diagonal fabric and trim the block to 9 1/2″.
The only scraps I keep from the trimming are the large purple triangles at the top!
I used a scrappy colorful approach because that’s what most of my scraps were. But the technique also works with a more controlled color palette. Below are two 18″ squares I made for pillow tops–one blue batik and one orange.
String Scrap Pillows – Cindy Grisdela
Have fun!
Hi Cindy, these look great! I was wondering about grain line in your strips – do you just use any strips no matter how they are cut, or do you keep a straight grain line? Many thanks.
Great question, Yvonne–I don’t worry about the grain line or whether my strips are completely straight. They’ll be fine in the block as is.
Cindy
This is such a great idea and such an easy-to-follow tutorial. I have done string blocks in the past but didn’t like the muslin foundation piece. Another great part of this is the low volume black and white print that brings some unity to the whole design. Thank you so much! This will be a welcome addition to all of the crumb slabs that I am enjoying making. It’s so meditative!
Great–I’m so glad you found it helpful! Have fun with your scraps.
Thank you 🙏
Always love to see your creativity!
I just completed a king size quilt for my sister Sharon with this idea. I actually made a template on parchment paper to align my center strips so when assembled, the teals matched throughout the entire quilt. I like using just a ruler too.
Sounds like a great plan, Carole!
Love this so much. Can’t wait to start mine. Perfect in everyway; accessible and beautiful.
Thank you Lori–Have fun with it!
Cindy
Love the colors! Am delighted with the action the contrasts suggest. Really appreciate the advice to start in the center and work out.
Thanks Linda–I hope you give it a try!
Cindy
What a great idea. I have a ton of strips and scraps and this looks so good with the foundation strip holding it all together.
I hope you’ll have time to give it a try!
Cindy
Great idea, wish I had seen it sooner. Just finished a strip quilt with traditional muslin foundation, with 21” blocks, courtesy of a you tube video by Merrymabelmarket.I love the quilt but it was extremely heavy to quilt on my domestic machine. The next one I’m planning will forgo the muslin! Thanks Cindy.
Thanks Nancy–I hope you’ll find the method helpful for making a quilt that isn’t quite as heavy.
Cindy