I want to make a string quilt and know nothing about making one
 

Hi friends,
I just finished a King log cabin for my bed and have a lot left over.

I've seen lovely string quilts on this board and want to make one.

Do they all have a layer of fabric underneath? I don't want it too bulky or heavy.

Any ideas are welcome, thanks.

Susie

I stitch them on paper. Use a shorter stitch length and it will tear away more easily.

Susie, I use a thin muslin layer of fabric to sew the strips to. Starting in the center on the diagonal points I stitch the "center" strip face up on both sides. Then I start adding other strips to both sides using the usual 1/4" seam. Am always pressing as each strip is added. (Yikes, kinda got carried away with the process!) It is so fun to do! Enjoy!

I used dryer sheets--they were stiff but softened up when I washed the finished quilt. I hate to remove paper. It is a very messy undertaking. Using even thin fabric does add weight to the quilt. I have also done blocks with no backing. Just make the approximate size, press well, and square the blocks up to the size you want.

I have a quilt coming up that uses strings without a foundation. I'm not sure why a foundation is usually used for strings. Maybe someone can explain. I've tried it using phone book pages, and I agree that sewing the strings on the paper is really an enjoyable process. They tear away easily, but you do have to be careful at the edges, not to pull your stitches out.

I use cheap muslin or other fabric I no longer love. I made the mistake of making a full-size quilt using paper for the foundation. I spent a lot of time ripping the paper back off. never again if I have a choice

That's beautiful! The strings look nice and big, so it should go quickly.

~ C

Love that pattern. Have started one like it, but with black print points. I really like those bright-multi colors for the star points. May have to try that sometimes in the future.