String Piecing with Foundation Paper

Quilters always have scrap fabric!

An easy and fun way to use scraps is to string piece which is also known as string quilting.

This tutorial will show how to make a sting quilt block using a simple type of foundation piecing.

Click the image below to watch the video in Youtube.

Grab your scraps and cut them into various widths from 1 1/4" to 2 1/2" wide. Do not cut them all the same width. You will have a more interesting block if the strips are different sizes.

Next, cut the foundation paper squares to the desired block size but remember to add an extra 1/2" for the seam allowance needed to sew the blocks together. For example, for a finished block size of 6"; cut the foundation paper square 6 1/2".

Before starting to stitch, shorten the stitch length. This will make the removal of the paper easier.

Begin by placing one strip, right side up, diagonally across the foundation piece from corner to corner. Pin or use a few dabs of acid-free glue stick to hold the fabric in place.

Randomly choose the second strip of fabric and align the edge, right sides together, along one edge of the first strip and sew with 1/4" seam allowance.

Flip and press the quilt strip toward the corner.

Continue simply adding strips, sewing, flipping and pressing until the block is completely covered.

Trim the block by flipping it to the back, use an acrylic ruler and a rotary cutter trim off the excess fabric.

The string piecing block is now complete.

Have fun creating string blocks and using up those scraps!