Sew Easy: String Piecing - 3 Variations for your Quilt Patterns!

String piecing is a fun, free-form style of creating unique quilt blocks with simple strips of irregular widths. It's similar to paper piecing quilts, but without stitching on lines. We will share three variations for your piecing enjoyment.

[margaretgleisberg]

Love my string blocks !! Tried various foundations but finally came across the very best and not expensive but very easy to remove when ready to quilt. Parchment paper from the grocery or dollar store. Simply cut the parchment paper to the size I want and I am set to go. Just a thought.

[newbeequilter]

How fun! I REALLY like the pattern for the quilt on the wall with the white-polka-dots-on-black fabric for contrast and the unique block layout started with that wedge strip. The black-dots-on- white fabric for the border balances it out to keep the mood light. Yes, the tray with different widths of strips stacked in piles would definitely help me make use of a variety of widths - adding interest to the block. I also appreciated your tip on waiting to tear the paper foundation off each block until AFTER it was joined to sashing or another block so as to give stability to the bias edges after it was squared up. I'll probably use the paper foundation first as I have several Carol Doak packages of 8 1/2 x 11 sheets manufactured just for this purpose. But I could also see using a light stabilizer or an inexpensive light/muslin fabric for the foundation of a quilt I'd made just for "winter use", as another layer of fabric along with batting and backing would add some more warmth.


I love being able to make use of leftover strips and scraps from other quilts to make my own version of a stripped crazy quilt. I could even see using the bits cut off from squaring up the blocks on a smaller (wall/table topper, etc) quilt - "How?" someone make ask. Just brainstorming here, but maybe after removing the paper, add a small dot of washable/fabric glue or stick on the wrong side to the top of say a 10-inch or large square of a tone-on-tone background fabric producing a sort of confetti look. After being quilted and washed, the raw edges of the "confetti" blocks would have a slightly "chenilled" or rag quilt look to it. Maybe off the wall, huh? But imagining is all part of the fun of sewing and quilting. String along with Colleen on this video!

[carenallen]

I was taught to use newspaper..making my own size..I have made several queen quilts my block size was 6 inches..makes such beautiful quilts..I love the one on your wall with the poke a dots..eye catching

[fern]

What a simple way of making a block. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[lizzystitch]

Looking forward to trying this! I think I might do a basting stitch around the edge of the block before trimming off the excess fabric to further stabilize it....just so I don't goof it up! Lol!

[shirleylomayaktewa]

I have made this design before, quilts are pretty when put together.

[lindseystelly]

Mrs. Colleen, I just love watching your videos! I learn so much! Thanks, from a newbie!

[cathyphegley]

Love this! Thank you. This looks like so much fun and so easy! A stash buster!

[cazfromoz]

I use batting for my foundation. Then it also becomes a QAYG block by using the same design technique. Works a treat! It's always best to cut off the excess strip length AFTER sewing each strip on. Too risky to cut beforehand, may not end up covering the foundation. Just ask me how I know...! ;)

[marye.williams]

I use an iron-in featherweight interfacing, finger pressing until the block is finished, then iron it down.

[Saucyakld]

Hope you have plenty of time to rip all the paper off, hahaha, a huge job! That is why I prefer the very lightweight interfacing!

[moniquemasson]

I also like the quilt hanging on the wall behind you in the video. Can you tell me if there’s a pattern or video tutorial for this quilt?

[lindachristoph]

Further on the short template for the String Me Along Quilt: The template is 1/2 -3/4" short length is on the paper piece as I stitched. When the block was complete, the part that didn't cover the paper was 1/4" or a little bit more. Hard to tell when paper piecing with a black and white fabric. These leaves very little open at the narrow center point, but What do you suggest?

[veronicasubban]

Hello again from South Africa
It seems that my message didn’t go thru to u😊
It’s the first time I’ve watched one of ur videos I love easy patterns.
I love 💕 the Quilt on the Wall have u a video or a link for it plse it’s very interesting
i would never have thought it was a string block pattern Tku

[christinehartwig]

Do you have a video of the beautiful quilt on the wall please?

[maryharker]

I like the quilt on the wall! Is there a pattern or a video on how to make it?

[mrschreurs]

Hi thanks for the video. A question about the paper -doesnt ripping it off, stretch the stitch thread?

[LuvsSno]

the first piece of stabilizer that you showed... I assume that is similar to "No Show Mesh" that machine embroiderers use?

[sw-ohiolakers]

The link to the Sulky stabilizer isn't working for me. Is there an alternative?

[kathleenkauth]

the links are not working to the pattern and the other items you listed where we find them