string quilts why use base?
#31
I don't use a backing, but then I don't make my string quilts in the typical manner, either. I sew long strips of fabric cut from the whole width of the yard, not scraps. I sew my strips together, starch the snot out of them, then I cut on the bias into squares and assemble. The starch stabilizes the bias edges.
#34
I love scrappy string quilts but hate tearing and picking those bits off the seams. I am looking for a way to do it that is both light weight and cheap. I mean I need it cheap, or else I wouldn't be using scraps, would I?
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I'm taking the BOM from Craftsy classes and one month we did string quilts. We didn't cut on the bias. We did two blocks. One we had backing, and the second we had backing just so we knew how long to make our pieces, but we didn't use the backing...we cut it away after we sewed our string block together. I liked that method better because the block was thinner. But, like I said, we weren't using bias fabric. Anyway, why do you use bias fabric for string quilts? Wouldn't it be easier to cut on the grain? Am I missing something?
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
That's exactly what I do. Or paper and remove it. But, I'm finding the paper removal is very tedious. So, am sticking to fabric that doesn't need to come off in the future.
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 151
String quilt strips
If I'm using true scraps for string quilts I usually cut so I get the most out of the scrap. This might mean that some come out on the bias and some on straight grain. If one sews a bias cut strip laid diagonally on a foundation square then the outer edge will be on straight of grain when trued up. If the strip starts out on straight of grain the outer edge will be bias when laid on foundation.
#39
I'm taking the BOM from Craftsy classes and one month we did string quilts. We didn't cut on the bias. We did two blocks. One we had backing, and the second we had backing just so we knew how long to make our pieces, but we didn't use the backing...we cut it away after we sewed our string block together. I liked that method better because the block was thinner. But, like I said, we weren't using bias fabric. Anyway, why do you use bias fabric for string quilts? Wouldn't it be easier to cut on the grain? Am I missing something?
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Any place I can sew
Posts: 434
Since these are made with strips of fabric why bother with a paper or muslin/fabric base?
Couldn't you just sew strips together then cut out the shape you want whether it's square of triangle?
If it's because of the bias edges which would only be the width of each strip there should be very little stretching.
What am I missing?
Couldn't you just sew strips together then cut out the shape you want whether it's square of triangle?
If it's because of the bias edges which would only be the width of each strip there should be very little stretching.
What am I missing?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
12
07-11-2011 06:54 PM