A New String Quilt
Posted on December 3, 2025 by prairiemoonquilts in TutorialsBecause I needed another new project to work on!
But mostly, because I ran across a random sketch in my sketch notebook, and I happen to have this bucket of strings . . .
. . . and this roll of paper my sister snagged me from somewhere . . .
. . . and I remembered seeing someone post about how they pieced random pieces onto adding machine tape, so I decided to give something like that a try. You can watch that video HERE.
My paper is 4″ wide, so I decided to trim the finished strips to 3 1/2″ when they are sewn, so I did the math to see what size of block I could come up with and add my sashing strips in between. The math worked out to a 15″ finished block if I used 4 string sections in each one. So that’s what I’m doing.
Here’s a little bit more in-depth step-by-step, just in case you also have a bucket of strings and need an idea for what to do with them!
Cut a piece of paper approximately 4″ x 16 1/2″. You could totally use adding machine tape and make smaller blocks, if you have any of that on hand. I was just looking for a way to use up more of this giant roll I already have.
Lay your first string right side up on one end of the paper, and lay a second string on top of it right sides together. Sew them to the paper with a 1/4″ seam. Press the piece to the side so that it lays flat, then lay another string on top of that one, right sides together, and stitch to the paper again.
Keeping pressing the pieces out, and adding more strings, until the paper is full. They don’t have to be lined up perfectly straight, unless you just want them to be. My strings are wonky, and I just laid them on there however they came out of the bucket.
Once the paper is full, trim the entire section to the size you want it. Mine are 3 1/2″ x 15 1/2″.
Then tear the paper off the back!
Once you have at least four of these sections made, cut three sashing strips 1 1/2″ x 15 1/2″, and sew them in between the sections to complete the block.
I chose a very dark brown solid for my sashing, and will also use it for the binding when I’m done. Right now, my plan is to make 30 blocks. I’m pretty sure I’ll have plenty of strings!
I’ll have to keep you posted on exactly how I’ll be setting them together. I need to get several made before I can play with an arrangement and see if I want to add more sashing between blocks, so I’ll be back sometime in the future with that info.
Meanwhile, I’ll just be over here with Louise, playing in the string bucket (when I should probably be doing something else)!
I have been wanting to make a string quilt again. I have a plan but just need to start it. I’ve also been attracted to the sewing on adding machine tape method. I just don’t like the idea of removing all the paper and that’s probably what keeps me from starting 😂😂😂. The last string quilt I made was made on foundation fabric and it turned out rather heavy. I’m considering other options that wouldn’t have to be removed.
Your plan should use up a lot of strings…looking forward to seeing your setting ideas!
I think I’ll enjoy this one vicariously 🙂
Makes great sashing! One of my groups pulled out our strings and we were making 9.5 inch blocks. We have made enough for 2 quilts using 12 blocks with 2.5 inch sashings. There are more blocks left over! There are an awful lot of strings left too! Sadly I could only manage about 4 before I wasn’t able to go or use the machine. But last week I was ironing some and I have the tops here so I can put the batting and backing onto them. Not sure if they want me to quilt them too, but if so then Big Bertha will be fired up!
This is not a snarky comment, but seriously, what is the purpose of the paper? I understand the purpose of interfacing/stabilizer on t-shirt quilts. Is this supposed to be similar? I can’t see why you can’t just sew the strips together (like with crumbs) and not have to mess with the paper. I tried paper piecing once. Notice I said once. I just don’t enjoy it. To each her own, I guess. Thanks for any insight about this.
You certainly do not need to use the paper, but for me, with all my wonky strips, it keeps me contained to a straight section so my strip doesn’t end up looking like a snake! I’m not a fan of paper piecing, either — my least favorite part is tearing off the paper — but with this, it’s super easy since it’s all straight lines and nothing overlaps. You could most certainly just sew your strips together and not use the paper. In fact, I have another string project started that does not use the paper, and it’s just fine (but the sections I’m piecing are not as large, so they don’t have as much chance to go wandering).
Don’t forget about that big box that never seems to decrease in volume. You could get multiple quilts out of it!
If you want a wild accent throw a randome small block in here and there… It really livens things up.
Great idea
Purchased a box of paper tape at a garage sale years ago. Now I can start making use of it! Thanks for the idea.
What a pretty kitty baby!!!