How to Make a String Quilt Block

In this video you'll learn a fast and fun way to make perfect string quilt blocks. String quilt blocks are a perfect project to use up those scraps you can't bear to part with!
Read the blog post on String Quilt Blocks here:
www.aquiltinglife.com/2013/10...
And also find more tips and ideas for String Quilt Blocks and Quilts here:
www.aquiltinglife.com/2017/02...
Sherri McConnell
Find my blog here: www.aquiltinglife.com/
More About Me: www.aquiltinglife.com/about/
Instagram: @aquiltinglife
Facebook: / aquiltinglife

[@paulinechapman5669]

As a scrappy string quilter..hopefully a big thank you is enuf to say how much l enjoyed your gift to us who are also happy scrappy string quilters..❤️🇨🇦

[@elaineadair]

It's always fun to see more string blocks/quilts! Thank you.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much I really really love 💕 those string blocks, I can see how they would be addictive!!!!!!! And when they’re all together they look really really stunning and gorgeous. Stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@aida5112]

Thank you for making this video. I have your book.. and your tips , instructions etc have given me the courage to make a quilt and bags. Thank you again.. I've been waiting for your youtube tutorials ☺

[@elenajohnson5699]

I'm making a baby quilt with flannel. I have put frames around each square and sewing the frames together. It is so cute!

[@leeannroberts9019]

Thank you so much for explaining how to join them together. I’m pressing the seams open also. I started some mini years ago and never saw them together because of fear. Thank you so much. Stay well.

[@anniec7041]

First time I have tried this...I am hooked! Thanks!

[@elaineadair]

String quilts are what you make when your studio is a MESS of leftover fabric bits! Gret quilt - thanks for inspiration.

[@annpearce1934]

I love the string quilts. You did a great job.

[@dottiemathews6853]

i really like this! i have lots and lots of fabric and leather upolstry fabric that my former co workers gave me (i used to work as a receptionist at an architecture design firm) and i can use this fabric to create these fun beautiful quilt blocks. now, i am not a quilter, but i create and design canvas tote bags and make up pouches. but i love this concept of using the quilting technique.

[@vickyswanson5497]

Thank you for demonstrating these string blocks; I appreciate the details and instructions! I've subscribed and look forward to more! Thank you!

[@mariawells8026]

I love all of your videos Sherri!!

[@donnam1358]

I enjoyed this tutorial. It sounds like a lot of fun. I'm definitely going to try it out. Have a great day.

[@marietteforget7804]

Thanks a lot! You explain really well and the blocks are beautiful! I’ll make a project some day using my stash! 🌺🌸

[@melodine707]

Aahhh, thank you....that was my question...using dryer sheets. I've been saving them for years. I'll get sewing them together! Yeah!!

[@maryg65]

Thank you sew much! These videos are very helpful. I am working on your labor of love quilt and your quilt of the month 😃

[@anjumsiddiqi3033]

Great video! Loved the way you have made it easy for viewers! Thanks so much!

[@smallfootprint2961]

I have yet to make my 1st quilt, but his one is definitely on my list. Thanks for showing us how you do it.

[@redhotsweetpotatoe]

Beautiful job in presenting the steps in an easy to follow, enjoyable way. I'm now a new subscriber and look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@robertarouse5018]

I’ve been making string blocks the same way as your tutorial. Very informative. I taught seniors to do these by hand. They loved making them and after finished I sewed them together and we donated the quilts. Kudos to you

[@rosanajackson4668]

Very informative and well explained.

[@leemiller2811]

Awesome Sherri. Thanks! 🌺

[@matthewporachan1313]

Love this! I’m going to make one! Thank you for sharing this video!

[@sitwithus842]

Your quilt is just beautiful!

[@evperez3599]

Thanks, going to do this while on lockdown. 😁 Your pieces are beautiful! 💘

[@pmgrg9]

So love this! Can't wait to try it!

[@janelicata5328]

Another wonderful tutorial, Sherri. I’ve often wondered how to make a string quilt. Thank you!

[@louettesommers8594]

Jane Licata they are so fun. At least I really like them.

[@lisascenic]

Enchanting! Thank you for sharing!

[@stephanieh.777]

Great idea! Those small trimmed-off pieces can be sewn together into crazy patches - I then sew them into larger pieces of fabric to reuse! Nothing wasted! :-)

[@paulinechapman5669]

Yes..lets not waste even one string..help the planet and make quilts for the more unfortunate..🇨🇦

[@dianewillard4269]

Great clear instructions. Thanks for sharing.

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Love String Blocks !!!!!

[@cathyphegley7414]

This is such a COOL idea! Thank you!

[@deborahmorrison5753]

Very pretty blocks and quilt. Thanks for the video!

[@mariazambrano2507]

Thanks for a tutorial simple to follow!

[@LindaIrwin7328]

I have never made a quilt but have everything to do so. I bought all the books and fabric years ago. I even bought the die cutting machine and most all the dies but I got sick and now quilting as I wanted to do is out of the question. I have a neuromuscular disorder as well as Fibromyalgia. But I think I could do this maybe. I had promised my daughter a quilt years ago. Maybe I. can keep that promise now. Thank you so much. Have a blessed weekend and stay safe. 😊❤🙏

[@marilynnjefferson8525]

It has been two years according to the KZbin entry. So, what have you made? I’m hoping that you have had great success and are now hooked on quilting!

[@hazelstabe8824]

Made this with 12 inch blocks with my 9 year old granddaughter. We sewed strips onto Fleece scraps. Got the large quilt done on 3 says.

[@susanmurphy6337]

I loved the pace and even flow of the presentation. Well done! THANKYOU.

[@jefr4763]

Hello Susan 👋

[@jefr4763]

How are you?

[@tatteredtreasuresbypattie6047]

I just made my first string quilt block!! I love it!! So addicting!!

[@jefr4763]

Hello 👋

[@jefr4763]

How are you?

[@Pam.Sandlin]

Yessss my next quilt!!! Thank you!

[@karioconnor3973]

Thanks, Sherri! I loved this quick tutorial on how to make one of my favorite blocks. I think I'll try using cloth foundation for the blocks. I appreciate all your inspiration.

[@rosanajackson4668]

Cloth is what I used

[@rosanajackson4668]

What can you use other than cloth? Nothing

[@janicesheppard2084]

Love this pattern

[@jetbossard7923]

NO. Please don't throw away those worthy scraps, you can use them in a nice scrappy block, save them and sew them onto a roll or adding paper tape. Then do this again with the strips you made from the scraps.

[@kathyrobertson6468]

Thank you. I nearly did throw them away.

[@virginia7191]

I use the pieces you threw away for crumb quilts. I can't stand to waste anything!

[@AnitaSouthall]

I am the same, sew many opportunities to be creative with small pieces

[@greasybones6802]

Me neither, she is wasting some usable strings.

[@Celticcross688]

Thanks just how I want to do this with cotton calico backing.. nice video.

[@beverleysimmons8080]

Love doing these kids of quilt but what i do i uses the batting like quilt as you go sew the blocks together using quilting lines they are fun to doing a baby quilt like that from Newfoundland Canada thank you love seen these and i do the same with crumb quilting

[@susancole5210]

I like this idea and will try it. Thank you.

[@lynnelliot7256]

Thank u for taking your time to show how to do this it was nice and easy to follow. I will be subscribing

[@cathylloyd9225]

Thank you Sherri! Love this!!

[@jefr4763]

Hello Cathy 👋

[@jefr4763]

How are you ?

[@darlenekite9612]

Wonderful presentation.

[@lindav3455]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@kymburriss4260]

I love string blocks ! I've made several quilt tops this way, always use fabric as a foundation for them. I am a new subscriber, and shared this with a friend who is just starting out with quilting.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Do you mean that you use fabic instead of paper for the backing. I was wondering how the paper would hold up in the laundry.

[@trinam2503]

@@smallfootprint2961 if you use paper as your foundation, you need to remove it after sewing the blocks together. Other wise it will disintegrate and ball up in the seams with washing.

[@roxannesmith6656]

So fun ! Thank you ! 😊

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Thank you for this , it’s easy, and you use up those bits and pieces. Tallahassee Florida

[@jefr4763]

You’re looking so adorable Barbara.

[@jefr4763]

How are you?

[@belindasmith8790]

Beautiful idea. Now I'll never throw away any scraps again. I need a bigger sewing room. Thanks.

[@EJsDaughter]

I love string blocks.

[@laurafeldhans4785]

Awesome 😎 Tutorial I don’t think I’ll throw away another scrap

[@Kat-km9tm]

If you use matching solid strips at the center of each square, you'll get a connecting pattern unifying the quilt together, plus you won't need as long of strips.

[@rosanajackson4668]

Absolutely. I made a gorgeous tablecloth with various solid colors on the ends but when you put them together they'll be in the center!

[@Shezamorable]

Thanks! Great video! Looks like fun and I will give it a try.

[@jefr4763]

Hello Shelly👋

[@jefr4763]

How are you?

[@mariadores9446]

Muito lindo amei

[@kathykaplan497]

I have alot of thin fabric that I can't use in a quilt so I use it as a stabilizer it works great and I'm using my fabric.

[@lisarobinette3949]

Great idea... I never thought to do that... I will do that now too.

[@cindycolvin2916]

Love it

[@vickigreen7812]

Hey! I just recently started to learn how to quilt, no previous sewing experience lol and somehow I came across your videos and love them!! Do you have any tutorials where you show the sewing part or anything for like true beginners? 😊

[@jean2852]

I know this is an old post.I'm a newbie to this. I made tons of string blocks during the pandemic. Now I need a video of how you put the back fabric on. Also what type of batting do you use on this kind if block. Thank you for all of your videos.

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

Loved this demo, thankyou

[@jefr4763]

Hello Karen👋

[@jefr4763]

How are you?

[@jenniferscherzer6192]

Very nice!

[@tammiehill7967]

Do you have a video on how to finishes the quilt? I just made 6 blocks and I am loving how they are turning out.

[@eileennimmergut7579]

I enjoyed your tutorial! I just finished making four string blocks and wondered if you could suggest ways to finish it.

[@AnitaSouthall]

Binding or add a backing fabric in a pillow case version, right sides together with an opening for turning

[@GrowingGoodHair]

So so cute❤

[@sherrybeeson3256]

can you use any color fabric (mix and match, too) for the foundation??

[@evangeliakaratza-styliara4413]

Great!!!! Thank you !

[@terridean4784]

This was the best video I have seen on this subject. I never wanted to save my scraps for these because the quilts looked horrible. Yours looked great though.

[@jessicakennedy8489]

Cute!

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Hello. Howdy. From Texas. More in the future. Thank you.

[@deloreseickholtz9822]

Love your video on String quilts. They are addicting! How did you finish the back?? Did you put a border on it?? Did you bind it?? Thank you.

[@karenmcdonnell6657]

Thank you!

[@anitanapier8591]

To finish the quilt, do you use batting? Does that make it super heavy with the foundation square? Should you stitch in the ditch to quilt?

[@kathialexander9947]

Do you suggest this scrappy quilt for for a first quilt? Great video

[@Sharon-pb7so]

I love string quilts! I was gasping when you threw away those pieces you cut off, most of those were usable. You don't need a long piece of string fabric except in the middle 3, the rest are graduated in length. I buy unused newsprint paper on Amazon it's about 12x13, I cut it down into a square 12 x12 and start sewing. After I've filled the whole square, I turn it upside down and use the paper's edges as my guide and cut along the edge. Then I tear the paper away and sew the completed blocks together with a 1/4" seam. Anything I cut off is saved and reused for shorter strings. Many people use phone book pages for their foundation. Just always make sure your foundation is square. For a more distinctive pattern use the same fabric for the middle string. I did one with white and the pattern really jumped out at me. Happy sewing and don't waste fabric, the bits you throw away cost just as much as the original fabric even if it is just a scrap.

[@kantwinnada]

I don't understand using paper?

[@AnitaSouthall]

@@kantwinnada it gets ripped away after being used to make each block, therefore reducing the bulk of a quilt top

[@susanwilkie8019]

Great 👍🏻

[@bhampatty1]

This is my first try at something like this, and I'm very excited. But a little intimidated...how do you decide what fabrics will mesh well together? When I look at your blocks, I can't see any common thread. Can you give me some tips?

[@AnitaSouthall]

Just go with what you have, or pick alternate lights and darks, or patterns and plains

[@maryadams01]

Do you use the dryer sheet instead of or in place of batting?

[@janetveres3316]

Could you use a cut up prewashed sheet as the foundation? Would there be a problem with different rates of shrinkage?

[@latealatrautvetter592]

Thank you

[@lindapucillo3493]

The blocks look fabulous! I was wondering why you make the backing piece bigger than the finished size you want? Why not cut your foundation back to your finished size? I am looking forward to trying this block and need all the advice I can get. Thanks!

[@jefr4763]

Hi

[@jaime1251]

I like the idea of leave in fabric because paper didn't wirk for me. Im thinking inexpensive muslin maybe.

[@trinam2503]

Muslin is an excellent option. But remember that it shrinks slightly more than cotton. So you may want to prewash it if you dont like the crinkled effect :)

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

Yes, I used a lightweight muslin...

[@AnitaSouthall]

Try thrift shop old sheets, never run out of foundation fabric again

[@joycemason1880]

Do you use batting and backing to finish.?

[@lorrainesept-drayer4390]

I have almost finished my string quilt blocks for my first ever quilting project. How do you add batting, backing or quilt the actual project? (I realize this post is older, but can you direct me to a video that shows the "putting it all together" process?

[@bellaannecgoff2335]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jaynebromley]

Can you use flannel scraps for the strips?

[@tammy1190]

❤

[@petmomful2260]

Once the quilt is washed, doesn't the muslin shrink up and distort the quilt? Do you still use batting inside? Thanks. I want to try this.

[@katherinestanwood1355]

i trued 1 & got excited however I am new to this & wonder how you get the 1/4" precisely. Do you use some tool or mark or...

[@djackson9973]

I search the internet for a question about string blocks and found your website. I tried to read it, but there were so many commercials/junk that I just left the site. I was happy to see you had a KZbin video. I noticed that all of your strips are perfectly straight on each side. Is that a requirement for string blocks?

[@trinam2503]

Nope!!! There are many ways to arrange your string blocks! She is showing the traditional way. But they dont have to be diagonal or straight. They can be, and look amazing, totally wonky as well. It's a matter of preference and creative style :)

[@AnitaSouthall]

@@trinam2503 agreed, I am making placemats with patchwork pieces added together to make squares and strings to cover a foundation fabric, even the tiniest bits get used up this way, each finished project is then a unique work of art.

[@pammorrow5116]

Wow. Is foundation material just regular quilting fabric?

[@marylynch282]

Maybe sewing 1/8" around around outside finished block to help maintain its shape while accumulating enough block.s

[@Coffeedrinker291]

Mary Lynch I was wondering what to do to keep those end strips down. I’m making one single string block for a quilt I’m making with all different kinds of blocks, and I want it to stay nice while it waits to get put in the quilt...but I also don’t want the stitches to show. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if it showed evenly all around...

[@trinam2503]

Excellent idea!! And at 1/8 it will hold the ends together but won't show when do your 1/4in to assemble the blocks together! :)

[@Coffeedrinker291]

Is it ok to use flannel as the foundation piece or will that make it hard to sew?

[@trinam2503]

You can use flannel. It will be thicker, and therefore the finished quilt will be heavier. If you use flannel, personally, unless you want a very heavy quilt, I would skip the batting when you quilt it.

[@yvonneheavey6697]

What are the dryer strips for?

[@loribernard5144]

Thanks for the tutorial.... can this be done with 10 in squares

[@sherrimcconnell4094]

Absolutely! You can use any size square you'd like :)

[@vanessaking4252]

do you starch your foundation?

[@elizabethbrown9064]

This may have been asked and answered but what kind of material did you use for the foundation? Could I use a bed sheet?

[@AnitaSouthall]

Yes I do this

[@Molly-pb2yb]

Can you use batting in lieu of regular fabric (backing) or dryer sheets??

[@bethnorris1361]

Genius idea. I'm thinking about it and I believe it will work... When the sandwich is made, the quilting could be horizontal and vertically...or even be quilted with ties. I hope you'll keep thinking outside the box.