Turning Old Scraps into a Gorgeous String Quilt

From throwaway scraps to a quilt! Create your own pattern or use mine, gather your scraps and start sewing your own string quilt. This is an easy pattern that you can pick up anytime and sew on. Save all those strings that you might otherwise throw away.
Please note that the lines of this pattern are wide, as in 3 stitches in width wide, even though I used a fine tip sharpie. Re-draw this pattern with finer lines if you want precise piecing.
I have posted a revised String Quilt pattern. The previous one was a skosh off, and for precision piecing that is just not acceptable. I apologize! Here is the link to the updated pattern.
drive.google.com/file/d/1cXmU...
www.quiltingplusmore.com

[@Treeofwysdm]

"But I paid good money for this fabric, and I just can't bring myself to throw ANY of it away." Amen girl, THAT part! 😂

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

I bought some scraps from a woman who had them all sorted out already by color, and cut much of it into 2.5 strips. I paid $25 for about 15 lbs of nice scraps.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Wow, nice! Win win for both of you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@christinehancock3274]

Good score

[@granjmy]

Wow!

[@janicewells6593]

Love your idea! ❤

[@tonyaharrington9165]

So beautiful,it looks like a kaleidoscope!

[@Wicked1TN]

When I first started quilting, I thought to myself, "I will not keep every piece of scrap fabric." But after seeing how expensive the fabrics are now, you better believe I save every single piece!!! Thank you for such a nice calm video and also the idea on how to tackle my scrap mountain.

[@quiltingplusmore]

I totally understand about 'tackling a scrap mountain'. It can be a little overwhelming. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@granjmy]

And the results were beautiful!

[@Str8eeth]

I have soooo many scraps! Because, like you say, “I paid a lot of money for this fabric and I just can’t throw it away!” This is the most amazing quilt I’ve ever seen with scraps, Thank you….I subscribed and want to see more!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you so much! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@suzannekaster4462]

You have such a nice speaking voice and you are so clear with instructions. Much appreciated.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you so much! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@joannsilva4715]

Wow, that is a very interesting & colorful pattern! Nice job! Love it! ❤

[@granjmy]

You started tossing the scraps to mix them up, and my sense of humor kicked in. I wonder if that method would work for my pile of receipts, come tax returns time? Hmm. Let me think about this. 🙃🙃🙃😁

[@paulaneary7877]

When you were tossing the scraps, it made me think of tossing a "scrap salad" HAHA! Thanks for the video!

[@quiltingplusmore]

That's funny! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@dakin7612]

Extending the lines on the paper pattern is such a simple idea, but I can tell it will save me time and frustration. Great tip!

[@leslieschmidt9765]

This looks fabulous! It's going to be a gorgeous quilt.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@vickypearce7707]

Greetings from England 😁The quilt is gorgeous, you’ve inspired me to face my fear and address the scrap mountain I’ve accumulated. I haven’t come across this method of patchwork before, the finished quilt will be a lovely momento of all the projects you’ve done before

[@quiltingplusmore]

Hi Vicky from England - greetings and welcome from Virginia, USA! I totally agree, it will be fun to reminisce about the many fabrics and projects. What's also special is that some of the fabrics are from my Mom. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

Stunning. Love the statues of Angels watching over you as you quilt. ❤️

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you! Thank for for watching and commenting!

[@skyhowie54]

What a brilliant approach to scrap busting! I never would have thought that such initially dissimilar, unrelated fabrics could turn into such lovely quilt blocks; I'll have to give this a go. Thank you so much for your time and effort in making this video!

[@quiltingplusmore]

I agree; it amazes me how a mismash of fabrics just seems to work. It has been a fun project. Thank you, and thank you for watching and commenting!

[@ginaskinner7092]

You are a very good teacher! I’m new so I appreciate you going slowly! I’m excited to start my scrappy!

[@debraswofford3156]

Your presentation style is a kick.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you - I think 😀 Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@deniserobinson2627]

Looks like a kaleidoscope, very nice.

[@quiltingplusmore]

I didn't think of that, but you're right it does. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@fayee8986]

Recently I don't care very much scrap quilting, Lots cluttered to me because of it being unorganized I guess but I love❤ the one that you have done, undoubtedly the most beautiful❤! thank you for showing us how to❤... keep them coming 🙂

[@monicalittle2856]

The voice and demeanor of the various quilters makes me decide who I will subscribe to. Fake, repeated apologies for perfect stitching is my No-No... You are smart, humble, and pleasant!! I will subscribe!!

[@lazygardens]

I had a huge stash of quilt-suitable cotton material (1940s-1990s) and sold it on eBay as "Instant stash". First I made fat quarters out of as much as possible and sold them as "one of everything", which was 100+ fat quarters, and as assortments based on color or print style. What I was left with was a bunch of odd-shaped longish scraps, so I weighed them and sold them by the pound to people who wanted to do string quilting but didn't have enough strings. And the small squarish scraps went by the pound to "postage stamp" quilters. I cleared several hundred dollars on the sales and regained a lot of storage space.

[@sheilacarroll7143]

BEAUTIFUL! 😍😍😍 Isn't it amazing what beautiful quilts can come from "scraps"? I don't think anyone would know that you used your "leftovers" had you not told them. Thank you for sharing. 😊🍁🍂🍃🍊

[@quiltingplusmore]

I agree, it is amazing, and it has been eye opening for me. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@rosemarymurray8256]

Hello from arizona! I inherit my scraps from my late mother in law , I plan on making pot holders and place mats, since the summers are so hot here at least I will have something to do ,your quilt is beautiful, 😀

[@michellefrothingham4275]

Love your ‘scraps’. Beautiful outcome!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@esperansaloughran693]

This quilt is one of the most beautiful patterns i have ever seen! Thank you!

[@ppageau]

I subscribed moments after you talked. I’ve been intrigued with scraps past few years and decided like you to start saving them. I’m not a quilter but don’t hesitate to use ideas like this to bring up my creativity level. Can’t wait, thank you and looking forward to all your next videos.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you so much! Welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@donnarowe6027]

Your machine extensions are unusual. I like how it slopes and seems to make an accurate sewing experience.

[@artandcreationsbyyvettecre2308]

Beautiful. I find your voice very calming, thank you 🌻

[@wilnageel2066]

Beautiful! Doesn't look like a scrap quilt.

[@quiltingplusmore]

It amazes me how the mismash of fabrics just seems to work. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@fernie5128]

I Love your design and thanks for sharing. Cheers from Minnesota.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers from Virginia!

[@scottydog6539]

I love using scraps, but, I feel a pattern is needed and a solid color to surround my blocks is necessary for them to look beautiful.

[@SewTexas]

"Get too busy" are you kidding, the string quilts are the busiest quilts made and also the most beautiful, the brighter, the more beautiful, Use it all!

[@quiltingplusmore]

😄true true - maybe that fabric will end up my stars in the next string quilt! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@sewingSue]

I made this pattern this spring in bright fabric, it turned out fantastic. I am now doing it again in earthy colours and hope it looks just as good it them. I used old phone book pages as my foundation.

[@quiltingplusmore]

That's wonderful - I can't imagine the earthy colors not being as gorgeous as the bright fabrics. There are so many variations to explore for sure. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@doris6849]

Hi Sue, I was wondering where you got the pattern it's so beautiful, I would be very greatfull if you could let me know, thank you very much.

[@SD-uf2lx]

This was really creative. You are very calming to watch and you make it look so easy. Thank you for sharing!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you so much. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@francesschireson-dody1516]

wow! So impressed,

[@helensmith7177]

Your quilt is just beautiful!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you Helen. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@kwhite7344]

Stunnng quilt! I have lots of scraps and will have to get sewing!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you - happy sewing! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jamesngaluola6031]

Fabulous idea, looks awesome & thanks for sharing your time and appreciate your sharing.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@amagrifarts]

I love this pattern! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@quiltingplusmore]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@joydavis3089]

How beautiful. Thanks for your video.

[@amberlee6307]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us. I'm gonna try it.

[@quiltingplusmore]

I would love to see your quilt when you do! Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@human-qp1mf]

I couldn't see how she was sewing them on. I think I understand...I diffantly will try this one. I like your presentation. Thanks.

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

This is so pretty! Love how peaceful and calming your voice is too 💕subscribed!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you, you are so kind. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@florindagreene4076]

Nice. I've made one with my qov scrap fabrics and won a blue ribbon in our local county fair

[@quiltingplusmore]

Congratulations! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@kathleenpriestman553]

Love this design. Thank you!!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@lance3665]

Love the idea of marking. Thanks .

[@jenniferghormley5209]

It's absolutely beautiful.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank for watching and commenting!

[@gwenj5419]

This made a beautiful quilt!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Ohiogirl454]

I love this, thanks for the video!

[@robinmarks5638]

This is wonderful! Thank you!

[@quiltingplusmore]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@kate739]

pretty neat and clever, hats off to you

[@sandibroad4099]

Beautiful!💖🤗

[@Amal2365]

So pretty 😍 I will try to make it, thank you for sharing 😊

[@quiltingplusmore]

I hope you do; making this string quilt has been fun! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Troutay]

beautiful!!!!

[@jeanninecook6661]

Beautiful!!!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thanks so much. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@mariettedemarest5173]

Great quilt !!

[@theresajukiewicz3092]

That’s beautiful!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@IvyRosethebus]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@sharonbissetthuitt6969]

Well done! I love the design and the "white space". My someday project was going to be a spiderweb string quilt, but I think this design is closer to my own personal esthetic. I did not have any difficulties downloading or printing the most recent template you shared. Thank you!!

[@debbieflorio4357]

Wow this pattern and technique,looks like it was lifted right from the Rayna Gilman Book, “Create Your Own Improv Quilts”

[@fonteaujacqueline6030]

Magnifique démonstration avec calme et précisions. De ce fait j'ai bien compris vos explications, même si ma langue natale est différente de la vôtre. Je suis débutante en patchwork, et j'adore cette idée de mélange des couleurs. MERCI et BRAVO 👏

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you so much! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@annettehernandez738]

Super job!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@dakin7612]

I just found your channel and subscribed because I was watching Brenda of Mt. Scrapmore.

[@natashat2702]

wow!!!!!!stunning i m in love i always wanted to make one

[@quiltingplusmore]

I hope you do make one; they are fun. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@carolwarren-avonind.repsal754]

Thank for you sharing this talent with us. I love it. You just gained a new subscriber

[@2ferTwins]

Beautiful art quilt

[@revelationquilts]

Congratulations on the huge success of this video!😍

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you SO much! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@barbarakoeppe2623]

Ir is very pretty

[@user-zt6vd4qg5z]

Super mam i like your work

[@IllHandleThis]

You know, I never thought to make a quilt, but I’ve had some “scraps” that would be good to use for one possibly since there’s no other purpose. Maybe I’ll try some day.

[@marylourimmasch4301]

I have been working on getting rid of my scraps for the past two years!!! And I am only one fourth of the way through it all. Who knew quilting couldn't produce so many options of what to do with all this fabric?? Perhaps I should quit buying fabric.... NEVER!!!

[@quiltingplusmore]

😂 Absolutely true.. Scrap quilting is so much fun and very freeing. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@user-xg9yc3de1k]

замечательная идея! спасибо!👋👋👋

[@quiltingplusmore]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@rusvrn2690]

Очень красиво !

[@NatureAndOther]

This is so beautiful 💖 👍 💕

[@quiltingplusmore]

Thank you. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@NatureAndOther]

@@quiltingplusmore you are very welcome Thanks to you for sharibg your talents Happy to become a subscriber

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thank you

[@esrobinsharma5748]

Super 👌

[@lynnebivens2119]

I love this pattern! I’ve already made 2 10” blocks and I find when you sew the blocks together it gets really thick with all the layers of fabric. 6 layers in some places. If we use paper piecing instead of fabric for the backing would that help? I’ve never done paper piecing but I’ve seen your butterfly quilt ( which I also love).

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

I have been wanting to try this version. I’ve done a strippy star and a strippy heart. I’m going to work on another star in 2023 and film it. I did a part one in 2021, then life intervened and I wasn’t able to continue with it after that.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Good to hear - string quilts are fun. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@vikkirountoit497]

I'm so happy that my friend saved all her scraps for me to add to mine - I just came home from a sewcation with a paper grocery bag full of beautiful scraps! Edited to ask: what is the thinnest scrap you prefer to use for this style quilt?

[@quiltingplusmore]

A sewcation sounds wonderful, and to come home with a bag of scraps even better! I use all sizes, and if it doesn't fit I sew another piece to it or cut it in half and sew it back together. Seems to me as long as you have seam allowance anything goes....your quilt your way! Have fun! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@cynthiahillan4393]

If you want a larger block, would the pattern need to be revised?

[@QuiltyNana]

I'd love to know where your stacking clear bins came from. I keep my scraps by color but I love your clear ones and they also look to be stackable. I also love the pattern!

[@ritamiller1510]

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this quilt....I'll definately be it! Thank you so much for sharing it. Do you have a pic of it all sewn together? Thanks again11

[@joansheehan3366]

They look great on the fabric design wall. However, how do you sew them together & finish???

[@Leighphillips0294]

I love this idea. I’m new to quilting and I’m a little confused on attaching the strips to your foundation block. I understand you are not cutting where you sew on the strips but are you sewing each strip to the foundation square or just the first and last strip? Thank you for your time!

[@quiltingplusmore]

I'm sewing each strip to the foundation block and finger pressing each strip over. After each round or strip sewn on, I'm folding back the foundation fabric and trimming the seam to roughly 1/4". Then I lay everything back into place and sew the next strip on, finger press it over. Then once again fold the foundation piece back and trim to roughly 1/4" seam. I continued that process until 1 side is complete. Then I began the second side of the star. I hope this helps and makes sense. Please let me know if it doesn't. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@lindaashworth4033]

I watched a new KZbin from you this morning and now i cant find it! It was showing how you were trimming, then framing Happy Blocks you had been sent to make into quilts. This one was having cream sashing with blue cornerstones and a turquoise border. Can you tell me how to find it again plese?

[@plinkthecat8543]

Could you possibly do a video on how you set up that block? How you drew it on the paper and why/how the lines are where they are. I have tried to to a string block to no successful avail. I need help. And I love this video, very inspiring!!!

[@quiltingplusmore]

I will try to get a video out on the setup. In the video description is a link to my pattern if you would like to use it, feel free. Please note that the lines of the pattern are wide, as in 3 stitches in width wide, even though I used a fine tip sharpie. Re-draw this pattern with finer lines if you want precise piecing. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@cherylmclaugh]

this is beautiful! Question - I lost you at the point where you drew the lines. do you draw the lines on each background square?

[@quiltingplusmore]

I do trace my pattern onto each foundation block using a water soluble pen. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@lance3665]

Do you have The measurements for the star block you demonstrated? I really like your pattern.

[@kathyb.8769]

this is beautiful. I need some sort of foundation fabric to start mine. Any suggestions? I am newly subscribed and looking forward to the next video you release. Happy Quilting!

[@quiltingplusmore]

Well welcome! The fabric that I used for the string quilt I had on-hand and it is a light-weight cotton. So, if using fabric for your foundation, the light-weight cotton has worked well for me, and I would use it again. Any readers out there have experience using a different type of fabric as foundation? If you do, please chime in…. Thank you! Thank you, Kathy, for watching and commenting!

[@roseericson3828]

Man I wish I understood the tutorial. I just didn’t understand. How did you make the pattern. How do you make the seams? Darn cause it’s beautiful.

[@annewise1315]

Hi, can you create a tutorial on how you sew the strings to your quilt block? Thank you!

[@quiltingplusmore]

I will definitely keep that in mind for a future video. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@kayepomajevich5474]

Where did you find the turn table? Awesome!

[@SC-hj3hr]

Oooooh I love this pattern. What a great result. I hope to have a huge pile of scraps one day to make a quilt top like this. Your pattern will go onto my "To-Do"" list for when the time is right. Thank you.

[@englishrivieravanessa]

Thank you for an inspiring video to help us all use up precious fabric! When you said 'make up your own design or use mine' I thought I'd use yours as it's so good but cannot see a link to the design so how do we use yours? Sorry if I'm being dim...🙃

[@quiltingplusmore]

Also, please note that the lines of this pattern are wide, as in 3 stitches in width wide, even though I used a fine tip sharpie. Re-draw this pattern with finer lines if you want precise piecing.

[@quiltingplusmore]

I have posted a revised String Quilt pattern. The previous one was a skosh off, and for precision piecing that is just not acceptable. I apologize! Here is the link to the updated pattern. drive.google.com/file/d/1cXmUTITQfKdXwAuPWl_1dc12Huc14nIt/view?usp=share_link

[@englishrivieravanessa]

@@quiltingplusmore Thank you for the update - so kind to take the trouble. Now back to that scrap mountain ....

[@Angel283]

Tell me about your great clear drawer system!!!! I LOVE that the drawers are clear and you can SEE your scraps!! Gorgeous Quilt!!!!

[@thekirksiffs5285]

How do you like that Elna Lotus sewing machine? I have an original Elna Lotus from the 1970s. She is a bit frail now, but still my most loved machine.

[@quiltingplusmore]

Oh wow - that's a keeper! I really like it actually. My only complaint - if you could call it that - is that the throat area is snug. But that really is expected as I think it was made to be more portable. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@melenelewis2955]

I have never made a quilt but this is beautiful so I think I might try doing one! Is this scrap fabric from all other sewing or just the same type of fabric from previous cotton quilts? Can I make one from various types of fabric scraps left from sewing clothes ?

[@quiltingplusmore]

I am so happy to hear that you are going to make a quilt, and I would love to see it when completed! My string and scrap fabrics are cotton quilting fabrics from previous quilting projects. I don't see why you couldn't make a string quilt using scraps from leftover clothes....you would just have to be aware of the many differences in the fabrics while piecing. But, I think it would be great fun to try. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@quiltingplusmore]

I have posted a revised String Quilt pattern. The previous one was a skosh off, and for precision piecing that is just not acceptable. I apologize! Here is the link to the updated pattern: drive.google.com/file/d/1cXmUTITQfKdXwAuPWl_1dc12Huc14nIt/view?usp=share_link

[@susanstango4467]

Love this way to use my scraps, but what are the measurements for the triangle that is drawn on the foundation fabric???

[@quiltingplusmore]

I measured up 3/4 inch from the corner on each side to create the corner triangles. The line measures 1 7/8 inches across and that measurement takes into account a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@cherylpeters8466]

Has anyone with 5-6 inch scraps eer use them for backing as you are doing the other scraps on batting or foundation scrap?

[@quiltingplusmore]

I'm not understanding your question. Would you reword it please?

[@gordonjenkins-1577]

How do u put pieces od material to make table mats

[@bertharuiz1225]

How many times r u going to tumble all these pieces before u get started.