Begin Sewing Strings
Be sure you've read How to String Piece if this is your first string project.
- Place your first string right side up on the foundation (this is the only strip that is placed right side up). My strips (left above) were positioned at an angle to the top and bottom of the foundation, but yours can be sewn in a vertical arrangement. The finished look of blocks will be slightly different, but I think you'll like it either way. If you sew at an angle, remember to leave plenty of strip length extending past each side of the foundation to compensate for what's "lost" when sewn strips are flipped right side up.
I like to begin near the foundation's midpoint and then sew strips to each side of the first, pressing the new strips before adding more. Place an ironing pad on a small table next to you for easy pressing (you can also finger press instead of using an iron).
- Sew strips lengthwise to each side of the first strip. Open and press. Continue adding strips until the foundation is covered. Press the foundation.
- Flip the unit over (center photo) so that you can see the foundation. Use your rotary equipment to square it up from the back side side. Make the pieced unit exactly 6" wide, taking care that the foundation is included along all sides. Square up one end of the strip in the same manner.
- Beginning at the squared up end, cut as many 6" x 6" squares from the foundation as possible. Make additional foundations in order to cut 10 string pieced squares for the small quilt. (see page 8 for a mock up of a larger version).
