Introduction
How To Make Strip Quilts: Strip quilting, also known as strip piecing, involves sewing together fabric strips to form blocks or sections, which are then assembled into a cohesive and vibrant quilt. It is an excellent technique for quilters of all levels, from beginners eager to embark on their quilting journey to seasoned quilters seeking new challenges and designs.
We will delve into the various strip quilting methods, including simple strip sets, log cabin blocks, and intricate bargello designs. Each method offers a unique approach to strip quilting, allowing you to explore different styles and motifs.
As you progress through this guide, you’ll unlock the potential of strip quilting, witnessing how seemingly simple fabric strips transform into complex and breathtaking quilt designs. Whether you prefer traditional patterns or modern abstract designs, strip quilting offers endless possibilities for expressing your creativity.
Get ready to dive into the captivating world of strip quilting and be amazed by the beauty and artistry you can achieve with just a few strips of fabric. Let’s embark on this quilting adventure together and create strip quilts that will inspire and delight for generations to come.
What are the strips called in a quilt?
Sashing
Sashing is the strips of fabric between the quilt blocks.
To give each block its own space strips of fabric are sewn in between the blocks and this is known as sashing.
In a quilt, the strips of fabric used in the construction are commonly referred to as “quilt strips” or simply “strips.” These strips are long, narrow pieces of fabric that serve as building blocks for various quilt designs and patterns. Quilt strips are cut from fabric in straight lines, and their width can vary depending on the specific quilt pattern or design being created.
One of the most popular quilt strip sizes is 2.5 inches wide, commonly known as “2.5-inch strips” or “jelly roll strips.” Jelly rolls are pre-cut bundles of fabric strips from a coordinating fabric line, making them convenient and time-saving for quilters. These pre-cut strips are often used in strip quilting methods, such as the popular “strip piecing” technique, where strips of fabric are sewn together to form larger quilt blocks.
Apart from jelly roll strips, quilters can also cut their own strips from yardage or other fabric precuts like charm packs (5-inch squares) or layer cakes (10-inch squares). Strip quilting opens up a world of possibilities for various quilt patterns, such as log cabin, rail fence, bargello, and many more.
By utilizing different colors, patterns, and fabric combinations, quilters can create visually stunning and intricate designs using quilt strips. These strips serve as the foundation for piecing together quilt blocks, allowing quilters to explore their creativity and produce beautiful, cohesive quilts.
How do you make a string quilt?
String quilts are simply quilts made from your longer fabric scraps. To make a string quilt, you start with a foundation fabric or foundation paper, then use an easy sew-and-flip technique to attach strips and scraps to the foundation until the scraps completely cover the foundation. That’s all there is to it!
A string quilt is a delightful and versatile quilting project that allows you to use up fabric scraps and create stunning designs. The process of making a string quilt involves sewing fabric strips, or “strings,” together in a random or organized manner to create quilt blocks or panels. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a string quilt:
Gather Materials: Collect fabric scraps in various colors and patterns. You can use a single color theme or opt for a scrappy look with a mix of colors and prints. Decide on the size of your quilt blocks or panels and cut a foundation fabric (usually muslin or another solid fabric) to that size.
Cut Fabric Strips: Cut fabric strips of varying widths (typically between 1 to 2.5 inches) from your fabric scraps. The length of the strips can be shorter or longer than the foundation fabric size.
Arrange and Sew Strips: Lay the foundation fabric right side up and start arranging the fabric strips diagonally or horizontally across it. Overlap the strips slightly and sew them in place with a ¼-inch seam allowance. Continue adding strips until the foundation fabric is fully covered.
Trim Excess: After sewing all the strips, trim the excess fabric along the edges of the foundation fabric, creating a neat and even block.
What is strip patchwork?
Strip piecing is the name given to a technique where strips of fabric are sewn together in parallel rows. Once sewn together, you can then cut up the strip-pieced unit or “set” into sections or “segments”, which can then be used to create patchwork blocks.
Strip patchwork, also known as strip piecing, is a popular quilting technique that involves sewing together fabric strips to create blocks or sections for a quilt. It is a versatile and efficient method that allows quilters to achieve stunning designs with ease.
To create a strip patchwork quilt, quilters first select fabric strips of varying widths and lengths. These strips can range from narrow strips (e.g., 1 inch) to wider strips (e.g., 2.5 inches or more). The fabric strips can be cut from yardage or pre-cut bundles like jelly rolls, charm packs, or layer cakes.
Once the fabric strips are ready, they are sewn together side by side, creating a long strip set. Strip sets can be assembled randomly or in an organized manner to form specific patterns and designs. These strip sets can then be cut into segments, and the segments are rearranged or combined to form various quilt blocks.
Strip patchwork offers numerous design possibilities, from simple patterns like log cabin and rail fence to more intricate and artistic designs like bargello or chevron. The technique allows quilters to experiment with colors, prints, and layouts, creating visually striking and harmonious quilts.
Strip patchwork is not only visually appealing but also a time-saving quilting method. It eliminates the need for cutting and piecing numerous individual squares or triangles, streamlining the quilting process and making it accessible to quilters of all skill levels.
What are quilting strips used for?
Strip Piecing is a time saving method of making patchwork quilt blocks. Strips of fabric are cut across the width of the fabric the size needed for the block. The strips are sewn together into “strip sets”, then cut to the size needed to become segments of a quilt block.
Quilting strips, also known as fabric strips, play a significant role in quilting projects and are used for various purposes throughout the quilting process. These long, narrow pieces of fabric are cut from different prints, colors, and textures, providing quilters with a diverse palette to create stunning designs and patterns. Here are some key uses of quilting strips:
Strip Piecing: Quilting strips are commonly used for strip piecing, a technique where fabric strips are sewn together side by side to create larger fabric sections or “strip sets.” These strip sets are then cut into segments and reassembled to form quilt blocks or other design elements.
Borders and Sashing: Quilting strips are frequently used to create borders and sashing in quilts. Border strips are sewn around the edges of the quilt top to frame the design, while sashing strips are used to separate and define individual quilt blocks.
Binding: Quilting strips are essential for creating the binding that finishes the edges of a quilt. Binding strips are folded over the quilt’s raw edges, securing the layers together and providing a polished and neat finish.
Log Cabin Blocks: In the popular log cabin quilt pattern, quilting strips are used to construct the iconic cabin blocks. The strips are sewn around a central square in a continuous spiral, creating the traditional log cabin design.
What are the essential tools and materials needed to make strip quilts?
To make strip quilts, you’ll need a set of essential tools and materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable quilting process. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Fabric Strips: The most crucial element of strip quilting is, of course, the fabric strips. You can use pre-cut fabric strips like jelly rolls or cut your own strips from fabric yardage. Choose a variety of colors, prints, and textures to add visual interest to your quilt.
Cutting Mat: A cutting mat provides a safe and flat surface for cutting fabric strips. It has measurement markings to ensure accurate and precise cuts.
Rotary Cutter: A rotary cutter is a must-have tool for cutting fabric strips quickly and efficiently. It works in conjunction with the cutting mat to create straight and clean cuts.
Quilting Ruler: A clear, non-slip quilting ruler is essential for measuring and cutting fabric strips accurately. Rulers with grid lines and angle markings are particularly helpful for various quilting techniques.
Sewing Machine: A sewing machine is necessary for sewing fabric strips together to create strip sets and assembling quilt blocks. A machine with a straight stitch and adjustable stitch length is sufficient for strip quilting.
Thread: High-quality cotton thread in coordinating colors is ideal for sewing fabric strips together. Cotton thread is durable and blends well with cotton fabrics commonly used in quilting.
Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing fabric strips is crucial for achieving precise seams and flat blocks. An iron and ironing board are essential for this step.
Pins or Fabric Clips: Use pins or fabric clips to hold fabric strips together when sewing, especially for long strip sets.
Seam Ripper: Mistakes happen, and a seam ripper will be your best friend for undoing any stitching errors.
How do you select fabric strips for strip quilting, and what considerations should be made for color and pattern combinations?
Selecting fabric strips for strip quilting is an exciting part of the creative process. To choose the right fabric strips, consider the following factors:
Color Palette: Decide on a color scheme or theme for your strip quilt. You can opt for a monochromatic color palette, a complementary scheme, or a mix of colors that evoke a specific mood or season.
Fabric Prints: Consider the scale and style of the fabric prints. Mixing small, medium, and large-scale prints can add visual interest to your quilt. You can also mix florals, geometrics, and solids to create a balanced and dynamic look.
Value Contrast: Pay attention to the value of the fabrics, which refers to the lightness or darkness of the colors. High contrast between fabrics can make the quilt blocks pop, while low contrast can create a more subtle and harmonious effect.
Coordination: Ensure that the fabric strips coordinate well with each other. Look for colors that blend harmoniously and fabrics that complement one another.
Pre-cut Strips: If you’re using pre-cut fabric strips like jelly rolls, charm packs, or layer cakes, consider how the pre-selected fabrics work together and whether you need to add additional fabrics to achieve your desired look.
Theme or Pattern: If you have a specific theme or pattern in mind for your strip quilt, select fabrics that align with that theme or pattern. For example, if you’re making a holiday-themed quilt, choose fabrics with holiday motifs.
What are the different strip quilting methods, and how do they create distinct quilt designs and patterns?
There are several strip quilting methods that create distinct quilt designs and patterns. Each method utilizes fabric strips in various ways to achieve unique and eye-catching results. Here are some of the most popular strip quilting techniques:
Strip Piecing: Strip piecing is a straightforward and efficient method where fabric strips of varying widths are sewn together side by side to create long strip sets. These strip sets are then cut into segments and reassembled to form quilt blocks or panels. Strip piecing allows for quick construction of blocks with minimal cutting, making it a popular choice for beginners and those seeking a faster quilting process.
Log Cabin Quilting: Log cabin quilts are classic strip quilts that use fabric strips to create a distinctive block pattern. The blocks are built around a central square, and fabric strips are sewn in a spiral around the square, representing the “logs” of the cabin. The arrangement of light and dark fabrics creates beautiful, alternating bands in the block, offering a range of design possibilities.
Bargello Quilting: Bargello quilts are known for their stunning wave-like patterns created by sewing fabric strips of varying lengths together. Bargello quilting often uses many strips in a gradation of colors to achieve a captivating visual effect. The strips are cut and sewn to create peaks and valleys, resulting in a mesmerizing design that appears intricate but is relatively simple to achieve.
Rail Fence Quilting: Rail fence quilts feature blocks made from three parallel fabric strips sewn together. The strips can be all the same width or vary in width to add visual interest. Rail fence quilts are versatile and can be arranged in different ways to create various patterns, such as diagonal stripes or zigzags.
What are some popular strip quilting patterns, such as log cabin or bargello, and how do you create them using fabric strips?
Some popular strip quilting patterns include log cabin, bargello, rail fence, and jelly roll race quilts. Here’s a brief overview of each pattern and how to create them using fabric strips:
Log Cabin Quilt:
The log cabin quilt is a classic and timeless design that uses fabric strips to create a cabin-like block pattern. To make a log cabin quilt, start with a square center (the “hearth”) and surround it with fabric strips (the “logs”) sewn in a spiral pattern. The logs can be of equal or varying widths, and you can alternate between light and dark fabrics to create contrast. As you add more “logs” to each side of the square, the block will grow larger, resulting in a beautiful and versatile design.
Bargello Quilt:
Bargello quilts are known for their captivating and wave-like patterns. To create a bargello quilt, sew fabric strips of varying lengths together in a gradation of colors. Then, cut the strip set into segments of equal width and sew them back together in a staggered or wave-like arrangement. By strategically cutting and rearranging the strips, you’ll achieve the mesmerizing effect of the waves in the finished quilt.
Rail Fence Quilt:
The rail fence quilt pattern is simple yet visually striking. To make a rail fence
quilt, sew together three parallel fabric strips of equal or varying widths. These strips form a block with vertical stripes, resembling a rail fence. By arranging the blocks in different orientations, you can create various patterns, including diagonal stripes or zigzags.
Jelly Roll Race Quilt:
Jelly roll race quilts are known for their speed and simplicity. To make a jelly roll race quilt, take pre-cut jelly roll strips (2.5-inch wide) and sew them together end-to-end to form a long strip set. Then, fold the strip set in half lengthwise and sew along the raw edges to create the quilt top. The continuous sewing gives the quilt its name “race” because it can be made quickly and is ideal for charity quilts or quilt marathons.
Conclusion
By exploring popular strip quilting patterns such as log cabin, bargello, rail fence, and jelly roll race quilts, you’ve gained insight into the versatility of fabric strips and how they can be transformed into beautiful and unique quilted masterpieces. Each pattern offers its own charm and style, allowing you to experiment and tailor your quilt to suit your preferences and artistic vision.
As you’ve discovered, strip quilting is not only visually appealing but also a joyous and efficient quilting technique. The process of sewing fabric strips together to form strip sets or blocks opens the door to endless creativity, making it an ideal choice for quilters of all levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
The beauty of strip quilting lies not only in the finished quilt but also in the journey of exploration and self-expression it offers. Your choice of fabric colors, prints, and layouts reveals your unique style and personality in each strip quilt you create.
As you continue on your quilting adventures, remember the versatility of strip quilting and the myriad of design possibilities it presents. Embrace your creativity, and let your fabric strips lead you to new and exciting quilting horizons.
