Cut strings on straight of grain?

[Annierose]

I'm string quilting baby bibs for Tiny Stitches and would like to use scraps from dressmaking. A lot of these are curved or at a funny angle. How important do y'all think it is to cut all my strips on the straight of grain? The strings are 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches long.

[Lindagie]

Re: Cut strings on straight of grain?

I made a block like that for a BOM once. The pieces were cut at all kinds of shapes and angles and it came ok. I don't think it would matter, esp. since the pieces are pretty small.

[Quiltfreestyle]

Re: Cut strings on straight of grain?

I love string quilts & I've made several of them. I use the stitch & flip method to sew them together so no need to make sure they are perfectly cut on the grain line. If the block is going to be larger, like 10 - 12 inches I sometimes paper piece them. If you handle them carefully during the sewing process, not stretching too much, you shouldn't have too much trouble. To me the wonkyness is part of the charm..

[madampolo]

Re: Cut strings on straight of grain?

If you are using paper foundation, don't remove the paper until after the blocks are sewn together. This will help prevent stretching of the edges. When I made mine, I cut them all the same size, but different size strips will be awesome as well.

[Annierose]

Re: Cut strings on straight of grain?

Thanks, y'all. My baby things are going to be so much nicer now. I'm a wild and funky clotheshorse so I have lots of cool clothing scraps.

Tiny Stitches uses 2 layers of flannel and one of cotton, so I use the interior flannel as my foundation and flip-&-stitch on it. Then I lay it right-sides-together on the backing flannel, stitch around the edge leaving a couple of inches of turning, and cut it out. That way I know the backing flannel fits perfectly.