I’m really excited about this year’s 100 Quilts Quilt Along (QA)! The giant string blocks (either 20” or 12” square) are foundation pieced, which is great if you want to sew without having to think too much. I’m making a large throw/twin quilt, and after partially basting it today, I decided that I am crazy. I am providing cutting directions for two different size quilts.
Jelly Roll Tips: You can use a pre-made jelly roll, or cut your own strips. If you use a jelly roll and want the string blocks to look less uniform, cut some of the strips into narrower widths. I also like including solids or tone on tone prints–string quilts can be busy and this helps tone them down a little bit. I am using Stitch Organic by Betz White for my quilt. I love the colors in this line, and think that the string blocks really capture the line’s vibrancy! And I can’t wait to use the chevron stripe for my binding.
Paper for Foundation Piecing: I use paper for foundation piecing string blocks–using fabric is also an option. I use 12” x 12” scrapbook paper, widely available, and blank newsprint or packing paper for my 20” blocks. I buy my packing paper at Home Depot, it comes in 24” sheets (or I try to beg some off of a friend who is moving and packing their house…)
Improv Tips: Once you you make the basic string blocks, the rest of the design is up to you. You are welcome to make your quilt just like mine, or play around with the size of the string blocks, the layout, and the amount of negative space around the design.
Background: Although I used all white for my quilt’s background, it would be fun to use different shades of neutrals as a background, or even a bold colored solid. I pieced a few strips into the background, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Flickr Group: Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’d love to see fabric selections and progress shots in the 100 Quilts for Kids flickr group.
Materials & Cutting Instructions
4 options–choose the one you like best and have fun! layout options included in the original Quilt Along post]
**cutting instructions changed slightly on August 9. If you already cut your fabric, the sizes should work fine, you just might need to trim a bit ***
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40’’ x 48’’ Quilt
4 blocks |
Size
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Cut
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Center string
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3’’ x 22’’
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4
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Strings or jelly roll
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1 ½’’ – 2 ½’’ strips
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24
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Total Solid Yardage
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1 ½ yards
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Solid
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12 ¼’’ x 48’’
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1
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Solid
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12 ¼’’ x 24 ½’’
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2
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Solid
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4 ¼’’ x 48’’
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1
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Batting
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44’’ x 52’’
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Backing
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1 ½ – 2 yards
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Binding
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½ yard
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Paper
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12’’ square
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4
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40’’ x 48’’ Quilt
8 blocks |
Size
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Cut
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Center string
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3’’ x 22’’
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4
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Strings or jelly roll
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1 ½’’ – 2 ½’’ strips
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24
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Total Solid Yardage
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1 ½ yards
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|
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Solid
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12 ¼’’ x 48’’
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1
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Solid
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4 ¼’’ x 48’’
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1
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Batting
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44’’ x 52’’
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Backing
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1 ½ – 2 yards
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Binding
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½ yard
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Paper
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12’’
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8
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66’’ x 80’’ Quilt
4 Blocks |
Size
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Cut
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Center String
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3 ½’’ x 28’’
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4
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Strings or jelly roll
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1 ½’’ – 2 ½’’ strips
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24
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Total Solid Yardage
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3 ½ yards
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Solid
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20 ¼’’ x 80’’
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1
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Solid
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21’’ x 39 ½’’
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2
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Solid
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6 ¼’’ x 24’’
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3
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Solid
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6 ¼’’ x 10’’
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1
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Batting
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72’’ x 84’’
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Backing
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4 ½ yards
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Binding
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½ yard
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Paper
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20’’ square
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4
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66’’ x 80’’ Quilt
8 Blocks |
Size
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Cut
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Center String
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3 ½’’ x 28’’
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8
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Strings or jelly roll
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1 ½’’ – 2 ½’’ strips
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44-48
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Total Solid Yardage
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2 ½ yards
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|
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Solid
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20 ¼’’ x 80’’
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1
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Solid
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6 ¼’’ x 80’’
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1
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Batting
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72’’ x 84’’
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Backing
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4 ½ yards
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Binding
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½ yard
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Paper
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20’’ square
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8
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