Sunday, April 20, 2025

Oh Scrap! : String Top

I thought I would take some time this week to sew some string blocks into a top.  I usually add some sashing but I decided to just go with a simple 6 x 7 layout.



I think these blocks came from a number of donors.  Some used paper foundations, some used fabric foundations and some used no foundation at all.



Here is my silly string block secret....you can tell which blocks I made because I tend to use icky fabric for my foundations.  I had a bunch of the panels that you can cut out, stuff and make animals out of.  Most of the time these cannot be used in quilt tops, so I use them for my foundations.  Because these blocks are mostly darks and mediums, the printed material doesn't show through the front.

This helps me use every bit of fabric!



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It is now your turn to share what you are making with scraps.  Here are the details for linking up: 

  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do! 

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14 comments:

Gretchen Weaver said...

I use unloved fabric like that too. Usually it's fabric that is thin and I don't want to use it in anything but it's perfect to stablizer.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That's a beautiful quilt top! I have fabric like that - so ugly that I will never use it - great idea to sew strings to the other side of it. Happy Easter, Cyndy!

Chantal said...

Thank you SO much for sharing the secret of the masters. I did use some old white fabric that my mother had as the foundation for some string blocks. I found it very bulky when I sew them together. I haven't quilted it yet. Seeing your secret today encourage me, in the sense that I didn't goof by using fabric as foundations. I too get fabric that is unusable for quilting. This is an excellent place to use it. Again, thank you. Have a wonderful week. ;^)

Juliann said...

I love this idea of using fabrics you would not use on the front. I just discovered a few yards of just that kind of fabric in the deep section of my fabric stash.

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

What a smart way to use a useable panel! I sure like the layout of all those string squares!

Sylvia@Treadlestitches said...

String tops are great, especially red white and blue! I use fabric on the back too. You're right about those panels that are for making toys, there isn't much you can do with them in a quilt, so they're perfect for the back.

thatfabricfeeling.wordpress.com said...

I love the foundation fabrics so much!! Those little animal heads make me smile. I see why they're not quilt material, but for backings they are darling. Too bad no one will see them once finished. I love a scrappy string quilt. I've got some squares that I'm sending. I'm also sending you a variation that I never tried before. Stay tuned.

Vicki W said...

I make a lot of string tops and always use my ugly/old fabrics for the foundations. The last one used old "white" feedsack bag fabric and I have plenty more for the next one!

MissPat said...

I used a Peter Rabbit themed fabric that had fade lines throughout as foundation for some string blocks, although I usually use phone book pages. Quilter's are nothing but resourceful when it comes to using up their stash.
Pat

Bonnie said...

Great idea of using those strange stuffed animal fabrics. Hum, I wonder if I have some in my stash -- I know I used to but did I put them to another use? That and really thin fabric is great to use.

Mystic Quilter said...

Never thought of using unloved fabric as a backing for blocks - thanks for the tip!

Kate said...

So glad you found a good use for the unloved fabrics. This string quilt turned out beautifully.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Great way to use up every last bit of fabric!

Nann said...

LOL about the VIP craft panels. I bought a stack of them at a rummage sale last summer because I read somewhere that the instructions printed on the fabric could be cut out and used in blocks....not that I've done it yet.

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