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 Quilting Techniques : Strip Quilting

Strip quilting is a fast, labor-saving technique that can be used for constructing blocks or borders. In a nutshell, strips of fabric are cut and stitched together in bands. A rotary cutter is then used to create completed rows for block or border assembly. This technique is considerably faster and more convenient than working from templates to measure and cut pieces individually.

The most basic use for strip quilting would be for blocks or border patterns that feature repeating square or rectangles. Common examples would include a Nine Patch block or Double Irish Chain. Strip quilting can involve diagonal cuts, however, and may be used to construct blocks such as Ohio Star and Pinwheel.

Materials

Strip quilting requires just a few tools. For best results, have everything readily available before starting your project. You'll need :

- a sharp rotary cutter
- large cutting ruler indicating angle and fractional inch measurements
- quilting pins (optional)
- marking pencils (optional)
- hot steam iron
- a large healable cutting mat with grid markings (for ample work space, look for a mat measuring at least 18x24)

Measuring and Cutting Strips

Although strip quilting is a fast technique, keep the following tips in mind for the best results.

- When measuring a strip, be sure the edge of the ruler lies just inside the edge of the fabric. This provides a small amount of excess width, giving your project just a bit of elbow room.

- For machine piecing, use a quarter inch sewing guide. It allows for faster sewing of the strips while ensuring adequate seam allowances.

- Test out your technique with scrap fabric or muslin before staring your strip quilting project. Make a test strip using three 3.5 inch strips. Stitch two together, press the seams flat, and then add the third strip to this pair (again pressing your seams). Measure the resulting width to see how you did. If your measuring, cutting and seam allowance techniques are accurate, the three finished strips should measure 9 and a half inches.

- Most of us learned rotary cutting on crosswise strips of fabric. Consider using lengthwise cutting instead, as the fabric's grain is more stable lengthwise and patterns align more easily. For lengthwise rotary cutting, simply cut parallel to the selvedge. Like crosswise cutting, line up the selvedge or fabric's edge parallel to your mat for best results.

- Cutting rulers can sometimes slide across your fabric, making accurate measurement a challenge. To provide a bit of traction and keep your ruler in place, attach small adhesive sandpaper dots to the ruler's underside. These dots are available at most fabric stores, and will improve the accuracy of you measurements.

Sewing Strips

For the most part, sewing your strips is a matter of making a straight hem. To create blocks or borders that work well within your quilt's layout, however, keep the following in mind:

- For machine sewing, select a shorter stitch length than usual. A length around 22 stitches per inch works well and holds the fabric securely for block construction.

- Begin by stitching the strips in pairs, and then sew pairs together to create the properly sized strip set for your project.

- Pins may or may not be needed, depending upon your machine sewing technique. Gently feeding the strips into the machine, without stretching or tugging, is the best method to use if you prefer not to work with quilting pins. If you work without pins, periodically check the alignment of your strips as you sew.

- Take the time to press seams open as seams are completed. This ensures your strips lay flat and provides an extra opportunity to eyeball seam allowances.

- After all the strips have been sewn and pressed, trim and square up the edges using your ruler and rotary cutter.

Related : More Quilting Techniques

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