Kickstart Your Year with Strings Attached. New year, new scraps, new possibilities! Our January sewing challenge is all about string piecing – a joyful, no-rules technique that turns leftover fabric strips into something beautiful, bold, and uniquely yours.
Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just dipping your toes into the world of scrappy sewing, string piecing offers the perfect blend of freedom and fun. This month, we’re inviting you to dive into your stash, embrace the chaos, and stitch up something that sings with color and personality.
This Month’s Focus: String Piecing
What is String Piecing?
String piecing is a method of sewing narrow strips of fabric, aka “strings,” onto a foundation (paper, muslin, or fabric) to create vibrant blocks. Think of it as improv piecing’s playful cousin: no matching points, no precise measurements, just pure creative flow.
It’s a fantastic way to:
- Use up those odd-sized scraps
- Experiment with color and texture
- Create dynamic backgrounds, borders, or even full quilts
String Pieced Template
Turn your leftover scraps into stunning quilts with string pieced blocks. Download the free templates and get started today.
Since I know that some folks are more comfortable using templates than the improv method, I have created a few simple and printable templates to get you started. Each template completes a 6″ finished block, but when grouped together, they can create the most amazing quilts. Here are a few quilt layout examples to inspire you.
These quilt tops might look complicated but I promise, they are extremely simple. Just one quarter turn of a finished block can create a stunning design element. Let’s take a closer look using a 5 string block with light to dark values.
Whirlie Gig String Pieced Block
With a simple quarter turn of the 6″ block, you can create the Whirlie Gig.
Crosshairs String Pieced Block
Using the same 6″ blocks, you can create Crosshairs. Simply turn the blocks twice to create the pattern below and join together.
Bullseye String Pieced Block
The Bullseye string pieced block is easier than you think. Even though each unit appears to be the mirror image, it is actually just a quarter turned and joined together.
So what do you think? Are you ready to raid your scrap stash and start stitching up a storm? I challenge you to discover the quilt hidden deep in your fabric stash. Click below to download the templates!
String Pieced Template
Turn your leftover scraps into stunning quilts with string pieced blocks. Download the free templates, grab your scraps and start stitching your next masterpiece today.
Challenge Details:
- Head to your scrap bins and make a project where String Piecing is the star of the show. Create at least one string-pieced block.
- Remember, the goal is to stitch every last inch of your stash, so no shopping trips allowed. Just you, your scraps, and your imagination.
- Try a new foundation method, a new color scheme, or let your scraps tell a story
- I’ll be sharing weekly prompts to keep you inspired.
Share Your Progress:
Quilting does not have to be a singular sport! Consider this your personal invitation to come and join my community with over 200,000 members from around the world. In there you can find all sorts of inspiration, ask questions and share your latest makes! Oh, and I almost forgot… you can meet a new friend that shares your passion. Get started here:
- Join & share your progress in the Scrappy Girls Club Group with #ScrappyGirlsChallenge and tag me so I can cheer you on!
- Reflect on what you learned – this challenge is about growth and using your scraps, not perfection.
- To get the party started, we are including a free mock up kit. Simply download and print at home.
A huge shoutout to everyone who’s joining the String Piecing Challenge. You’ll turn tiny scraps into incredible works of art!
Win a little something I’ve strung together for your next sewing adventure!
We’re not in this for perfection, just participation and heart. I’ll randomly select one winner and announce it in early February when we launch the next challenge!
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ScrappyGirlsChallenge so we can cheer you on!
Remember:
String piecing reminds us that beauty often comes from the bits and pieces we thought were too small to matter. So grab your scraps, warm up your machine, and let’s stitch something scrappy together. I can’t wait to see what you create!
