We will be playing with string blocks for the next year! These blocks will vary a little month to month, and should make a nice variety of gifts or charity quilts as well as help reduce your scraps.

For the block lotto, we will be bringing blocks in sets of 4. 4 blocks will get one name in the draw. Feel free to bring in multiple sets each month.

String blocks can be stitched in a variety of ways... but we will do ours on paper foundations, so that the foundations can be torn off, rather than leaving the extra bulk of a muslin foundation. Some paper choices that I find work great are: Old phone books, sewing pattern tissue, scratch pads and waxed deli paper. Note: Standard copy or typing paper can be used, but it doesn't tear off quite as easily as the above 4 choices. If you are determined to recycle what you have on hand, make sure you use a larger needle and a smaller stitch.

There are some wonderful on-line tutorials on string piecing, but here are a few quick pointers to get you started.

• Use a size 14 or 16 needle and reduce the length of the stitch on your machine to about 1.5mm. This will make the perforations on the paper both larger and close together. The four papers recommended above will just about "POP" off if you bend the block and give a slight tug on each side of the seam.
• Start with a foundation paper slightly larger (1/2" in both directions) than your desired size.
• Press as you go! I work on 10 blocks at a time, chain stitching both sides of my center... and then I press. If you find that your paper wants to curl, turn off the steam.
• Once your blocks are stitched and pressed, tear the paper off BEFORE you trim to the final size.
• Trim to size and then press again, using a starch or pressing spray.
• Vary the value and scale of the prints you use for best visual effect.
• Also vary the width of your strips. I use a variety of widths that are anywhere from 3/4" to 1-3/4" wide.
• Your strings DO NOT have to be straight.
• Traditionally, the more fabrics in a block, the better it looks. Use lots of variety.

Click here to print/download the complete String Piecing Tutorial.
You will need the free program Acrobat Reader.

Month	Foundation paper size	Trimmed block size	Accent string size and set	Color combination Accent string Block body	Sample Picture
August, 2012 Instructions	9" square	8-1/2" square	Diagonal 1-1/2"	White Totally scrappy
September, 2012 Instructions	6" square	5-1/2" square	One edge- straight 2'	Black Scrappy brights
October, 2012 Instructions	9" square	8-1/2" square	Diagonal ----	Split block Orange/yellow
November, 2012 Instructions	7" square	6-1/2" square	Diagonal 1-1/2"	White Red on one side Green on the other
December, 2012 Instructions	9" square	8-1/2" square	Diagonal ---	Neutrals Mix creams and whites
January, 2013 Instructions	7" square	6-1/2" square	Straight ---	Pinks, whites and reds
February, 2013 Instructions	7" x 10"	6-1/2" x 9-1/2"	Diagonal 1-1/2"	Medium or Dark brown Tans on one side Blues on the other
March, 2013 Instructions	9" square	8-1/2" square	Diagonal ---	Totally scrappy
April, 2013 Instructions	6" square	5-1/2" square	Diagonal 1"	White Scrappy pastels
May, 2013 Instructions	9" square	8-1/2" square	Diagonal 1-1/2"	Black Totally scrappy
June, 2013 Instructions	7" square	6-1/2" square	Straight ---	Make 2 blocks in blues Make 2 blocks in yellows
July, 2013 Instructions	7" x 10"	6-1/2" x 9-1/2"	Diagonal 2"	White Reds on one side Blues on the other

If you have questions, please contact Denise Gies by email at blockofmonth@northwestquilters.org.