String Fling. Block of the Month. Finished Size 84 x 84. Yardage Requirements:

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1 #170 String Fling Block of the Month Finished Size 84 x 84 Yardage Requirements: Strings: Note: The amount of yardage needed will vary from quilter to quilter based on string widths used for each block. Orange: 1 yd Lime: 1 ⅛ yd Raspberry: 1 1/8yd Note: Variety is IMPORTANT in string quilting. Aim for at least 12 different prints In each color family. Aqua: 1 ⅛ yd Blue: ¾ yd Yellow: 1 yd Purple: 1 yd Background: 4 yd Thin Borders: 1 ⅛ yd Binding: ⅝ yd Backing: 92 x 92 Batting: 92 x 92 Note: The sample quilt uses the SAME fabric for the thin borders and the binding. About this pattern: 1- This pattern is a great scrap/stash buster. Furthermore, string quilting need not be limited to just quilting cottons. Add in bits of whatever fabric substrates you may have in your scrap basket (ie: voile, denim, duck cloth, linen, etc). 2- This pattern assumes a basic knowledge of quilt making. 3- Phonebook and newspaper pages make really great foundation paper. Both are light in weight, easy to remove, readily available and a good way to recycle. The size of the block and what is on hand will help determine which paper to choose. 4- It is a good idea to use a pressing cloth or other protective sheet when you iron. The ink from the foundation papers can come off when heated and stain your ironing board cover. It will not adhere to your iron or affect your pieced blocks. 5- Reduce stitch length to This will make it easier to remove the paper foundation once the blocks are complete. 6- Spray starch, or a starch alternative will help with bias issues. You can find a recipe for a spray starch alternative on my blog at: 1

2 7- To make the best use of your fabrics, try to use strings that are already close to the size you need to (ie: use the longest pieces to cover the widest parts of the blocks and use the shortest pieces to cover the narrowest parts of the blocks). As your work progress, you will find that you are accumulating a lot of smaller pieces. This is to be expected, and the best way to use those pieces is to sew 2 (or even 3-4) of them together so that that are long enough to cover larger areas. Don t worry about those extra seams, this is string quilting and they will blend in with everything else! 8- And as always, read all instructions carefully before starting. 9- If anything else comes up, you can reach me at rana@sewnintothefabric.com 10- And finally, if you share your progress on Instagram or Facebook, tag me (@sewnintothefabric) or use #stringflingbom. I would LOVE to see your work!! 2

3 #170 String Fling Block of the Month Finished Size of Quilt: 84 x 84 Round 1: Webmaster 22 x 22 finished Make 1 Strings: Note: The number of strings needed varies according to widths cut. Note: 1 3 is a good width range for this star block. Background: (4) 6 ⅞ x 6 ⅞ (1) 10 ⅜ x 10 ⅜ Orange (8) 1 ½ x 5 ⅝ Aqua 20 starter strings Border: (2) 1 ½ x 22 ½ (2) 1 ½ x 24 ½ Raspberry 20 starter strings All seam allowances are ¼ WOF= Width of fabric Always press to the darker fabric unless otherwise noted. Read all directions carefully before starting. The Strings Assemble both pieces of Template A to make 1 complete diamond. Trace 8 of Template A onto your choice foundation paper. Cut them out (seam allowances have already been included). Draw a line across the midpoint of each template. This mark will be used to align the first string. DIAG 1 With the foundation paper on a flat surface, place the first string (orange) along 1 2 the marked line. Let a little fabric overhang both points. Pin in place. DIAG 2 Lay the second string (aqua) on top of the first string, right sides together, aligning the edges at the marked line. DIAG 3 Sew the string in place, using a ¼ seam allowance. Fold the top string open and press. DIAG Work across the entire left side of the block, adding strings (aqua) and pressing after each one. DIAG 5 5 3

4 6 Using the raspberry colored strings, repeat the process to cover the right side. DIAG 6 After all the strings have been added, square up the diamond using a rotary cutter and ruler. 7 Remove the paper by gently tearing it away. Press. DIAG 7 Repeat to make 8 diamonds. Assembling the Block Note: when pressing this block, methodically press all of the seams in the same direction. This will cause the seam allowances in the center of the star to form a pinwheel, which will reduce bulk. Use a ruler and an erasable fabric marker to accurately mark a ¼ seam allowance on the corners of each diamond, background square and background triangle. Mark lightly on the wrong side of the fabric. Sew the diamonds together in pairs, stitching from mark to mark. This will leave the ¼ seam allowance necessary to set in the background pieces. Open and press. Repeat to make 4 units. Sew 2 of the units together, stitching from mark to mark, to form one half of the star. Open and press. Repeat with the 2 remaining units. Sew both halves together, stitching from mark to mark, to complete the star. Open and press. 4

5 Sew the first background square in place. Position it in the upper right corner, right sides together. Starting at point A, back stitch to secure and then sew to point B. Back stitch and leave the needle down. Lift the presser foot, pivot the pieces and sew from B to C. Backstitch to secure. Repeat these same steps to sew in the first background triangle, positioning it as shown in the diagram. Repeat with the remaining background pieces, alternating the squares and triangles. Adding the Borders Sew the 1 ½ x 22 ½ border strips to the top and bottom of the block. Press to the border. Sew the 1 ½ x 24 ½ to the sides of the block. Press to the border. 24 ½ square (with border) 5 Copyright 2015 Rana Heredia. All rights reserved. This design and its printed pattern are protected by copyright law. No part of these instructions may be copied or transmitted by any means without the prior written permission of Sewn into the fabric Pieces of our lives. Every effort has been made to ensure that this pattern is complete and accurate. Variations in workmanship and materials are the purchaser s responsibility.

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