Scrap strips squares quilt / tutorial

Say that 3 times fast.  Oh, it's finally done.

I don't feel like going on about it.  I just like it.  I'm keeping it.  It is made with the scraps of one of my first sewing projects. 
Here's the back.

I like it too.  I didn't exactly proceed with a plan but one thing led to another.  Quilting those squares in the squares wasn't fast nor fun but I do like the way it looks.

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Scrap strip method tutorial

The pieced squares in this quilt were made from scrap strips with a method I learned at a Linus Connection meeting.   It is kind of a fun, addictive method and I thought I'd share it with you.

 

1.  Cut a ton of scraps into equal width strips (not equal length.)  If you have enough you can make your whole quilt top like this.
2.  Sew them end to end -- I did it in 2s, 4s, 8s, etc. to save time piecing -- until they are in one long strip. (fig 1)  Don't think about what pieces you are sewing together -- it'll all work out in the end. I don't worry about ironing the seams at this point.
3. Fold this very long strip in half, making sure there aren't twists and, starting at the open end, sew down one length of the strip.  Crease folded end as you approach it and cut it open before sewing. (fig 4)  Now it will be half as long, twice as wide. (fig 2)
4. Repeat. Now it will be half as long and twice as wide again (fig 3)
5. Repeat, repeat.  Press seams when you are done. (fig 5) 

I used 1.5 inch strips for this example but like 2.5 or 3 inch strips in my quilt.  If you have it long enough you can make a whole quilt top like this - though the math can make for a weird shape.  I didn't have a ton of strips so I did this until I had 4 wide and then decided to cut that piece into squares.  It made for an interesting random pattern that wouldn't have happened another way.  Have fun!

Comments

[nuttnbunny]

Tremendous! I love the colors, the structure, the tutorial, everything!

This might make a perfect introduction to quilting for me :-)

[moki]

THABK YOU for this tutorial!!! I have been wanting to use my srap basket up and make a quilt but was rather intimidated by trying to piece it all. I'm gonna give this a shot. I hope I get it right!

[moki]

I dont look at the screen when I type...you'd think I still would catch typos ;)

[Jeanine]

Thanks for the tutorial. As always very inspiring. I'm working on my first quilt. I hope I can do something like this one day.

[allena]

wow i love that blanket, the colors are awesome! i would keep it also. thanks for the tute, i knew i kept all those scraps for a reason!

[DaisyCake]

wow! I am SO going to try this! I've never quilted before, but have scraps that need a project! Thank you!

[M]

That quilt is absolutely beautiful. I love the colors. You do beautiful work.

[Rachael]

I'd keep it to. It's very pretty.

[Elizabeth K]

Terrific colors.

[Lisa K.]

Whoever made that up is a genius. And you are my best friend now for sharing that with us.

Sorry, Buffy. Them's just the breaks.

[Krista]

Wasn't all the hemming and hawing and waiting for the right way to do it, worth it in the end? The results are just perfect. I love both sides. Those colors are sooooo wonderful and so is this clever tutorial.

Thank you again, Amy, I love the little juicy bits of knowledge I pick up every time you share your methods, they help me to shape and develop the quilter I'd like to be.

[ash]

That is just soo great. Those colors are just, like baaam! I love it!

[Dawn]

Love this!!!!!!!!!!

[stephanie]

So so gorgeous! I love how you did the back!

[Michelle]

Such a fun idea, thanks for sharing... but I mostly had to write in and say how much I like the new banner! Those ten little piggies are just too cute.

[Kristin]

Thanks for the tutorial! I agree about the borders causing trouble for the quilting. It's funny that just today and yesterday I've been working on a bunch of baby quilts and I decided to do the quilting in the squares the same way! I haven't posted mine yet, but hope to do it tomorrow. Yours is very pretty, btw!

[Ash]

Gorgeous!

[Ali]

I've never seen that before - very cunning. I love the idea of the pattern you get at the end being determined by chance (but sure it's no accident that yours looks so good).

You have a wonderful sense of colour.

[Mama Urchin]

Thanks for the tutorial. I sewed my strips into one long strip but the folding in half and seaming is very clever.

[beki]

Oh, this does look like fun! Thanks for sharing :-) I think your quilt turned out beautifully!!!

[Jenny]

I think this is one of my favorite quilts you've done. Love the colors.
Of course I still favor mine.

[jen]

very very nice. thnx for the tutorial.

[LauraJ]

Gorgeous quilt! You should keep it!
Unfortunately I don't understand the tutorial. Visual learner and still I can't seem to wrap my brain around the written directions and the pictures. I can match the directions up but my mind doesn't understand how you pieced the little blocks. Did you cut your big piece into blocks?

[Jennifer]

Your quilt rocks! I was sure I was in agreement with you that quilting would "disturb" the patchwork but it turned out lovely. I completely don't grasp the tutorial but it looks interesting, I might have to see that technique in person.

[Wendy]

So beautiful! I love the colors.