Strip quilting is a technique that is used to create quilt tops in a fast and efficient manner. The process uses cut strips of fabric to create the quilt top. The strips are sewn together in a specific order then cut a second time to create the individual quilt pattern. There are times when the groupings of strips are cut more than once to create the sewn masterpiece.
Specific equipment is needed to begin the strip quilting process. A sharp rotary cutter, quilting ruler and rotary cutting mat are the three main items necessary to cut accurate strips. Other items needed to make a quilt top include the fabric, quilting pins, marking pencil (optional), iron, ironing board, sewing machine and/or quilting needle and thread. The rotary cutting mat is a self-healing mat that accepts the sharp rotary cutter without cutting through the mat’s surface.
Strip quilting is a fast technique when a pattern contains squares, rectangles or right triangles. Other straight sided geometric shaped pieces are possible but they take more time to cut. Begin learning the strip quilting technique using a basic square.
Start the strip quilting process by straightening one cut edge of the fabric. Match the salvage edge. Fold the fabric a second time by matching the folded edge and the salvage edge. Place the cut edge so it is completely on the rotary cutting mat. Line the short edge of the quilting ruler up with the salvage edge of the fabric. Place the quilting ruler on top of the fabric. Position the long edge of the quilting ruler so the outside edge of the ruler is approximately one half inch from the cut edge. Due to the way fabric is cut in most fabric stores, this edge will more than likely be uneven. It must be straight in order to cut even strips on the grain of the fabric. Cut along the outside edge of the quilting ruler with the rotary cutter.
Turn the quilting ruler so the desired width of strip covers the trimmed edge. For example, a 2-inch strip is desired. Place the quilting ruler so the 2-inch mark is slightly inside the trimmed edge. Cut along the opposite edge of the quilting ruler to cut the strip. Repeat the process across the length of the fabric.
Determine the width of the seam prior to cutting the strips. Common seam widths are ¼ to ½-inch. Remember to add double the width of the seams to figure the width of the strips. For example, a 2-inch square is desired in the quilt pattern. A ¼-inch seam will be used. Cut the strip 2 ½-inches to accommodate the width of the seams.
Sew the strips together in the designated order for the pattern. Always press the seams open prior to cutting the strips into smaller sections. For example, a 9-patch quilt pattern is desired. One set of strips (Group 1) will have Color A, Color B then Color A sewn into a grouping. The next set of strips (Group 2) will have Color B, Color A then Color B. Sew the two sets of strips together. Turn the strips over and press open all seams.
Cut sets of sewn and pressed strips into secondary strips. This means the 9-patch needs two strips of Group 1 and one strip of Group 2 to create one 9-patch square. Read more information on quilt patterns to understand this concept completely.
Use a short seam stitch, approximately 22 stitches per inch, to sew the strips with a sewing machine. This insures the block will stay stitched together during the cutting process. Always begin sewing the strips with backstitching to insure the strips do not separate.
Experiment with scrap fabric to create your first strip quilt. A crazy quilt is a good way to use up miscellaneous pieces of fabric. Cut the fabric into 2-inch strips. Sew three strips together making sure each strip is a different color. Repeat the process for a total of 18 sets of strips. Press open all seams. Cut the groups of strips into 2-inch strips. Sew the short strips together in blocks of 9. Sew the blocks together to create a crazy quilt top.