Stringing You Along. . .Part One

If any of you were holding your breath waiting on the string-pieced project that I promised in the last blog—I’m sorry! Should I send flowers or a memorial gift?

I’ve been surprised lately that my taste in home décor is leaning more and more toward the contemporary. You’ll see it reflected in the project that follows. But I sincerely hope you’ll imagine the possibilities for making it in several different styles.

The instructions are for a particular size table runner, but don’t hesitate to ask if you need help figuring out yardage or pieces to cut for a larger or smaller version.

STRING-PIECED TABLE RUNNER ~ 15” X 48”

Cut a piece of cotton batting 15” X 48”. Using a permanent marker, draw two curved lines along the length of the batting. These lines are the “path” for string piecing. If you prefer something less freeform, use a ruler and draw 2 straight lines that are 4” apart.

Gather a pile of scraps or strips left from other projects for the string piecing. It’s helpful but not essential that the scraps have at least one straight edge. If you can sew a straight line without a straight edge as a guide, you can use any scrap that’s at least 1”-wide and as long as the width of your string path. I decided to create a color gradation as I went along, but choosing pieces randomly would be pretty, too (and simpler and quicker).

Place a strip in the approximate center of the string path, right side up. Lay a piece at a slight angle on top of it, right sides together, but not lining up the edges of the strips.

Flip the second piece away from the first to see if the drawn lines will be covered once the strip is sewn to the first. 

Sew a straight line along the right-hand edge of the top strip 1/4” away. It should begin and end at least ¼” beyond the lines you drew on your batting. Trim the seam allowance of the underneath piece if you’re concerned that it might show through or if you want to eliminate some bulk. Appliqué scissors are helpful for this step. You may trim the ends of the strips ½” away from the drawn line at this time or later.

Flip the second strip away from the first, and press it with your fingers. Since the batting is cotton, the strip will cling to it, and you may not even need to use an iron to press. I didn’t press with an iron until I had sewn all the strips to the batting.

Continue adding strips, varying the angle with each one that you add. Notice in the photo that even oddly shaped pieces can work. You may straighten out the edge before or after sewing it. 

Cover the string path all the way to one end and then begin adding strips going the other direction from the center.

After covering all of the string path, trim the edges to where you stopped sewing when you added the strips.

For the fabric that will be on each side of your string path, you'll need 1-1/2 yards. That will include enough for the backing. I’ll explain the remaining steps in the next blog. In the mean time, sew your strips to the batting and let me know how it’s coming along for you.