Stringing Beads Instructions

Stringing Beads is an original design, but it is made just as other string quilts are--one block at a time.

Perhaps the biggest difference between this quilt and other string quilts is that the blocks are rectangular rather than square or triangular.


Here is a drawing of the foundation of the block. I used paper foundations that tear away easily after the blocks have been trimmed to size.

Low-tech, I know, but it works for me! :)

I cut a fancy cardboard template of the center wedge shape.

I then traced this shape on the fabric I used for the center of each block.

Simply cut along the marked lines, and you have the block center.

My foundation papers were cut at 4 1/2 " x 8 1/2". I anchored the wedge to them with a swipe of glue stick. Take care to center them carefully--you want to be able to match them up when sewing block to block.


After anchoring your center wedge, simply add strings to each side until the paper is covered. For more information about creating string blocks, check HERE. When the paper is covered, trim the blocks to size (4 1/2" x 8 1/2"). For this size quilt, I made 144 blocks--8 across and 18 down (remember, they are rectangular).


Assembly is straightforward. I assembled the blocks in columns, matching the wedges end to end. I then joined the columns to create the quilt top.

I echo-quilted the red "beads" as shown in this photo. I also quilted a couple of lines within the string portion of the block.

Stringing Beads (quilting detail)

After binding, the quilt was finished.

Stringing Beads (68" x 75")

 If you make this quilt, I'd love to see your version!

Other posts about this quilt can be found here: Rainbow Scrap Challenge--April--Multicolor (Part 1),

Rainbow Scrap Challenge--April--Multicolor (Part 2), and Stringing Beads--An Original Design.

I am happy to provide these instructions free of charge, but I'd love at least a mention when you use them. :)