Learn the Basics of Strip Piecing Quilt Blocks

Strip Piecing is a time-saving method of making patchwork quilt blocks. Strips of fabric are cut across the width of the fabric the size needed for the block. The strips are sewn together into "strip sets", and then cut to the size needed to become segments of a quilt block.

What are strip sets in quilting?

Strip sets are made by joining two or more long strips on their long sides.  Some prefer to use the width of fabric strips which is 40" to 44" long.  It is often easier to cut those strips in half since the fabric might arc or distort when using the longer strips.

The major advantage of strip piecing quilts is that if one were to sew each of the individual small blocks together, it would be difficult to sew the small pieces.  This would be time-consuming, and the strip piecing method is much more accurate.

Learn more about strip piecing when quilting by watching our video or keep reading this post.

WHAT YOU NEED to strip piece quilt blocks

• Two 2 1/2" long strips in one fabric
• One 2 1/2" long strip in coordinating fabric
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Rotary cutter and mat
• Quilter's ruler
• Pins (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS for strip piecing

STEP 1: Prepare the two inch strips

The 2 1/2" strips necessary for this project can be cut from fabric yardage or taken from precut jelly rolls, as these are already cut at 2 1/2".

If choosing to use yardage, place the selvage ends together and cut the 2 1/2" strips from the width of the fabric.

step 2: sew the strips TOGETHER

Taking a strip of one colored fabric along with a strip of the coordinating fabric, place the strips right sides together. Pin the strips along the length if desired. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew the two lengths of fabric together.

Next, take another strip of fabric to make a pattern of ABA.  Place the fabric right sides together and sew the length of the fabrics using a 1/4" seam allowance once again.

When the strip piecing is complete, the long sewn strip should have two of the same fabric on the outside with the coordinating fabric between them.

step 3: Iron the strip piecing

Take the completed strip piecing to the ironing board.  Iron the seam allowances towards the darker fabric.  Ironing towards the darker color will prevent the seams of the dark fabric from showing through the lighter fabric.

step 4: Cut the strip piecing

Take the strips to the cutting mat and, using a rotary cutter, ruler, and the mat, cut the long strip into small 2 1/2" strips. There should be many 2 1/2" strips made from the long strips that were sewn together.

And there it is! Making strip-piece quilting pieces! The smaller pieces can then be pieced together into a quilt block or other project.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on strip piecing. Take advantage of this time saving technique on your next quilt project!

  

Other quilt piecing techniques

• Chain Piecing
• String Piecing
• Foundation Piecing