Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Giveaway – Diamond Star Quilts

by

Diamond Star Quilts
Easy Construction; 12 Skill-Building Projects

 

Thanks to C&T Publishing we have 2 copies of this book to giveaway to our lucky Craftgossip.com readers.

Majestic star quilts with no inset seams!

Let your love of lone star quilts guide you into a surprising world of piece-abilities! Acclaimed quilter and teacher Barbara Cline shares exciting new techniques for constructing eight-pointed star quilts from diamonds. No tricky seams here! You’ll be amazed at how easy these quilts are to assemble. Build your skills as you start with basic star shapes and work your way up to radiant starbursts designs. With 12 celestial projects, there’s truly something for every quilter.

  • Twelve terrific projects! Piece diamonds and patchwork stars with no inset seams
  • Learn speed construction techniques to sew eight-pointed stars like a pro
  • Grow your skills as you move from beginner patterns to advanced designs

 

CTID# 11401
8.5″ x 11″
96 pages
ISBN 9781617459764
eISBN 9781617459771
UPC 734817-114017

For your chance to win tell us the name of one other quilting book at C&T Publishing. 

This giveaway is open to US addresses only, This giveaway closes September 11th 2020.

Winners have been contacted

Comments

  1. One of my favorite C&T books is Create Your Own Improv Quilts by Rayna Gillman…love anything modern and improv!
    duchick at gmail dot com

  4. I love Gemstone Quilts given to me as a gift so now making one of these quilts for each granddaughter!

  7. I love star quilts. Another that I would like to get from them is “Not your Grandmother’s Log Cabin’. I’ve always enjoyed that pattern, so changing it up would be fun

  8. I love the Quilter’s10” Square Precut Companion book. I love using precut squares because it makes everything so much easier. And Jenny Doan is awesome!

  13. What an incredible opportunity to win this fantastic book! One other fabulous book at C and T Publishing is The Ultimate Applique Guidebook by Annie Smith. Thank you for sharing this great book with us!

  15. Oh How I would love this book! another C&T Published book that is so good is:Quilters Favorite–Traditional Pieced & Appliqued;a collection of 21 Timeless projects for all skill levels. Such a good book. Thank you

  16. I just purchased “Quilt As You Go Made Vintage” by Jera Brandvig – awesome book! Of course you want to purchase all the books at C&T Publishing – so much eye candy and great prices! Thanks for this opportunity!

  22. One of my favorites is Bonnie Hunters “Adventures in Leaders and Enders” You can never have to many quilting books and would love to win this one.

Have you read?

How to Make String Quilt Blocks (Turn Fabric Scraps Into a Beautiful String Quilt)

If you’ve got a basket of long skinny fabric scraps and no idea what to do with them, string quilt blocks are your answer.

String quilting is one of the easiest and most forgiving scrap quilt techniques. It uses narrow strips of fabric sewn onto a foundation to create bold, colorful blocks that look far more complicated than they actually are.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make string quilt blocks, what size scraps work best, how to keep them balanced, and how to turn them into a finished quilt.

What Is a String Quilt Block?

A string quilt block is made by sewing fabric strips (or “strings”) onto a foundation piece of fabric or paper.

The strips are usually:

  • 1″–2½” wide
     • Different lengths
     • Mixed prints and colors

The result is a layered, textured block with diagonal or straight-line movement.

String quilts are ideal for:

  • Scrap bins
     • Leftover binding strips
     • Jelly roll leftovers
     • Long skinny offcuts

They are one of the most waste-efficient quilt styles.

Why String Quilts Are Perfect for Scrap Fabric

String quilts are forgiving because:

  • Strip width doesn’t have to be identical
     • Seams don’t need to align
     • Color placement can be random
     • Slight inconsistencies add charm

This makes string quilting perfect for beginners who want to build confidence without worrying about perfect matching seams.

What Size Scraps Work Best for String Quilt Blocks?

Here’s what works beautifully:

Best strip width:
 1½” to 2½”

Minimum length:
 At least 6″–8″

If your strips are shorter, sew them together first to create longer “strings.”

If you only have very tiny scraps, crumb quilting may be a better option.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Assorted fabric strips
     • Foundation fabric (muslin or lightweight cotton)
     • Rotary cutter & ruler
     • Sewing machine
     • ¼” seam allowance

Optional:
 • Add a center accent strip for visual structure

Step-by-Step: How to Make String Quilt Blocks

Step 1: Cut Your Foundation

Cut foundation squares slightly larger than your finished block size.

Example:
 For a 10″ finished block, cut foundation pieces 11″.

You’ll trim them down later.

Step 2: Place Your First Strip

Lay your first strip right side up, diagonally across the foundation.

This will anchor the block.

Some quilters like to use a consistent center strip for cohesion.

Step 3: Add the Second Strip

Place a second strip right sides together on top of the first strip.

Sew with a ¼” seam.

Flip open and press.

Step 4: Continue Adding Strips

Keep adding strips to one side until you reach the edge of the foundation.

Then flip the block and fill the opposite side.

Press regularly to prevent bulk.

Step 5: Trim the Block

Once the foundation is fully covered:

Flip block foundation side up.
 Trim to your exact unfinished size.

If your finished block is 10″, trim to 10½”.

This squaring step is important.

Popular String Quilt Layout Ideas

String quilt blocks are surprisingly versatile.

Try:

  • All diagonal strips same direction
     • Alternate block rotation
     • Chevron layout
     • Controlled color gradient
     • Neutral center strip
     • Red center “spine” for classic look

Rotating blocks creates secondary patterns automatically.

How Many String Quilt Blocks Do You Need?

For 10″ finished blocks:

Baby Quilt (40″ x 50″) – 20 blocks
 Lap Quilt (50″ x 60″) – 30 blocks
 Throw Quilt (60″ x 70″) – 42 blocks
 Twin Quilt (70″ x 90″) – 63 blocks

Adjust based on sashing and borders.

 

How to Keep String Quilts From Looking Chaotic

Scrap quilts need balance.

Use one or more of these tricks:

  • Repeat one neutral strip in every block
     • Keep background color consistent
     • Limit to 2–3 dominant color families
     • Alternate light and dark blocks
     • Add sashing

Structure keeps string quilts from feeling messy.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using strips that are too narrow (creates bulk)
     • Not pressing seams
     • Skipping trimming step
     • Mixing drastically different fabric weights
     • Forgetting seam allowance when trimming

Foundation fabric prevents stretching — don’t skip it.

Paper vs Fabric Foundation for String Quilts

Fabric foundation:
 • Stays in quilt
 • Adds stability
 • Faster

Paper foundation:
 • Removed after sewing
 • Lighter finished quilt
 • Slightly more work

Most beginners prefer fabric foundation.

Why String Quilts Are So Addictive

They’re repetitive in a relaxing way.

You can:

  • Sew without overthinking
     • Use scraps guilt-free
     • Chain piece easily
     • See fast progress

And somehow, those random strips always look intentional once trimmed into a square.

Making String Quilt Blocks

If your scrap basket is overflowing with strips, a string quilt block is one of the smartest ways to use them.

It’s forgiving.
 It’s flexible.
 And it turns leftover fabric into something bold and cohesive.

You don’t need perfectly matched prints.
 You just need a consistent block size and a little trimming discipline.

The rest is just stitching.