Cut batting squares. Mine are 9-1/2" X 9-1/2".
You may use pieces of batting too, to equal the size block you choose to make.
Cut backing fabric the same size as the batting-one backing for every square of batting. My backing squares are 9-1/2" X 9-1/2".
Now get your bin of strings. I have a lot to choose from! Use strips 1" to 2-1/2" wide. Or wider if you choose, especially if you're making a larger block.
With the backing wrong side up, place a batting square on top, and position a string diagonally on the square.
Choose another string. Place it, right sides together, on top of the first string with the raw edges even. Sew a quarter-inch seam. I highly recommend using a walking foot or your sewing machine's dual/even feed feature.
Turn the sewn string right side up, smoothing to open the seam.
Continue sewing and turning strings to the backing/batting foundation. When you reach a corner, get into your small scraps box and pick a little piece.
Now turn the block around and fill the other side with strings.
Here's the block, completely covered with strings, from the front...
The block from the back...
See how nicely it's quilted?
Working with the backing side up, trim the block. Because layers may have shifted during sewing, it's okay to make the block smaller. My 9-1/2" X 9-1/2" starting block was trimmed to measure 9" X 9".
It looks really nice from the front.
These blocks have several layout possibilities. Number 1...
Layout possibility number 2...
Layout possibility number 3. This is the "lightening bolt" or zig-zag version I like.
From a tone-on-tone print (black is always effective) cut 2-1/2" wide strips. Fold and press the strip, wrong sides together. Put two blocks together - wrong sides together - aligning the edges. Also align the raw edges of the strip with the blocks.
With a denim needle in your sewing machine, sew through all layers at once..two blocks and folded strip. This is thick! The photo shows the seam that's on the front of the blocks.
Press the blocks open. I also tried to press open the seam, though it's a little difficult with all that bulk. Turn and press the strip onto the block. Using matching thread, topstitch through the strip and block, along the folded edge of the strip.
Two pairs of blocks have been joined.
When you've joined as many blocks in a row as you wish, the next step is to join the rows. Using a 2-1/2" wide strip that has been folded in half and pressed wrong sides together, align the raw edges of two block rows, placing backing side to backing side. Lay raw edges of strip on top, also aligning edges. Sew using a quarter-inch seam.
Here's what it looks like with the seam on the front of the blocks. Press the blocks open. Press the strip over the seam allowance. Topstitch through the strip and blocks along the folded edge of the strip. Press.
Here's the completed four-block sample.
And this is what it looks like on the back.
