Scrap Attack Strings QAL - Block Tutorial

Welcome to the block tutorial for the Scap Attack Strings QAL.  I introduced the project here.  I am choosing to semi-paper piece my block.  I say semi-paper piece because I like the accuracy of paper piecing, but I don't like ripping out all the paper!  LOL  And I don't want to rip paper from 80 blocks later.  So, here's what I am doing...

For each block, you'll need a 6" square of relatively thin paper.  I am using some scrapbook paper here, but will also use notebook paper, etc.  You'll also need one 9" x 1.5" white solid strip of fabric.  And assorted scraps - strips ranging from 1" wide and larger.  I am aiming for 3 strips on either side of my center strip.

Step 1:  Use a ruler to draw two diagonal lines on your paper 1.5" apart.

Step 2: Place a 1.5" wide strip of solid white fabric on the paper between the lines. Tack the strip down using a couple pieces of painter's tape on one side.  (Painter's tape is easily removed and reuseable for this project.)

Step 3:  Select a scrap and lay it on top of the white strip - right sides together.  Make sure the strip will cover the piece of paper! :-)  Use a 1/4 inch inseam and shorten your stitch length for this seam.

Step 4: Remove the tape.  Press the seam open away from the white center strip.

Let's get ready to repeat the process on the other side of the white strip.  Fold the paper out of the way so it won't be in the seam you are about to stitch. 

Stitch the two strips together (I go back to my regular stitch length now that I am not stitching through paper - it's faster!)

Step 5: Keep adding strips on each side - moving the paper out of the way until you have enough fabric to cover the square of paper.

Step 6:  Once you have enough strips added to cover the paper, press your block.

Step 7:  Place your block face down on a cutting mat.  Line it up with your mat's grid if it has one.  And slice the edges off to square up your block.  (Note - I use the grid as my guide, not just the paper.)

Step 8: Gently rip the paper off the block.  I like to hold the seam at the top to make sure I don't rip out any stitches with the paper.  :-)  Using thin paper and a shortened stitch will make this easier.

Repeat!  Again, I will be making 2 per week for a total of 80 over the next 10 months/40 weeks.  :-)

If you have any questions, please ask!

Happy Sewing! :-)