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| Lorraine Mooney String Block by ChrisQuilts |
If you're looking to turn fabric scraps into beautiful, spontaneous quilt blocks, the Lorraine Mooney String Block, beautifully showcased by ChrisQuilts, is worth a try! Here's the quilt-inspired breakdown.
What Makes the Lorraine Mooney String Block Special
- Scrap Lover's Dream: This block is all about using leftover strips—perfect for stash-busters or scrap quilts without having to think ahead. ChrisQuilts refers to it as a great method to "use a bunch of leftover strips"
- Partial-Seam Magic: The technique uses a partial seam that is started, interrupted, and completed later—a clever trick ChrisQuilts learned way back in the '80s and enjoys revisiting
- Flexible Sizing: Start with strip sets cut into units (about 6½″ × 9½″), arrange them in pairs, and cut to create your block with a center square. The final units are squared up to 10½″ for an entire block
Step-by-Step Snapshot
1. Build Your Strip Sets
- Cut scraps at least 9½″ and varied widths.
- Sew them together as 6½″ × 9½″ units, then set up and trim.
2. Slice and Prep
- Mark the center of each paired unit, cut along a 45° line from the bottom corner to the marker, and have two angled pieces.
3. Add the Center Square with Partial Seam
- Place a contrasting 3½″ center square.
- Sew one edge of the square to a strip unit with a partial seam (typically 1½″).
- Add the remaining strip units, then finish the partial seam, and have a striking "spin" around the center
4. Square Up Your Block
- Cut the built block to 10½″, with clean edges and precise fitting
Why You'll Love It
- Works with Scraps Creatively: It's a great way to repurpose leftover strips into gorgeous blocks.
- Versatile Design: You can make all of one color scheme or go super scrappy—the final result is always full of energetic movement.
- Best for Charity Quilts: ChrisQuilts says it's great for quilting during retreats or group events where there are plenty of scraps.
Success Tips
- Press Your Strips Ahead of Time to reduce bulk.
- Leave Partial Seams Loose initially to simplify the final steps.
- Chain Piece for Speed—do a number of blocks at once for maximum efficiency.
The Lorraine Mooney String Block PDF (also called Spin Me Round) free PDF download is available on QuiltingBoard : Lorraine Mooney String Block Pattern
The Lorraine Mooney String Block is a stunning fusion of structure and improvisation, perfect for scrap quilters who love bringing dead fabric scraps back to life. Owing to ChrisQuilts' comprehensive tutorial, it's simple, fun, and endlessly customizable.
