String Diamonds
(Go to the end of the page to see my finished top)
Blocks will be pieced on a muslin foundation and then trimmed to 6.5 x 9.5 inches.
Muslin foundation is cut 7 x 10 inches
BLACK center strings should be cut 2 inches. You may use tone on tone prints but the center string should *read* as solid when you step back and look at the blocks.
The most important thing to remember with these rectangle string blocks is that you need to make mirror image blocks. That is half the blocks need to have the center string going from bottom left to top right and the other half of the blocks need the center string going from top left to bottom right.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to start blocks in sets of two as shown below.
Sew a string to either side of the center and press open.
From this point, I sew a strip to both sides of the block before getting up to press and I make blocks in groups of 8-10 at a time. You can make fewer or more – whatever works best for you.
When I get to the corners I use an oversized triangle or a wide strip to avoid having tiny pieces on the corners. Remember these blocks are going to be trimmed down and it’s easier on those assembling them.
If I get to a corner and just have a small section of the foundation to be covered, I’ll frequently use an oversize piece as shown below and then trim the string underneath being careful not to cut the foundation.
Here my foundation is completely covered with strings and I’m ready to square up the block.
I always trim my blocks from the back and first I trim about 1/4 off the right side and top and then flip the block around and trim the remaining two sides leaving the block at exactly 6.5 x 9.5 inches as shown below.
Here’s my finished block.
And here is my quilt in progress. If you’d like to make a more color coordinated version and plan to make the entire top or quilt yourself, take a look at my rectangle strings to see how a different color scheme would look.
If you’d like to make your own top or quilt rather than sending the blocks in; here are a couple versions to get you started.
Version 1
Make 36 blocks and set them 6 x 6
Cut an inner border 2 inches
Cut an outer border 5.5 inches
Quilt will finish at 49 x 67
Version 2
Make 80 blocks and set them 10 x 8
This version finishes at 60 x 72
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I finished my first heart string top. This top goes fast at you have no matching involved
[...] The HeartStrings sew-in continues through Labor Day, are you participating? I finished my Diamond Strings top today as a part of our special project through October 31. The guidelines can be found here: Diamond Strings [...]
[...] We’re making Diamond String blocks for our Fall project. Guidelines for making the blocks can be found here: Diamond Strings. [...]
I’m thinking I’m in for part of the weekend at least. The stockings are finished; the cool ties are almost, so I’m in need of a quick satisfying project.
[...] Diamond String block guidelines [...]
[...] and Rhonda worked on Diamond Strings for our current project. Diamond String Instructions Kathy (L) and Rhonda (R) with Diamond [...]
Love to make some of those blocks! I’ll send you some in September!
[...] Instructions for our Diamond string blocks [...]
Thanks for another clear tutorial. I’ll be making some blocks to send, and some to donate to WTIL.
Thank you for your easy lesson!! I love such blocks!
What a beautiful variation on the 9″ square. I can’t wait to get started! Another great special project, Mary!
Sheree
Count me it for some blocks. May
Mary, the black center string makes the rest of the strips POP! As always, your quilts are beautiful! Thanks for the new project.
Hi Mary,
I am sorry you have to recreate your blog. What a nightmare.
Are you going to repost the pink and brown quilt you were working on? I love that quilt and am thinking of making it.
Cindy in Seattle