Scrap Coins

"Coin" Strips made from scrap fabric
My fabric scraps are threatening to take over my sewing room, so it was time to rein them in a bit. I found the adding machine tape at a thrift shop a couple of years ago and purchased it on a whim, but it is handy as a foundation for these odd bits of fabrics and the "coin" strips.

I have no idea why strips of fabrics are called "coins," but it is a term that is used widely in the quilting community. Directions for a Chinese Coin Quilt can be found here. Mary also has a tutorial for making wider coin strips without a foundation.

I cut the strips of adding machine tape to 15.5 inches long, but any length would work. The strips are nearly 3 inches wide, so when I trimmed the excess fabric, I squared the strips to 15.5 inches x 3 inches. I have no idea what I will do with these coin strips, but I'm sure the perfect project will reveal itself before long.

Update: This is similar, yet quite different from paper piecing. The paper is only serving as a foundation or stabilizer for the fabric. My scraps are odd bits of fabric - some cut on the bias; some, not. I used the paper for these scraps because many had biased edges that stretch too much for precise, or in my case, consistent sewing. The paper will be removed when these long strips are securely attached to an edge that will not stretch.

Some people make piano key borders for their quilts, but I am not sure if it could be made with scraps and biased edges. You might want to Google "piano-key quilt border" for tips.


Comments

  1. You're good at turning your scraps into beautiful quilts. I know you'll do the same with these.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have the most amazing patience....

    ReplyDelete
  3. You sew the fabric to the paper? Could you please explain further? I might want to do this, too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, do elaborate on the paper thing. I've seen the term "paper piecing" and I don't understand what the paper does.

    The scrappy strips look great! Would they do for edging?

    ReplyDelete
  5. As always, beautiful creations.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You how much I love this scrappy goodness!!! Beautiful! I have stay stitched before to control that stretch.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Who knew that adding machine tape could be so useful in quilting? Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a clever idea to use the adding machine paper. My problem with this type of piecing is always keeping the strip going straight. My piano key border "wanted" to wander, even though I kept trying to keep one edge straight. I think I even have a roll or two of this in the office - left over from a teacher workshop where I used it for timelines.

    ReplyDelete
  9. so pretty. What will they grow up to be?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I wonder what would happen if you just started sewing then together willy nilly? Interesting for sure! Great way to use up scraps:)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great idea to use adding machine paper; I'll remember that one, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. your *coins* are looking good...sorta QOV-ish! or maybe I just have QOV's on my mind! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like using strips this size for borders ... Like this quilt
    http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WL0YbJe1PRQ/RbfycgBv2AI/AAAAAAAAaBM/4zldazmOxAE/s2048-no/Final%20Blue%20Strings.JPG

    ReplyDelete
  14. I wondered if this was similar to paper piecing, which I haven't done yet but want to. I can't wait to see it finished.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Aren't you clever? I'll have to keep an eye out for great deals on adding machine tape!

    ReplyDelete
  16. OMG!!! Adding machine tape!!!! I have a whole case of that stuff and didn't know what to do with it!!
    BRILLIANT IDEA!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow. You are a brilliant, gifted crafter! That's amazing.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love comments!

If you are going to ask a question make sure you have your profile set to allow me to respond back by email or email me directly - my address is in upper right hand column.