Easy Quilt Patterns Using 1 1/2 Inch Fabric Strips – Ideas for Beginners

Everything You Need to Know About 1 1/2 Inch Quilt Strip Patterns

If you’ve been collecting 1 1/2 inch fabric strips and are looking for projects to use them up, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the most popular quilt patterns that can be made using 1 1/2 inch strips. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which pattern is best suited to your skill level and fabric collection.

Basic Strip Piecing Patterns

For beginners just starting out with strip piecing, these simple patterns are a great place to start:

1. String quilts – Sew strips together in long strings, then piece the strings together. They come together quickly.
2. Rail fence – Alternate strip orientation to make a checkerboard pattern. Easy to improvise as you go.
3. Nine-patch – Piece 9 squares together from strips. A versatile block that can be arranged in many layouts.

These patterns allow you to focus on accurate 1/4″ seam allowances without complex cutting or piecing shapes. From my experience, they help you gain confidence with the strip piecing technique.

Intermediate Patterns

Once you’ve got the basics down, try these more involved strip piecing patterns:

1. Log cabin – Build geometric blocks by piecing concentric borders of strips around a solid fabric center. Very satisfying to see the designs emerge.
2. Courthouse steps – Pieced triangles give the illusion of stairs. Piecing narrow bias-cut strips takes patience but the results are worth it.
3. Hourglass – Pieced hourglass shapes that flip from side to side when arranged. Challenging cutting and piecing but a real wow-factor once complete.

I’ve found log cabin and courthouse steps especially enjoyable because each added strip border shows real progress. It keeps you motivated through the process.

Advanced Designs

For experienced strip piecers seeking a new challenge, these sophisticated patterns will really put your skills to the test:

1. Hawaiian wedding ring – Pieced rings within rings in an optical illusion design. Incredibly complex but deeply satisfying when you master the process.
2. Mariner’s compass – Astrip pieced starburst pattern arranged on the diagonal. Extreme precision needed to get sharp points. Not for the faint of heart!
3. French braid – Narrow bias-cut strips pieced to resemble an actual braid. Absurdly fiddly but the textures created look amazing.

While these advanced patterns require immense focus and patience, taking on one gave me an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment upon completion. If you’re up for pushing your limits, they’re very rewarding.

beyond Traditional Strip Piecing

Don’t want to stick to traditional block-style patterns? Get creative by integrating strips into these less conventional designs:

1. Strip pieced borders – Frame larger printed or appliqued motifs with pointed or scalloped strip borders for visual interest.
2. Freeform piecing – Sew strips together in windblown curves and spirals without strict geometric shapes.
3. Modular strips – Piece strip segments into unique units that can join together in novel arrangements.

The beauty of strip piecing is how adaptable it is. With a bit of scrappy improvisation, you can integrate strips into one-of-a-kind art quilt designs. It’s very liberating!

Deciding on a Pattern

Choosing the right strip piecing project can seem overwhelming with so many options. Here are some tips to narrow it down:

• Consider your skill level – Start simple if you’re new to piecing. Don’t bit off more than you can chew.
• Inventory your fabrics – Patterns like log cabin and Hawaiian wedding rings suit scrappy variegated strips.
• Assess your time commitment – Spending less time piecing? Choose faster Rail Fence over fiddly Mariner’s Compass.
• Visual impact – Small table toppers call for simple Nine-Patch. Shareworthy wall quilts need wow-factor designs.
• Your interests – Into geometry? Choose patterns with precise pieced starpoints. Fond of freeform? Improvise strips however you like

With a bit of self-reflection on your quilt-making strengths and goals for the project, the perfect pattern will become clear. Trust your instincts for what inspires you most.

Final Thoughts

I hope this overview has helped uncover some new and exciting strip piecing ideas! The options really are endless once you embrace the scrappy creativity of 1 1/2 inch strips. Have fun experimenting without overthinking every step along the way. That relaxed process of discovery is what makes strip piecing such a fulfilling hobby, in my opinion. Now get out there and start piecing – can’t wait to see what you create!

Quilt Patterns using 1 1/2 inch strips

FAQ

1. What size strips do I cut my quilt fabric into?

   Most quilt patterns that use strip piecing call for cutting the fabrics into 1 1/2 inch wide strips. This strip width is kind of the standard size for making strip pieced quilts. You can basically cut narrower or wider strips if you want, but 1 1/2 inches is generally what the patterns are designed for.

2. How many strips of each fabric do I need to cut?

   The number of strips you need to cut of each fabric depends on the particular quilt pattern. The pattern instructions should tell you how many strips of each size you need. Sometimes you need the same amount of each fabric, other times the amounts vary. It’s important to follow the guide closely so you don’t end up with too few or too many strips of any one fabric. Otherwise your quilt top may not come out looking quite right!

   

3. What’s the easiest way to cut uniform strips?

   The easiest way to cut uniform strips is to use a rotary cutter and acrylic ruler. Place the fabric right side up on a cutting mat. Then line up the 1 1/2 inch line on the ruler along one edge of the fabric. Use the rotary cutter to slice down the ruler cutting a straight strip. Repeat all the way across the width of the fabric. This method helps ensure nice straight, accurate strips without too much effort. You can also use a strip piecing foot on your sewing machine for sewing the strips together neatly.

4. In what order do I sew the strips together?

   Most quilt patterns will show you the order to sew the strips in through either illustrations or a written description. Strips are typically sewn together in horizontal rows first. These rows are then sewn together vertically to form larger quilt blocks. However, there are no hard and fast rules – you can piece your strips together in different orders if you want to. Just make sure each strip block comes out the intended size called for in the pattern. Then everything should go together according to plan in the end, as long as you follow the general piecing directions.

5. Is it better to sew strip sets or make road to Rhode Island blocks?

   There’s no absolute “better” way – it really depends on personal preference and the look you’re going for. Sewing strip sets involves sewing several horizontal strips together to form long continuous panels which are then cut into individual blocks. Road to Rhode Island blocks start with individual strip units that are sewn together into blocks first before being arranged. Both methods work fine. Road to Rhode Island blocks may seem slightly more complicated but also allow more flexibility in fabric placement. Strip sets are faster since less cutting and rearranging is involved. Maybe give each method a try and see which you enjoy more? In the end, both will result in beautiful strip pieced quilts.

6. How can I add visual interest with 1 1/2 inch strips?

   There are several things you can do to make 1 1/2 inch strip quilts a bit more exciting visually. You could incorporate prints, solids and textures among the strips to create contrast. Play around with color value, light vs. dark fabrics. Perhaps piece some strips together in diagonal or triangular patterns rather than just horizontal rows. Cut some strips on the bias for interesting angles. Or experiment with different strip widths within the same project, like adding some narrow 1 inch strips in between the standard 1 1/2 inch ones. Staggering strip placement or orientations are other options. With some creativity you can achieve amazing results even using this basic strip size!

7. Would you have any tips when sewing small strip sets?

   When sewing with narrow 1 1/2 inch wide strips, here’s an extra tip – use fine quality strips of double sided fusible web between the strips before sewing. This lightweight webbing adds just enough stability to prevent the thin fabric strips from shifting out of alignment as you sew. It also lets you easily press the seams without bulk. Go slowly and carefully through the machine, frequent pressing helps tremendously. Awesomely, using these methods can result in wonderfully crisp, accurate little strip sets even with fiddly narrow fabrics. Just take your time and concentrate – the extra effort really pays off in the end!

   

8. Do you have any other suggestions for making strip pieced quilts beginner friendly?

   A smart way to ensure success when making your first strip pieced quilt is to choose fabrics that contrast well in value and print scale. Boldly colored medium to large scale prints on plain backgrounds let the piecing details really stand out. You can also focus on simple block layouts to start, like strip sampler designs or strippy squares, before moving on to complex secondary patterns. Clearly marking fabric names on each strip can help too. Never hesitate to take quilt-making slow and listen to yourinner doubts. With diligence and practice, soon you’ll be sewing strip sets like a seasoned pro in no time! Don’t give up – you’ve got this.