"Strip and Flip" Tutorial

The "Strip and Flip" process is a fun way to bust those scraps. I have drawers of pre-cut strips: 1.5", 2.0", 2.5", 3.5", 4.5" and 6.5". When some of the drawers overflow, I begin to play.


The following strips are about 21-22" long, in widths of: 2.5", 2.5", 3.5", 2". I sort them trying to keep a contrast between the strips. I also use strips in lengths of 10.5-11". You can use the WIF, however I like to cut them down to avoid wavy seams - they happen to the best of us.

After sewing the sets together, press all seams in one direction. Now cut them in the SAME widths, same order: 2.5", 2.5", 3.5" and 2".

Now "FLIP" the 2nd and 4th within each strip set. Notice -- No seams to match!

More play: Mix them up between strip sets. Notice that one of the strip sets was a little short. Save the good ones to mix with other blocks that come up short! The finished block is 8.5".

Here is a finished quilt top in bright scraps. The blocks are sashed with 2" wide strips, the inner border is 2.5", outer border is 6.5". Finished quilt top: 57.5"x67.5".

I have also made tops with 5-strip blocks in various sizes....one of them on point. Have Fun!