Tutorial: Strip Tube Quilt

I’ve had several requests for the pattern I used for my Right Turn Only quilt so I thought I would write up a tutorial showing what I did.  First of all, I would recommend viewing this.  That’s how I learned.

Secondly, don’t think that you absolutely need a special strip tube ruler.  I used one for this quilt and it was great -  but since then I have found a similar ruler that works as well.  I DID look for a strip tube ruler at a few local quilt shops but none carried it.  I could have ordered one online, but then I’d have to wait for it to arrive.  I’m not good at waiting, so I bought a similar ruler that I found at my favorite shop.  It is an EZ Quilting Companion Angle ruler and it works great!  What you’re looking for are the horizontal lines that will help you line up your ruler with the edge of your strip. 

[edited to add:  Heather found this youtube video showing how to do the same technique using a regular ol' square ruler- very cool!]

Ok – now on to the tutorial!

(I used a jelly roll for this quilt, but you can certainly cut your own 2.5” strips.)

Step 1:






For each set of jelly roll strips, you’ll need one strip of background fabric cut at 4.5” x width of fabric.



Step 2:





Step 3:




Now for this step, I was supposed to line up the 5 1/2” mark on the ruler with the stitching line there along the bottom.  Instead I chose to line up the 6” line with the bottom edge of the tube.  As long as your top point is below the seam line, and as long as you are consistent with each tube you cut it should be fine! 



Step 4:




Keep that end piece.  I’ll show you later what you can do with those!



Step 5:













Step 6:










Take your blocks and arrange them as desired.  I chose this layout:

I had some extra squares that didn’t have a match (like in step 6) so I kept them:

I ended up adding in the bits leftover from step 4.





I enjoyed making these quilts and using the strip tube process.  My blocks came together quickly and I love the final quilt! To see another option for strip tube blocks watch this. 


Any questions?  Leave me a comment and I’ll clarify anything that needs it!