I am a semi beginner quilter
 

I am doing my first strip quilt and my question is is it better to assemble in small squares and quilt or make a whole quilt and quilt? Also I am considering getting a snap frame, what do you think of snap frames it would be a stand up type.

I generally complete the quilt, then do the quilting. Sorry, I don't know anything about snap frames.

Sounds like you'll be hand quilting. It's entirely up to you whether you assemble the whole quilt or do it in sections. I'm not fond of putting together the smaller hand-quilted sections myself. I have one right now that keeps getting pushed to the back of the to-do list. However, if it's a large quilt it'll be harder to handle in one piece. As for the snap frame, I've never used one but know of people who do and like them. I baste the whole top really well and use a 12-14 inch hoop, starting at the center and working out. My hoop is not on a stand.

Welcome to the board. I quilt mine after the top is done, however I am getting ready to try the quilt as you go. I do not hand quilt so I do not know anything about snap frames. Good luck on your quilt and let us see it when it is finished.

I've made one QAYG but it was by machine, not hand stitched. It turned out OK, but I now much prefer to complete a quilt top and quilt the sandwich as a whole. Sorry, I'm not familiar with the snap frame, I use a square wooden lap hoop on a support base that is held in the lap. By the way, welcome to the board!

I also put my quilts together and then quilt them. I have snap frames [ stand up] and I've used it 2 or 3 times to do a full quilt. I bought the big one because I have 3 friends who wanted to help me. And they did. I really like mine. I've not tried the stand up hoop, but I'm sure they would be very good for hand quilting.