"One Block" quilts (not wonders)...do you make many pieces, or a few large ones?
 

I'm considering making a Hunter's Star quilt with just one block. I saw a watercolor version HERE and I absolutely love the way she rendered it.

Now, if'n I was inclined to not do it watercolor fashion (but I am...for this one, so breaking the pieces down is obvious)...

...what I mean is...if you were going to do a quilt that was simply a giant, single pieced block...would you make it with single, large pieces, or would you break the pieces down into smaller pieces? Is there a preferred way to make a 'single block' quilt?

I hope this makes sense.

I'd make it with single, large pieces if my purpose was to make a quick, simple, large quilt. If you want a look that's a little more complicated but want the look of a single block, I'd Piece the pieces, so to speak.

I just made a SF 49er quilt for a friend and I did the same block in two color ways. I ended up with a lovely secondary design. Or are you asking about making a quilt literally from one ginormous block? Never done that.

The only one I've done is the Carpenter's Wheel and each piece is one piece. I really like the idea of the Hunter's Star in your link though.

I like the Hunters Star. It is in my mind for the future, and maybe would incorporate some side by side blocks for the skirt on one of my dolls for VERY sick kids

Usually when they are talking about 1 block quilts - it means that the quilt is made of many of the same block.

yes, one ginormous block. See link in original post. See how the Hunter's block is done by itself and not multiples that create a 'pattern?' There are obviously only certain blocks that would lend themselves to being rendered singly like this; you couldn't do it effectively with say, a Log Cabin block. But because the Hunter's Star is a 'focal,' it works.

I just found a book on the subject: Evelyn Sloppy's "Sew One and You're Done- Making a Quilt from a Single Block"
and a quick scan notes that she's evidently using large pieces. That would answer my question!
Thanks, everyone!

I'm lazy-------------one big block!

Just to throw a ringer into your options, you can also make one ginormous block out of many blocks of a totally different type. For instance, an Ocean Waves 'single block' quilt made out of multiple Log Cabin blocks in place of the HSTs.

http://i69.servimg.com/u/f69/13/49/59/13/th/davey10.jpg

I would think that if you're looking for the 'watercolor' effect, you might need more of smaller pieces. Otherwise, larger pieces would be the hot tip.

I love the quilt you are considering. I clicked on the link but did not find any pattern instructions. I'd like to have it, whether it's free or have to purchase. Where did you find the pattern?

Thanks

@ NJ- yes, the watercolor WILL require breaking the pieces down.
@ RV- I didn't find the pattern at all, but I actually drew it out in Excel because it was actually very simple. There are 4 blocks that make up the whole thing, and those are 8 x 8 squares. She's got 16 fabrics in that one, and I was able to break the pattern down, and determine what size each square would be for the size I wanted. I added a 1" and a 4" border, and came up with a 66 x 66 quilt using 3.5" (finished) squares. Want my chicken scratch sheet and notes?

I've done a Carpenter's Star as one large block. I did all the pieces as large pieces. Went together quickly and turned out well. I didn't get a picture before giving it to my brother though. I used fabrics that looked like wood/boards.

I have that book, and I have often considered making a single block big enough for a baby blanket, at least, if not a whole quilt.

I think the layout you've found for the hunter's star is brilliant. I could go either way with it – piece four squares and then put them together, or start in the middle and build out.

I can't wait to see yours when it's done!

I've not heard that. So many quilts are made from only one style of block that most are not identified except by their block name.

Sounds like my kind of quilt. The bigger the pieces and the fewer of them the better. I have even taken to using a preprinted "looks" like it's pieced, fabric and adding borders. Then I handquilt around all the supposed piecing lines. I would bet that many of you would have to examine it very carefully to realize it was not actually pieced.

I made a large block for the back of my Carol Doak 50 paper pieced stars quilt. It is about 36 inches square. I just used really big pieces. Good luck. Post pictures of your quilt when finished. I have a Hunters star on my bucket list. I like this block even better. I just bookmarked it.

I just logged into myquiltgenie.com What a terrific sight. It even has a calculator for doing "one Block" quilts.