strip sets v. separate piecing
 

I'm working on a simple pattern that has 8.5" square blocks which have a 4.5" X 8.5" center framed by two 2.5"X 8.5" strips. The directions call for cutting 8.5" strips of the center fabric, cutting that into the rectangles, then cutting the framing fbric into 8.5" strips and then cutting that into 2.5" pieces. So for 35 blocks you cut 35 pieces that are 4.5X8.5 and 70 piecs that are 2.5X8.5. Why would you do that instead of cutting 4.5" strips for the center and sewing those with the 2.5" strips on each side - then cutting the whole thing into 8.5" squares? Is there a reason?

I'm using two different fabrics for the centers - 1 yard each - and cut the first yard as directed. I cut the second yard and sewed it into strip sets before cutting it into the square blocks. I got the same number of blocks out of each yard. They are equally square. I just don't get why you would cut 70 strips 2.5X8.5 when you could cut and sew long strips instead.

Any insights?

Where did you find the pattern? It may just be the way the original person put it together so they wrote the instructions that way? Maybe someone who has never done strip piecing. You just knew enough to make your life easier ;)

It's an online pattern I've used before - but last time I used a layer cake and jelly roll so did not cut it as written in the pattern. Cut each 10" square in half so had 5 inch centers instead of 4.5". Then sewed the 2.5" strips on each side and squared to 9" I think.

Pattern:
http://kickassquiltsupplies.com/Share/taketwo.htm

If I can make strip sets, I do.....I think it helps make more accurate blocks (and it sure is a heck of a lot faster to put together!!)

You're right to make it from strip sets - cutting all those individual rectangles would be a complete waste of time. When I look at quilts I always look first to see how they could be made from a strip set because I'm easily bored and like to see results immediately.

May be an old pattern before we saw the benefit if strip piecing.

Eh who knows. Sometimes if it's a scrap quilt designers give the number of pieces to cut rather than strip piecing instructions. If it was written for precuts they may just be assuming that you are also using precuts. I think it's helpful to have both instructions really. I can see a purpose for both. ;)

As soon as I saw the pattern, I know why you asked. I have that pattern too and the first time I was going to make it, read the instructions a couple of times and said "strip sets", and have done it that way ever since.:)

Totally agree! Plus, the more cuts, the more sewing of small pieces, the more chance for mistakes...at least for me.

When I look at it, I see fence rail, just turned differently?????

A lot of patterns have been around a long time - before we got smart and figured out how to do strip sets.

It's possible they wanted the 2.5" strips cut on the lengthwise grain to help keep them from stretching, making the blocks more stable, since they are fairly large pieces. Otherwise, I don't know either.

I use strip sets whenever I can. I have also learned to read the instructions ahead of time especially with online "designers" sometimes the way they do things is not the most efficient or intelligent way. I made one quilt that taught me that. There was a lot of matching of points that was totally unnecessary had it been constructed a different, easier way. I really should rewrite that pattern and save others from the same fate I had...

Alot of profressionals do things the hard way, such as Fons and Porter.
Eleanor Burns is into simple and easy ways so have alot of her patterns.

That is a really good idea! Thanks for sharing

Yes this pattern could be strip sewn. There are MANY was to peice a quilt and this is just one of them. Actually it may be easier for beginners since it can be tricky to sew a 44" strip and get it all even with not bowing! The cut pieces can be chain sewn which would seed up the process!!!!