LOL...I've tried both ways. I say that you should do it which ever way works the best for YOU!
Personally...I'm trying to learn how to do it with just a needle...no paper....so go well..some not quite so well, but I'm getting there!!
I finally finished that blasted block #22 (after I think 14 hours!)...GRRRR!!! I'm not all that happy with some of the points..but with a 7" block..these are as good as I'm going to get them until I have years more practice..so I'm NOT doing it over!! I'll post a pic of the block on that thread in a few minutes.