if i am trying a new block i have never made before i do a practice block according to the instructions- and see how it comes out- if i like it and it seems to make sense- i make more that way- if it does not go together well- or i know an easier way i may change my technique for the next one....but if i have instructions i use them- at least the first time. i hate wasting fabric so i do not tend to experiment until i see how it goes together-as prescribed.