I have used both methods. With this current Watermelon quilt I cut all the pieces, laid them by color and size in their appropriate containers, and chain sewed. Of course I had to sew three blocks the traditional way before I told myself it will go faster chain-sewing! Duh! It did and now I am finishing up the appliqued seeds. I did get a few of the blocks a tad off so I squared up each one at the 6" and then the finished size. That took alot of extra time. Oh well.
I guess it just depends what mood I am in and ...