Hi,

I'm just completing a beginners quilting class and I'm very interested in continuing to learn. In class we've made twelve inch machine pieced blocks. However, I'll be going on vacation shortly and would like to try hand piecing some sample blocks while away. I had thought about making 6" blocks, but wonder if these would be too small for a beginner. I think 12" blocks are too large. Any suggestions as to a good size for a newby? Snipper 74

What pattern do you have in mind? The pattern used makes a difference in the completed size of a block.

Hello and welcome from Ontario.

Hi, welcome from Minnesota!

Hi and welcome from another Virginia quilter. I would stick with a larger sized block while first learning, it keeps the individual pieces a bit bigger and easier to handle. Just my HO. Where are you in Va - I'm near Williamsburg.

Hi from Ohio!

Hello and Welcome to the board :D:D:D

Depending on the blocks, and the sizes of pieces in it, will really determine how big you want to go.
A 9 patch with 4" blocks would seem quite large finishing at 12". However a 12" finished block that has 16 pieces to it? those sized pieces may feel quite comfortable to you :D

Check out Blocks Galore on Quilters cache. There are many listed at the beginner level and different sizes too :D:D:D

http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html

Hello there, welcome from Connecticut!

I was thinking of starting with the simplest of patterns, such as nine patch, Irish chain, or shoo fly. We made a huge star in class.

Hi,

I'm from Charlottesville. I've been to Williamdsburg many, many times and have enjoyed each visit.

Would you recommend blocks somewhat smaller than 12"? I really don't like them that large! Snipper 74

Hi, glad to meet you. Snipper 74

Welcome from NM. A nine inch block is a workable size to hand quilt and making ninepatches would allow you to try different kinds of hand-stitching designs on the blocks, curves, straight lines, cross-hatch, etc.

welcome from Indiana!

Welcome from Arkansas!

Hi and in the 6" blocks the pieces get so small sometimes. I would suggest the 9" or 12". Go to quilterscache.com they have lots of free patterns.

Hello and Welcome from another Virginian!

Welcome from Kentucky! Try a 9" block!

Hi and welcome from the sunny state of Florida!!

Hello and welcome from central Alabama.

Many thanks, Snipper 74

Thanks - 9" sounds like a good compromise for me. Snipper74

Hello and welcome from SW Iowa. Glad to have you here.

Hi and welcome from Alaska.

Welcome from another Virginia quilter, near Roanoke. I think the pattern that you will use makes a difference in the size. If you are making a 4 patch for example using 3" squares, you end up with a 6" block, a good size for a beginner. However, if you are making some type of star block, or churn dash, the larger block is better. Also the size of the quilt makes a big difference, a wall hanging? lap quilt? If you are a beginner, I really suggest something small to start with, that way you get a chance to learn all the steps, piecing the blocks, borders, sandwiching the quilt, quilting and binding. Have fun.

Many thanks for the welcome and your answer to the size question. Someone has suggested that I start out making 9" squares, which is a compromise between the 12" (which I think is too large) and the 6", which is probably too small. I thought I'd pick a size and then try different blocks, possibly ending up with a sampler at some very distant date. I'm trying hard NOT to be overly ambitious at this point. Actually, 8" might be better because more easily divisible....
Snipper74

Welcome!

Welcome!

Hello and welcome from England!

Hello from WV and welcome to the group

Hello and welcome from Germany!

Welcome from Colorado

Welcome from Ireland

Many thanks for your suggestion. I will check out the site you mentioned. Snipper

Welcome from Oklahoma!

Can't help you on hand quilting but wanted to say howdy and welcome from Kentucky!!http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...um/welcome.gif

Welcome from Michigan,

I've checked out the site and really like it. Perhaps you can tell me what the stars next to some patterns mean. I understand the pins, because they are explained, but was unable to find an explanation for the stars! I think this site will be VERY helpful, so thanks again. Snipper

Welcome! You're not too far from me. I'm from Stafford County but live in Louisa now :)

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!!

Hello and welcome from Germany! I'm sure you will love it over here. Can't go wrong with a sampler to learn a lot, that's what my teacher in my LQS says.