Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Block Sizes - General question >

Block Sizes - General question

Block Sizes - General question

Thread Tools
 
Old 12-06-2010, 12:36 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
BizzieLizzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: England
Posts: 5,048
Default

Just a general query, what is the block size that you usually work with? When I started to learn to quilt, the instructor was keen to use 12" as the standard sized block and this is the size I use. However, I have noticed that there are quite a number of quilts where it appears the blocks appear much larger than 12" or is it my eyes that are playing tricks on me? Does it actually matter if they are bigger/smaller or is it just preference? Thank you for sharing.
BizzieLizzie is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 12:40 AM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
amma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
Default

It is preference.. I like 12" blocks for some quilts, but other's IMHO a 6" blocks looks nicer. I guess it depends on the pattern and overall size of the quilt.
I have seen some blocks that are 24"+... too :D:D:D
amma is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 01:48 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
mosaicthinking's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Melbourne. Australia
Posts: 303
Default

I've been doing 9 inch blocks lately. They're big enough to give reasonably speedy progress without seeming overwhelming.
mosaicthinking is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 02:02 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,929
Default

Experiment with different blocks in different sizes to see what looks good to you. :)
lisalovesquilting is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 02:39 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 449
Default

First, I will consider the purpose of the quilt. In making charity quilts [my biggest focus], the larger the block - the faster the sewing just love that 10 minute block [learned about it here on the QB]. It looks terrific with the variety of centers and pieces really fast into a scrappy or somewhat planned design.
The 12" blocks [especially the Quilt in the Day series] are another one of my favorites for the size and instructions.
For my own "play" I like paper piecing. Also, using my scraps how did so many accumulate.....I am cutting up bits for the 1.5" square [postage stamps],1.5" and 1.5" x 2.5" which makes a 5.5" block in the Bonnie Hunter manner. Remember the "leaders and enders". Those may be forever blocks tedious yet fun. Who needs therapy when there is quilting? Thanks for letting me express my some opinions.
phatquilts is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 03:09 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,453
Default

12" blocks are the usual for me..next size is 9 inch.
watterstide is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 03:41 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
CompulsiveQuilter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 733
Default

For small quilts I prefer smaller blocks - or large blocks with lots of small pieces; for large quilts I use larger blocks. It's a matter of scale.
CompulsiveQuilter is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 06:14 AM
  #8  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
BizzieLizzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: England
Posts: 5,048
Default

Thank you so much for your feedback/suggestions. It really makes a difference. I thought that there was a set rule but wasn't sure.
BizzieLizzie is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 06:14 AM
  #9  
Super Member
 
grammyp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 2,474
Default

I usually do 12 inch finished blocks, but also like 9 inch finished.
grammyp is offline  
Old 12-06-2010, 06:19 AM
  #10  
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Keene, New Hampshire
Posts: 4,211
Default

7" and 9" finished are my usual sizes
Have done some at 4" and another at 17". Like others have said - it depends on the pattern.
My rule is - larger blocks, i.e. 12" and up need more complicated designs
gollytwo is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
11
08-26-2011 06:29 AM
QuiltforPD
Main
7
07-01-2011 01:05 PM
kimnkell
Pictures
17
04-11-2011 06:57 AM
tkmg23
Main
5
09-12-2008 01:29 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter