To count or not to count? That is the ?
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,570
I cut everything at one time. And I count, count again and clip together in sets of ten. Somehow I always end up one block short or two blocks over so I am guessing I cannot count that well. Really? I can't count to ten? LOL I really don't mind the 2 blocks extra as they go into an orphan block box. When the box is full, I make an orphan quilt. But the one block short really burns my undies!
#22
I count after sewing about 10 blocks and then press and put up on the board to look at and then go back to sewing more. I least try to make one or two more than I need in case a couple are not good enough. I square up all at once.
#23
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Between the dashes of a tombstone
Posts: 12,716
#24
I'm a bit in the minority it seems. I figure out the math and then cut the right amount of strips, then squares. I prefer to sew in an assembly line style. It's slow to see progress but then when the blocks are done they are all done at the same time and I feel so accomplished. I use to just make a random amounts of blocks and then when I have to cut more pieces I would get annoyed and avoid it - cutting the pieces is my least favourite part. I would make less blocks then I needed and just added a few borders to make it bigger and always regret it. Sewing enough blocks from the beginning means I don't have to have a big border, which is my preference.
I think if I was doing a more complicated block I would do a block first, and then cut everything
I think if I was doing a more complicated block I would do a block first, and then cut everything
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: jacksonville bch
Posts: 2,065
I make one block to test the pattern, I do this out of scraps. If this turns out correct I add borders to make a place mat. When my DH sees a new placemat he knows I'm making another quilt. I make a complete block, and count to 5 rather than 10. LOL
#29
I do all of my cutting at once but the last two project I made had me cutting individual pieces for half square triangles instead of cutting matching fabrics and making them the easy way. I have learned my lesson and now I carefully read the instructions and the lay out of a quilt before I start cutting. It saves time and frustration.