Girlfriend

as depicted in the beginning of the instructions, or do you cut as you go?

I have always skipped the cutting instructions, and just started cutting and sewing the blocks as I went along.

I am now considering doing it differently and wondered how you all do it?

Thanks!

AlienQuilter

Pro: You will know up front if you have enough fabric and might be able to run back to the store and buy more while it's still in stock. This has happened to me!

Con: If you cut before making a practice block and you decide you just don't like how it looks or it's harder than you thought or would take too much time - you are out of luck. This has also happened to me - LOL!

jeank

I usually cut as I go, but on those few occasions that I cut everything first, I really liked it. I keep saying that is what I am going to do always, doesn't happen, LOL. I have a problem standing for a long time, so by starting to sew, I get to sit down.

Be sure to label all your pieces, either by putting into a baggie with the note, or pin the note to the top piece, or you WILL get mixed up.

Warning: Be sure to cut only one block, and test by putting together to make sure measurement are correct before cutting all the pieces. Errors have been known to exist in the pattern. Better to find out before cutting.

PaperPrincess

I usually cut the whole thing. If it's a new pattern, I first cut and assemble one block to check. I find that if I cut them all at the same time, I get into a rythm and my cuts seem to be more accurate. I also piece this way, i.e. piece all the HSTs for the entire quilt, rather than making one complete block.

Tartan

I figure and draw my quilt out on paper to make sure I have enough fabric( with a little over) to complete my quilt. I cut a few blocks and then sew. I find my shoulder aches if I cut too long now.

franc36

I always cut everything but the borders and the backing. Usually, I cut the borders when I cut the fabric for the blocks; but not always. I always make the binding and put it on a roll before I start piecing the top. I think I cut out all the fabric for piecing since I so enjoy piecing and don't want to stop to cut more fabric once I get started sewing.

hsquiltingmom

I agree with PaperPrinces. I cut out one block first and make sure I like what I have dreamed up. If I don't then I can cut another one and switch fabrics around. Once I like what I have, then I cut all of what I need. I have learned to buy extra fabric and cut a few extra squares for those times that I goof up. I then start piecing in sections, so I can do chain piecing. Of course, I get a few done, and just have to put my blocks together.

GammaLou

It depends on the quilt pattern and plan. I love cutting it all out and having the pieces ready, but if I'm doing a scrappy quilt with lots of blocks, then I will cut as I go. Usually I do all the blocks then decide on the borders after I have the top pieced. Lots of times, I change the order of the borders or the colors I'm using. I like to see how they look on the finished piece.

bigsister63

I cut all peices out except. Like PaperPrincess I get into a rythem. Also once I start sewing I like to keep sewing and hate it when I have to stop and cut what I need next. Also I find it is easier to follow the cutting direction if I go step by step in the beginning. The only thing I do not worry about is the backing . I usually wait to after the top is finished to even buy the backing.

Lori S

It depends on the project if I cut it all out before sewing. Like the others said , its a good idea to make a test block , and then cut the project. I hate going back a step , and cut to make additional blocks, it breaks my rythem .