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.

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

I've been doing 9 inch blocks lately. They're big enough to give reasonably speedy progress without seeming overwhelming.

Experiment with different blocks in different sizes to see what looks good to you. :)

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.

12" blocks are the usual for me..next size is 9 inch.

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.

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.

I usually do 12 inch finished blocks, but also like 9 inch finished.

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

I work with any size block. They all go together in the same quilt quite nicely. Some times it is a challenge to put them together, but it works.

I use what ever size of block will give me the desired result and dimensions. I've used 3" blocks right up to 16" blocks. I don't have a distinct preference.

It depends on what mood I am in.

I like that! Size of blocks depending on mood......Ummmm...food for thought!

I've been doing 12 1/2" blocks, 6 1/2" blocks and now I've started doing 3 1/2" blocks. It just depends on the pattern, and what I'm trying to accomplish.

varies with pattern

After working on Dear Jane and, then, Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, I find 12" blocks gigantic unless there are a lot of pieces. If you want to get finished fast, though, there's nothing like a set of 42 12" blocks!

When I see the word rule, I just turn pale. Do whatever makes your heart sing. In my quilting world there are no rules - suggestions for what may be easier - what may happen if you fail to take a step - but no rules. When someone tries to impose there rules on you remember that the pioneer women who made quilts made them from necessity and they just did what they had to keep their families warm - No rules.
A local instructor had a fit when the student used burgundy thread for redwork on beige fabric. It was beautiful. I quilted it and it was just stunning. Another example of quilt police. I must be a rebel at heart!

I think 12" blocks are the most popular because of the possibilities of units that are divisible by 1-1/2, 2", 3", 4", 6"....no 1/4", 1/8", 1/16" measurements to worry about that you get when you start to do smaller blocks.
The smaller blocks are so cute...and they can be addicting...they take just as long to make as the bigger blocks.
There are so many patterns to chose from in all block sizes...personally, I like 8"-9"-10" blocks the best...12" blocks start to be too big to play with as much...can't get as many in a quilt.

12" blocks are probably the most popular but I like 9" blocks and some people work on 3" blocks...imagine that!!!

My blocks are usually 12", 14", 16" or 18" but have done one where the block was 36" (that was a large princes feather) Size is up to you. A friend of mine thinks a 6" block is LARGE! She usually does 3" to 5" blocks. UGH!! they are beautiful, but not for me.

I make mostly smaller quilts for charities and like to use 8" blocks in those. I usually use 12" blocks for bedspread quilts, etc.

I like 12''

I usually do smaller (6") blocks because I do mostly kids' quilts. For a full size bed quilt, I will go larger based on the particular block.

I'm not a fan of really big blocks. Some really big block quilts are designed to finish a quilt fast. I'm not necessarily interested in cranking them out in a rush. I enjoy the process.

I like to use 12 inch squares and second 10 inch.

I use 5 inch squares

Today I'm doing 2 1/2" squares. I had started a scrappy quilt with 6" square, to just do a few at a time. Last night I thought, I could use the scraps from the scrappy quilt, so today I'm making a miniature scrappy quilt.

If you plan to use a single block size then the size is personal preference. Many of the swaps are 12"

If you want to use multiple sizes in the same quilt, then it is easier if the size of the smaller blocks can be divided into the biggest block. So if your big block is 12" then you can work with 3" - 4" - 6" for sure even a 9" can be used when paired with a 3."

WOW! I never knew that people were doing bigger blocks. I have done 6" blocks. I make a quilt from 2" squares and I nearly quit befor I was finished. I am learning SO much on here. I can't wait until I can post some of my work. Thanks again. I am teaching myself, well you all are teaching me.......

Strictly preference, I personally prefer at least an 8" block, 12" is even better. LOL

depends on project...I've done 2-16...Of course the larger the faster the project is finished.

Any dimension that is evenly divisable by two, three, or four is easy to work with. Consider the scale of the fabric print and the overall quilt design.

Twelve inch blocks are easier to handle on smaller tables and with smaller rules. I do any size.

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No, No, No, Honey, there ain't no quilt police around this here place. We simply do NOT allow them to come in and bother us.

Go ahead and cut out whatever size block looks good to you with the pattern and color you have in your hot little hands. If it looks too big, cut it down. If it looks too small, make a bigger one. No one is going to look through your computer and point fingers at you!!!

Sew, Sew, SEW. Have fun and you will have a sense of accomplishment that will thrill you. And another thrill when you give it to someone who loves it to death.

I do all sizes....but the standard is twelve inches...or so thats what they say...(whoever they is)....

As MadQuilter stated, many of the swaps use the 12" finished block. I did a quilt with the 10 minute block, using 5-1/2 squares, as the focus piece I was using was the same size. I will post that finished quilt - Strawberry Shortcake tomorrow. I have made the Underground Railroad sampler in the 6" size, and have to say that I did like the smaller pieces for a sampler. My NICU quilts are increments of the 2-1/2 squares for a 4-patch.

If all the blocks were the same size on all quilts, how boring would that be! Part of what makes quilts interesting for me is the incredible variety in size, pattern, color, fabric, print, etc. I also reject so many "rules"! If I like it, I like it-----never mind what the phantom quilt police might think or say!

Interesting replies to this question. Although I agree with all the responses so far, I am surprised no one said whatever size block they get from their 2 1/2" strips, and that would depend on the size grid the block was based on.

I think it is what you like personally and the pattern that you are using. Currently I am using 14 1/2 finished blocks in the quilt I am making my brother for Christmas, just because I wanted large blocks and I started out with a 15", but after the quilting was done on the block and I trimmed it, the first block ended up 14 1/2, so I made all of them that size. The quilt is reversible, so each block is quilted before they are put together. When I get it finished I'll post pics. Hopefully I will get it finished this week. Started on it after our Fall Fair in October and have really been working on it. But I will have it finished by Christmas.

i use differant sizes not really stuck on any set size just depends on the block i want to make or the pattern