I agree that smaller pieces blend better when you are dealing with true scraps. If, however, you are working with a planned scrappy collection, I think you can get away with larger pieces.

A lot depends on how I want to quilt it too. If I plan to showcase some fancy FMQ, I'll use bigger blocks of fabric-- fewer seams to hit, more space to let loose and stitch. A quilt with very small pieces tends to get heavy and I generally use a simpler quilting pattern there.

I typically go with larger sized finished blocks. These may be made up of four smaller sized ones however. 12" blocks with 2" sashing seem to work out well for lap quilts, which are what I do the most of.

I'm a medium I say 5 or 6 is my average

I'd use a combination of both. One large patch with 4 or 9 patch blocks on either side of it. If I begin a row with a large patch, the next row I'd begin with a 4 or 9 patch block, continuing to alternate the blocks each row. (It forms a diagonal pattern when completed). This idea has been kicking around my scrap pile for a while now. I'll just have to put this on my "to do" list.

I will keep the 12" blocks in mind, as I won 2 bundles of beautiful Tilda fabric earlier this year, I think it would be a shame to cut it up to much.

I prefer working with blocks that finish at no less than 8", preferably 12", I don't want to work on blocks for a quilt for decades. LOL I did FINALLY finish a pp 3" spool block last year that I started in 2004. LOL I would say it depends on how much patience you have, I don't have much. LOL

Sometimes it depends on whether it forms a secondary pattern. I'm making one now with alternating shoo fly and 54-40 blocks which form a circular secondary pattern. I'm using 12" blocks, but now I'm wishing I'd gone with smaller so I'd get more of the circle action going.

A lot depends on what I have for fabric. I just completed a DPN using 3" finished squares because I had an abundance of 3.5-4" strips and scraps. I tend to gravitate toward smaller piece patterns as I enjoy the challenge and I'm not in a hurry to get something done.

At the moment, I'm making a Queen Size Quilt with blocks and smashing, and the blocks are 71/2" square with stripes In between each square, all the blocks are different colors and different patterns, should be nice when finished, I hope!

Oh I like this a lot What is the name of he pattern?