I cut for a couple of blocks and put those together. If I like what I see I cut the rest of the quilt.

I make that sample block and also check before I cut if the pattern is new to me ....sometimes patterns have errors... Found out after the fact ..... Just my thoughts on this subject.

Judy in Phx, AZ

Mostly I cut everything but the borders. But if its a very large quilt with lots of pieces and fabrics I sometimes get bored with cutting and must start the connecting of pieces! :thumbup:

I really dislike the cutting phase of quilting so I do it all at the very beginning so I can have the joy of piecing my projects knowing that dreadful part is over. so far I've lucked out in that my color selections have been pretty good - no regrets over the colors/hues chosen for the blocks pieced.

It is that long since I followed a pattern not sure which I would do now, I have done both and prefer cutting a row at a time. I begin by cutting one for practice then a row or fraction of whole. I rarely cut out all pieces. As there would be so many I am likely to loose some.

I always cut out my fabric before I begin to sew

same here, if it is a simple pattern like Turning Twenty or Just Can't Cut It then I cut the top and borders so the quilt goes together quickly. I almost always wait on my backing and binding until I see the quilt top done, often I do not purchase those fabrics until I get a feel of how I want to finish it off.

That being said, the Tumbling Block quilt that I have been grueling over for the past year, I have been cutting as I go since I made my own templates and have not decided the actual size that it will be at completion. Luckily, I bought plenty of fabric. :thumbup: I will let my son choose his backing when the time comes.

I usually cut strips required plus a few extra -- just in case, but only cut enough squares from the strips to piece one block. If I decide not to make the project, I can always use the strips for another project.

I cut out all except the borders. I like to have what I call a cutting party with myself. I set evrything up and cut several quilts and put them in a project box. Then if I have a retreat or workshop I grab the box and go. Also if I am short fabric I can make a decision what I want to do before I start assembling the blocks. And then it is just sew sew sew

I am a planner when I prepare to cut a quilt. I like to have the vertical borders cut on the LWG and I like to use bias binding. Therefore, these decisions cannot be left until last. I usually cut enough pieces to make one block to be sure I like it. Then I cut the borders and binding. I use the left over triangle from the binding to cut some of the block components when applicable. Yes, I have been known to change my mind but cutting in this manner keeps yardage in large pieces to use somewhere else. I use lots of paper scraps and baggies for labels and keeping things together and in order. I keep all of these components (including all instructions and my notes)in a plastic box. Because I keep all the fabrics in the box until the project is finished I can cut more pieces if necessary. I like to plan, make a test square, cut all the pieces and sew.

I usually have a 'cutting' day and cut several quilts at one time and then bag each part of the quilt with descriptions and put it all together in a larger bag or container. Then when I'm ready to sew or go to a retreat I have my projects ready to go! I learned from experience to carefully describe each section as otherwise it can be a mystery later!!

Since the only thing I create are projects I visualize in my mind the instructions are my own.... :D

So my instructions come as I design and create it. :-)

However if I ever used someone else's patterns I suppose I'd follow what they say to do especially to ensure that I have enough of the fabric for the project.

I generally get the directions with a block ( or part of the quilt) with scrap fabric before I cut it all out. I generally follow the cutting instructions because generally they have worked out the best order for things to be cut. Most patterns will tell you the largest part to cut and the sub cut into the smaller pieces. If you just cut off those smaller pieces you might end up with a lot of unusable ( for that project) scraps and not enough fabric to complete the project. If you DO cut ahead and have to move your fabric ( to make way for dinner, like I do) be sure to keep them organized in zip lock bags or something, so your carefully cut pieces don't go astray !

I usually PP, so figure out how much fabric I need and cut strips. I PP off those strips and cut off as I go. This saves fabric and I don't have as much waste, since you can use both ends of the strip, if it's not a directional print. If not PP, then I usually cut as I go. I make up a lot of my patterns, but that's just me.

How much I cut depends on the pattern and my fabric. I prefer to cut out all the blocks and possibly sashing and binding all at once so I can label them. I usually wait on big outer borders unless I'm tight on fabric and want to be sure I have enough length, which is my preferred way to cut them. I sometimes carefully measure and square fabric then draw out a rough cutting diagram on paper so I don't mess up and run out of a fabric. I'm famous for that one! If I'm unsure of the block I cut out enough for one or two out of scraps so I can try it out and not waste big pieces of fabric.

I always cut as I go unless I am taking the project to a sewing group or guild meeting. Not sure why but I like cutting as I go better!

I always make a sample block with scraps, then if I like it I cut the entire quilt.

Most of the time I make a sample block before I even buy the material for a quilt pattern to make sure I want /like it.
then check my stash to see if I have material I like for it or need to buy. saves $$$ and it. then cut out by the pattern the required pieces.

Hubby cuts mine. He likes to and it is good quality time spent together . He cuts it as I need it to sew. it is usually what ever it takes to finish the step I'm working on at the time. I like to hoard fabric so I always buy too much. So I don't worry about not having enough. Sometimes I change my mind on what fabric to use after I have seen what it is going to look like so I don't like to cut it all at once.

Making one block makes a lot of sense. After I do that, I cut long strips for the borders - if I've decided ahead of time what the borders will be. Most of the time, I don't decide on the borders ahead of time,so I plan my cutting to leave long, length of fabric pieces from the most-likely candidates, so I'll have enough fabric for borders. Then I cut all of my pieces using my Accuquilt Go. That can be done in less than 30 minutes, and I can start sewing.

I try to begin with a sample block, unless it's a quilt pattern I've made before. Then if all goes well with the sample block, I usually cut the whole quilt out. I have limited sewing space, so once I get the fabrics cut, then I can clear my table off to sew.

I cut and sew as I go...and boy was I glad I did that for my current project: otherwise I would have had to piece strips for the correct length.

It depends on my mood. I do it both ways, but some days I just can't cut it all at once due to RA, but on those days I just take it easy and hope there will be another day without pain. Those are the days I try to do a block or two or just work on some small project.

For the last several quilts...I have been designing as I go..so I just cut a few at a time...till I know how and what I'm going to be using..I will be so glad to use a pattern for my next quilt...I'm so looking forward to it..the reason for the designing is they are deer panels for my 2 brothers..so I just purchased fabric that went with the panel and had to design the rest..then a Texans quilt for my grandson..no pattern..then two t-shirt quilts for the 2 granddaughters...my design...so I promised myself the next quilt is for me and it's going to have a pattern...lol...but I have enjoyed the process of making it up as I go...however it takes lots of patience and trial and error...it helps to have enough fabric before you start...

I always cut it all out. But I just finished a quilt that called for two pieces to be diagonally sewn together. So, impatient me just dug right in and cut and sewed the diagonally just like I prepare my binding. Turns out the diagonal sewn pieces had to be sewn the opposite of how I normally do binding (piece on bottom right side up, piece on top wrong side up with the bottom piece sticking out to my left.

Well, from now on I will do one block and sew a practice block. I needed to have the piece on the bottom sticking out to my right which totally changed the way the diagonally sewn line looked in the finished block. I have probably confused everyone and I'm sorry, but at least this is off my chest and I can stop beating myself up.

i try to cut out the majority if not all at one time. An exception was when I made a Debbie Mumm wall hanging. I ut out all the blocks in the center and did them then all the border blocks that came after a solid border ... if that makes any sense

I totally agree. I've cut it all and then decided I didn't like the colors, and wasted material. I usually wait to cut the border until it is pieced.

I usually will cut and make a sample block first to be sure I really like the fabrics I have picked. Then will cut everything and put into baggies, then into a tote. Then when I don't get it completed all the parts are together for when I get back to the project.

I have learned the wisdom of making a practice block, and then I cut the quilt out per instructions.

When I purchase a kit I always cut it out as soon as possible to make sure that there is enough fabric to make the quilt, unfortunately I then want to sew it straight away as well and have to show great restraint and put it on my list of things to do. Most of the time I cut the fabric for the top and leave cutting the binding until the top is finished, once sandwiched and quilted I then decided what width binding would look best, then cut accordingly.

I always about a 1/4-1/2 yard more of each color than I think I will need so that I don't stress about miscuts.
When I have cut every thing first, I've liked it. However, I sometimes either misread or miscut pieces so I usually hesitate to cut everything at once. I generally take it one section or one block series at a time and cut just what I need for that part of the project. That gives me some leeway in correcting my cuts or changing up the fabric if I don't like the outcome.

That said, I have a friend who is much more anal than myself and she is very methodical. She cuts everything first and spends a lot of time laying out fabrics and making sure her cuts are perfect. She labels and organizes everything and when she sits down to sew, she is very efficient. That works for her and she does beautiful work.

I am not that efficient and enjoy the process and the ability to be creative and switch out fabrics throughout the project. I like doing my own thing so, figure out what works for you... .

All good ideas. From now -on I will make a sample block. I usually cut out most of the pieces at once and pray that I don't make a mistake and need more fabric.

Edited to add, I will make a sample block from SCRAP FABRIC as so many have suggested.

I would make a sample block and if it worked out okay I would cut all the block fabrics. I do not cut the borders until I am ready to put them on as the difference in seam allowances when figured over the whole surface may make a difference in the border length. OR you can go ahead and cut the borders allowing some extra for the difference in seam allowances. I like to measure the quilt before I cut just to be sure. I don't like to have to piece on an extra inch! NOTE: Even though you think you are sewing a good 1/4 inch seam you can be off just a tad and it's good to check it occasionally with several rulers to be sure!

I have a fractured vertebra in my lower back, so can only stand for short periods of time. I started sitting and cutting about 5 years ago. I have an adjustable table for better leverage, and fold my fabric so that the WOF is 11". Using the June Tailor Shape Cut is also a big time saver.

definantly cut the whole quilt pieces that way you can change the color combination if you want-and quickly run to the store if needed if you aren't using you stash scraps!!!!!!

I usually cut out the whole thing and label carefully. Seems to work better for me this way.