Do you cut out your entire quilt
 

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

I like to cut all the pieces at the beginning so I can make sure I have enough fabric. I keep the small pieces in labeled baggies. This way I can start sewing and just keep on going. When I first started, I didn't select fabric for the borders. Learned early to buy all the fabric I was going to need because it might be sold out when I got to that part of the project. Love, love, love quilting ...

I cut it all at once. I ate having to go back and cut more.

Most of my quilts are from scraps, so I use what I have cut up already and add in from stash if it needs something to pull it together or add more balance. So I guess I'm an 'as you go' kind of cutter.

I usually cut for all the blocks at one time. Any sashings/borders/cornerstones that might be applicable, I do once the blocks are completely sewn. And unless it's a really confusing block or paper piecing, I'll chain piece my block sections, then go to the next unit and so on. But labeling is very important - at least for me. I frequently get lost of I don't label!

I cut as I go to make sure I like the block. I have not have the problem of running out of fabric because I usually buy a bit extra but also know I can usually find it on the internet if I do. I just finished the walking labyrinth and that was a measure 3 times, cut once, sew, measure/square and repeat....

I tend to mostly cut as I go because my quilts have a tendency to evolve into something other than my original idea as I get going on them and discover I really need a lighter color here or that arrangement doesn't look like I expected or whatever. Just part of the creative process for me. That way I don't end up with a couple dozen or more squares or triangles of a size that is no longer the size I need because I changed my mind on what I was doing.

I cut all pieces at once. Cutting the borders too. I label pieces and just make it all work. This is how I've always done it.

I cut the whole quilt top out. usually I will cut borders later

I pick my fabric, check to see there is enough of each selection for the pattern, then I cut as I go for the simple reason that I really don't want to cut the entire quilt and find out as I piece that I cut something wrong.

I like to work a little at a time and build the quilt block by block. Also if I decide not to finish a top I haven't got a whole lot of investment in cut up material.
peace

Excellent AQ!!! I have done both also. I believe that is how I have some of the UFO's that I do. (lost interest after the first block). There is one thing that I do now that I did not in years past. I like to make sure that I have enough for the binding and now I cut that first.

I cut as I go.

I cut it all up front. measure twice and mark rulers. But this is after I have used scraps to make the block. This way I know if I cut right and I like the block.

I usually get it all cut out a couple of days before I start to sew as I find that part tedious, and I label all the pieces

I cut everything but the sashing and boarders I'm famous for changing my mind on those two things.

I also cut as I go. I have shoulder tendonitis and can only cut for so long. So I figure by doing a some cutting and then some sewing it is a little easier on the body.

I usually make a block to make sure that everything fits and looks good. Then I cut some and sew some. That way I don't get bored and it seems like a different project with each step. I usually buy my borders when I'm ready to put them on. I rarely buy the borders when I get the rest of the fabric unless I want to match the borders with the sashing. I like to buy my quilts in pieces--give me a good excuse to go to the quilt shop.
Sue

I have done both. But, recently discovered that after I cut everything out and THEN made a practice block that I did not like it and wanted to go in another direction. I learned I will always make a practice block first. I am still working on that quilt and I think that is what put me in a funk of not wanting to quilt. I have made it work and have almost got the top completed. Will finish tonight. I have had to make myself complete this job. Would have just thrown it to the scrap heap if it wasn't a special quilt I am making for my husband using a military type theme. After the top is done I will put it aside and finish a couple of others before going back. But, lesson learned about cutting everything out at once!

Most of the time I don't cut it all at once.

I usually make one block to see how it will work and then cut all the fabric. I too have had to go back and buy more fabric.
and I have also had the unfortunate experience of waiting too long and the fabric isn't available anymore.

I always cut every thing except the borders and back, then I can just sew when I feel like it without having to stop and cut more.

I usually cut the pieces as I need them as so many times I don't use the same technique author does. For instance I won't sew triangle pieces together to make HST.

I usually use mixtures of fabrics of each color, so if I want them to be able to get mixed up well, I have to plan it from the beginning and cut it all before I start. "Highly Planned Randomness" is my thing!

I learned from someone on this board not to cut until I try the pattern on a practice block first, but then I cut all of the pieces of the block elements as step one. I like to think of it as a kind of factory, building up the quilt smaller to larger sections like a puzzle. Step one....cut everything. Step two....piece the smaller elements. Next, piece those together into blocks, and then put the blocks together into a quilt. I don't cut the borders until I'm ready for them, and the backing comes last. Usually I don't even buy the backing until the top is completely pieced.

I usually make a block first. That way I will figure out how many pieces to cut in the block it self. I more or less cut up to 1/2 of what I need, or all the pieces, I need at once. It vary's sometimes, with me.

It depends on the pattern. Generally, I draw the pattern on grid paper to figure out colors and best way to cut. Then I make a list of the pieces to cut which helps keep me in check. Other times, I cut as I go. A lot depends on how much fabric I have if I miscut. The less fabric, the more prep time.

I started by cutting out all my blocks on my first quilt, since they were all the same size no problem.... cut too many! ;/
Now I cut out one complete block, test sew,then I cut the remaining pieces... I do like the idea of cutting until yo need to sit down due to back problems etc... think I will do that from now on, may be alot easier and more productive for me.

I totally agree. I usually cut as I go. I don't lose any pieces that way.

I cut everything except backing ,,organize and label everything ,,hang each cutting catagory lined across a clothes hanger with clothes pins in reaching distance from my machine, have the instructions on sewing table to my left and start sewing..I like to do like a production line..LOL....I never worry if I will like it or not because I spend a lot of time before hand picking the colors,etc. once I am happy with what I have selected,I'm never disappointed with the outcome.!!! Happy quilting !!!!

When making a practice block, I usually don't even use the fabric for the project! Just scraps that are handy - often all just muslin. I am a planned scrappy quilter, which means I will never run out of fabric. Though I have been known to piece scraps for big enough pieces. I cut as I go because changing my mind is part of the process for me. Perhaps I need more plum in the mix... that sort of thing. We all get to choose works works best for US.

Were you inside my head?!! I do the same thing....cut...sew...look...change my mind...cut sew....repeat!!LOL!!!