Do you usually make a test block before making your quilts?

I thought it would be a good idea that way you will see if you like the block before cutting up all of your fabric.

Your thoughts please! Thanking you in advance.

Craftybear

I don't but I probably should. I'm so lazy haha

Always!

There is another thread about this same issue this a.m.

No, but it is a great idea. I heard of one lady that makes a test patch from Christmas fabrics and then when she has enough for a quilt she puts them all together as a sampler. Clever idea.

that is a cool idea from Christmas fabrics, thanks for sharing the idea with us

No, I don't. I just jump in! :)

No! I don't not , I guess sometime I should but I am pretty scertian of my choice before I by my makings for the quilt.

I do, especially if it is a new pattern or new size. (seems like I'm the minority!!)

Yes. Sometimes it takes awhile for me to get the technique down, so I don't cut into my "good" fabric until I can do it reasonably well. Also, sometimes what looks good is a big pain to make up, and I don't want to find out AFTER cutting all my good fabric up.

I have started doing all my test blocks in a one set of colors so that eventually I'll have a sampler top for charity.

Also sometimes I re-size blocks and it takes a little fiddling to get everything the right size.

I do to make sure that what's in my head is going to translate well into fabric and to make sure that I like doing it. If I don't then it goes into my test blocks box. When I get enough in there I sew them together for a sCrappy quilt.

I always make a test block on complicated patterns

Hmmm...great idea!! I love the idea of a quilt of "test" blocks!!

I design my quilts in EQ. So, I already have a good indication of how the quilt will turn out, without creating a test block.

Making a sample block first makes a lot of sense to me. But when one is taking a class they have you cut all the fabric out first.
I love looking at everyone else's quilts. (works of art)

I just did this yesterday to practice setting in seams on an eight pointed star. I made a test portion with only two points of some of my scrap fabric, then taught myself how to 'insert' the square block in between the points. It came out flawless in the scrap version. But of course there is the tiniest pucker in my real 8 pointed star. Go figure!

No, but it would probably improve my skills if I did.

I will if I am using expensive batiks, just to see if I like the way it is combined. Would hate to cut all that good stuff and think of a better way to have put the block together.

That sure is a great idea!!! Then at Christmastime when the rest of us are going bonkers she can just finish it up!!
On my to do list for sure :D

Nope. I just dive right in.
I probably should... maybe I will in the future and just make it out of scraps... but normally I dive before I look lol

I don't PLAN for the first block to be test block, but ofter it is!

It depends.

If the block is an involved patter, has a combination where I can't easily add the math, or has inset seams, then yes.

If taking direction from a magazine pattern that has strip piecing instructions, I want to know that I won't miscut my stash in case I don't test their instructions on a test piece.

If I am not sure about my color choices, it is a good idea to see the block made up.

Test block? Sounds like a good idea, I'll try it sometime.

I always do and I cut fabric as I go. I would never cut out an entire anything because then I might not finish it. and the cut fabric is wasted, or worse, all messed up.

Yes.I'd rather have a block that for whatever reason I don't care for, than a whole quilt cut out....& a quilt I don't like.Started doing sample blocks yrs ago after realizing there's no way I'll make a K/Q size quilt out of blocks I hate.But, that's just me.BTW....I have enough blocks to whip out a table runner or wall quilt from samples.Works for me.

I never have, but it sounds like a good idea. I might have to do this in the future. I like the idea of using all the blocks later so they're not wasted.

Actually, I'm in the process of making some hot pads to try out some blocks that I want to use for my GDs quilts.

No testing! Sewing!

I do when it is a new pattern or idea. Pattern makers do make printing mistakes and that can be costly if you don't have extra fabric to make the block over. Ask me how I know!

It's a great idea but I don't. My impatience gets the better of me. Maybe next time I'll force myself to slow down and make that sample block.

I do quite a bit, especially if it's a new-to-me technique. I've even drawn it on kraft paper to verify my measurements.

The only test block I've done was on my very first try at quilting on a Log Cabin block. Actually I did 2 test blocks and both were bad. Never did come out right so I moved on. Whoever said that the Log Cabin is a beginner's block was incorrect, IMHO.

No, I jump in the deep end. My avatar is 'the deep end' I made this purely from fabric I had bought at garage sales and Op-Shops, as I wanted one the same pattern, different colours for my own bed. Quite by accident, I made a colourwash quilt and now its my favourite.

I did make it again in my expensive fabrics, but its not nearly as nice as the avatar. I will post both in the pics section and you tell me what you think.

thank you!

No I haven't made test blocks yet, but after reading here I like the idea of eventually turning them into a sampler.

Thanks for that "Wow what a great idea" moment. LOL

Little Mo, that is one gorgeous quilt!! :thumbup:

I've been thinking that I want to do this, too. Right now I just jump right in and either sink or swim! :oops: 99.9% of the time I don't drown! :lol:

Not yet, but, sounds like a good idea.

I have to say yes I do when I think the pattern may be difficult and No when I am pretty sure of myself and my fabric selection.

I do..using scrap fabric just to get the size right.

I always do sometimes you just dont like the block.