Jack Dempsey Theme Quilt Blocks
 

I just purchased the Jack Dempsey Theme Quilt Block kit to make baby quilt. There are 12 9" squares to embroider and then make a quilt. The squares are pre-stamped and are on one piece of white broadcloth. The directions say to embroider all squares and then cut. I was hoping that I could cut the squares out first and then embroider, it would make it easier to carry and also would help to keep the white fabric clean. My concern is that if I cut the squares first I would run the risk of them fraying while working on them. Has anyone done any of these kits before or something like this and could give me some advice?

I've not done that quilt but you could cut them out with pinking shears. Or cut them out then run a zig zag around the edges. I would just measure first to be sure you have some wiggle room to do that.

zigzag the edges of the squares to keep them from fraying as you work on them.

Try FrayCheck. You might use a whole bottle but it would work.

Also, make sure your blocks are all the same size. I just finished making a baby quilt from blocks similar to the Jack Dempsey ones and the blocks didn't run true to size when I cut them on the lines.