Which would you recommend for a beginner? I've never done either, but I can't figure out where to start. If I have a specific piece of fabric in mind, does it matter pattern which I choose? Or do certain fabrics work better for each one?

TIA
Dorian

I bought the OBW book and it gives lots of instructions. I haven't actually made one yet though--on my to do list! :)

I've only done the OBW, so can only comment on that - if you use the book's directions (or Cutebuns tute), the piecing is all straight seams and no fussy fitting of setting pieces.

I'd go with the stack and whack.
I think the OBW could be a little confusing for a beginner.

I've done a few stack and whack...they are pretty easy. I have the OBW book, but haven't made one yet.

I think it is a matter of deciding which look you prefer. I don't care for the stack & whack, but I love the OBW. And I think the OBW is easier to cut and piece, but that is certainly a personal choice. In the end, only you can decide which you like best.

I have done both now. I think the OBW was actually a little easier then the Stack & Wack, but they were both pretty good. The tutorial on this site for OBW is fanastic. I think it really just depends what you want to do.

My first quilt was a stack and whack. I used the book Magic Stack and Whack. If you follow the directions one at a time, you can do it.