Order of piecing.
 

Being new to this forum I am interested in knowing how people approach their quilt construction when they have to deal with repitition. Do you piece "in batches" or in order of process? eg where a pattern calls for blocks constructed from several smaller blocks do you make all the smaller blocks required for the whole quilt before assembling the larger blocks or, do you make enough smaller blocks and then construct a larger block before making more smaller blocks?

I do it according to my mood. No specific order except that I will do a few bigger blocks to see what it will look like then I will alternate so I don't become bored with repetition.

As helou said, it all depends on the mood. But mostly I like to construct block by block. Then row by row.

I have a tendency to chain piece all of my smaller units; progress to the next step with chain piecing, etc. until all the blocks are completed. I use quite a few sticky notes laid out with all my various parts; even with arrows drawn on them so I know which way things are supposed to go together. Still have a few ooops along the way but mostly am able to keep it all straight.

Granted, I sew in a room where I can keep everything out and 'as is' while working on projects and just shut the door. If I was sewing in the middle of the house, say, I probably would go block by block if I was having to put everything away all the time.

I also do it according to mood. This is a hobby after all for most of us and I want to enjoy the process. I do also like to chain piece since that does save time with piecing.

I chain piece, but usually make blocks in batches - depending on the intricacy of the block, usually 5 to 10 at a time. I like breaking up the tasks a bit. Sew some, press some, square up some, then start over. I'm working on a 100 block project now where each one is different, so I choose individual fabrics and cut each one. I tend to have the same approach with that. I'll stack up 10 - finish them, then start again.

I make one complete block, usually before cutting the rest of the pieces, then chain piece. Making the block first serves as a pattern, makes sure I am cutting correctly, and allows me to figure out pressing and sewing order

I also make a complete test block first, just to iron out any problems and to confirm that the cutting instructions are correct. Then I work in batches like maminstl. If I get pulled away or just plain tired of the project, at least I don't have a kazillion partially finished blocks.

I do this as well, I like to se the completed block. I usually chain pieces that I can, afterwards. Blocks together, then rows together. I have a large design wall, so I can lay out the entire quilt before sewing the blocks/rows together. Sometimes I change the layout!

I make all components first (chain piecing), gradually working up to the full blocks.

I chain piece because its faster than doing it block by block and it is also faster with my blocking method for strip quilts. The only time I will do block by block would be paper piecing

If its a new block to me I'll make up one block to make sure I know what I'm doing, then I go with the "in batches" strip piecing as I go. Just seems like the thing to do if you want to get it done. This keeps me from making too many mistakes. I still make mistakes but not as many if I do repetition.

It depends. If it is a simple block, such as Yellow Brick Road pattern, I do all the A blocks, then the B blocks, and so on. If it is something more complicated, such as a star or if there are any bias cuts, I make a test block first and then make all of the type of block. If there is a B block, I start the process all over again. Like some of the others, I am a chain piecer.

I generally make a plan to identify the steps it takes to put the blocks together (starting from the cutting diagram). If it is a large quilt with lots of repetition, I sometimes finish one step of the process for all blocks, then move on to step 2. If I get bored, I take a sub-set of the pieces and finish a subset of the blocks. However, I NEVER assemble the rows until I have all of the blocks done. I find it easier to "park" a project as blocks or pieces than partly assembled with pieces still to do.

I also make one block to see if I like how it turns out, then I change it up as the mood strikes.

That's how I do it as well.

The most fun I get from assembly is making each block. I understand that this probably takes more time but I just love to watch the quilt grow block by block. It also lets me see what it will look like and if I don't like it early on then I haven't invested a lot of time sewing many sections together.

I cut and sew as I go and love it. I am not in any hurry and frankly I don't understand the speed every one is striving for. Fast seems to be the way of the world but not in my sewing.
peace

Like many others, I make one complete block first as a trial run. Then I chain piece to create 4-6 blocks at a time. I get bored if I try to chain piece all the same pieces for the whole quilt. And by finishing 4-6 blocks at a time I get to see how the finished quilt is coming together.

It depends on the pattern but I usually complete blocks. I like the variety of that way rather than completing one element of a block over and over again and then going on. It takes longer but I'm not in a race but rather enjoying the journey.

I usually piece for a while - when I get tired of that then I press for a while. Then may assemble the larger blocks or another section of the block. Just to keep if from getting so boring.

Susan

I do total assembly line. all the blocks at once. Pin them all, sew them all, press, then pin components together, sew, press, etc.

This is how I like to do my piecing. Just seems like it keeps it more fun to me and spot any problems along the way.

I make one block to see if I even like it and depending on the difficulty if I will make another. The block I don't like will go into the pile of nonos for a nono quilt. A different version of a crazy quilt. Usually ends up as a doggie bed.
but if I like it, I will make more.

I usually make one or two blocks to see how they will look, then start cutting the entire quilt. Once the pieces are cut and placed in my organizer, I construct one block at a time, then one row, then the next. It seems to break up the boredom a bit and come together quicker. I am least happy with cutting, but do enjoy the whole process. Make it fun for yourself and welcome to our board

Usually, I try to chain stitch all like parts at the same time, but when I made my stack 'n' whack, I sewed two blocks at the same time. That way I could chain stitch until both were completed. If I had made more at once, I may have had a picnic finding the right pieces for each block, because each block is unique. You had better put only the right pieces in each block.

I do it according to my mood. :)

When I do a lot of blocks the same, I usually piece one block completely - just to make sure that I have everything correct. Once I am satisfied that all is well, I chain piece 5 to 10 blocks at a time then complete those .... then start over.

I make a test block first. Then since most of my quilts are scrappy, I make components so I can blend additional fabrics if needed. Then I make blocks, rows, quilt.

right now, i am making the disappearing hourglass 1, that jenny doan tuted. it is like doing three quilts with all the cutting, sewing, cutting, sewing, then cut it, and sew it.then when you've made 81 blocks like that, you sew them all together. and naturally, they have a kingsize bed! it is for dd who is getting married on the 18th of july. no need to hurry. i'm not sure it will fit in my suitcase, or that i would trust it to the baggage handlers if it did. but then i'll have to entrust it to UPS, or USPS or FedEx. maybe i'll just invite them to move here, lol!

I will usually make 1 or 2 blocks to make sure I actually read the instructions correctly so I don't end up with 300 pinwheels that are half the size I need... Don't ask me how I know about that one... :D Anyway, I'll make a couple of complete blocks and then start chain piecing. Making a couple at first also helps me come up with the most efficient way for me to do the piecing. I'm not one to cut every single piece first before I sew. That has gotten me into trouble, plus cutting is boring.

For me chain piecing is the way to go when all of your blocks are going to be identical. If they consist of many fabrics and are placed at your discretion I will lay out some if not all of the blocks/pieces and determine where I want fabrics to go.