I hate when the directions say to cut a square into 2 7/8. Why don't they just say to make hst's that are 2 1/2 inches? Would make life easier.

I have learned NEVER to cut out the entire project before making a block first. Sometimes I find a mistake in the measurements or directions. Sometimes I don't like the fabric(s) I picked and switch them out.

I agree Peckish -- sometimes those measurements just don't work. I prefer to know how many pieces are needed as well as the size of strips, but I have made a whole 3 color twin sized quilt and the largest piece was a fat quarter. If I find a fat quarter I like on sale I will sometimes buy several yards worth of fat quarters.

I prefer the second with the addition how many squares you need it total. The number of stripes helps me to decide if I have enough of fabric A especially if I'm using my stash.

Like Cindi, I do not cut anything until I have read through all the pattern and cutting instructions and I usually do as Peckish does... make a trial block before cutting all the fabric.

I took a class from Doug Leko last spring (designer for Antler's Design) wherein he had us precut all our fabric pieces prior to class... I crossed my fingers during the assembly but they came together nicely.

If you are working with a kit...better follow the cutting exactly....a Craftsy Fassett kit left me with a 16th of an inch slice off final strip.....that was scary. IF you are confident the pattern gave you "fudge" room, cut the way you want.

There are many things to consider when cutting the pieces for a quilt. I prefer that the pattern say I need 400 4 inch squares. I prefer to cut lengthwise borders on the lengthwise grain; therefore, when I cut crosswise pieces to subcut my tally will be different. Also, if I have scraps of that fabric I will try to cut pieces from the scraps before cutting into the bigger pieces. I carefully label all cuts and groups of cut pieces so I don't make silly mistakes as I work. I use plastic bags to store my labeled pieces in. When I have stitched components I put the labels in the upper left corner and use a bigger plastic bag to store them in. I need all the help I can give myself to avoid goofs. I keep lots of notes and reminders as I go.

Me too. Like learning Algebra, the brain interprets the instructions differently.
Sandy

Lady Diana, I agree with you about the Craftsy kits. While very nicely priced (especially when you get them on sale), when the kit list says 3/8 yard of Fabric A, there will be exactly 3/8 yard and not a thread more. Very scary if you have to straighten the fabric too. I found myself actually skimping on strips--just by a thread or two each time--and I still had less than an inch left at the end of cutting 2 yards worth of strips.

Just a heads up for anyone planning on using their kits.

I don't like when a pattern assumes I'm using FQ's and tells me to cut a strip WOF or LOF then sub-cut. I have all different sizes of fabric so I have to add up all the squares then cut according to my WOF or LOF. I'd prefer to have them say "cut x number of 2" squares."