Preparing to Make a Quilt Question
 

I was wondering if people precut all the fabrics needed for a quilt or do you cut fabric one block at a time? I have done both and can't decide which way I prefer.

Thanks! Looking forward to your answers.

I always cut everything at once. So far, I haven’t come across a pattern mistake after cutting everything!

I have done both as as well but usually I cut everything first. An exception is if it's a challenging pattern or something I'm not sure of fabricwise, etc. I'll make one block to see if I want to continue.

Most of the time, I make up my own patterns/designs as I go along. For that reason, I rarely cut everything at once.

I always make a test block to check the pattern directions and colour placement. Then I usually break down the pattern into sections--cut enough for 10 or so blocks, make the blocks, then go back and cut for the next section. I find I do not get as bored with a pattern that way.

This is what I do too. I rarely cut the whole quilt at once. I find that things can change along the way :-)

I usually cut everything at once, at least for the blocks. The plan for sashing or borders might change before I'm done. If I'm using a pattern, I double check the directions first.

Depends
If it's complicated I make a sample, then cut them all.
If it's simple, I cut it all out.

I cut everything needed at once except borders and sashings, I prefer my own methods for those. If I get a convoluted pattern (I’m amazed at how poorly written some patterns are), then I will make a few test blocks and adjust my piecing methods to suit my preferences.

If I know how much I need and have all the fabrics I may cut all at once. Often I am not working from a pattern and using stash. I will cut short of what I plan and when those blocks are sewn I will calculate the yardage for more. Sizes of finished quilts depend on what I have available.

Most of the time I don’t cut it all. There are occasions I do such as a pattern that needs bigger pieces sewn together and then subcut.

I tend to work in sections. I will first make one block as a test block. Then I will cut maybe 3 to make a large 4 patch of blocks. The rest of the quilt I make other 4 patches of blocks or rows, and sew them all together. The only time I precut the entire quilt is if I think I may run out of one particular fabric and need to add in other fabrics around the quilt.

Since I make up most of my patterns I wait ti cut sashes and borders. If using someone else's pattern, out of a book I will cut it all at once.

I usually rush to do all cutting at the first--but am trying to train myself to first make a test block so I avoid problems. But yes, then I cut all fabrics--want to know if there is any shortage since I might be working out of my stash and need to make an adjustment.

Same for me. However, for the first time in my quilting history, I jumped ahead in a Doug Leko pattern to cut and assemble the focus blocks (star blocks) from two layer cakes and when I went back around to cut the other pieces, discovered I had not cut the 10” squares according to the pattern so I had to purchase additional fabric. The worst part is that the two layer cakes have been in my stash for years so I could no longer find coordinating fabric and had to try to match the best I could. Like Dunster said, check the directions first. : 0

Agree with this. I too follow this plan.

I use to cut everything at once, but one time found that I had read the cutting instructions wrong, and another time after making a couple of blocks didn't like the results, so now I before I cut anything, I ask myself if I really want to do this quilt block. And more and more the time is no, so I'm sort of into just doing some kind of string or scrappy quilt.

I cut everything at once and usually some extra for future use in other projects. It has saved me several times, it is almost like having a kit ready to go.

I don't chain piece so make one block at time. I do cut most all the pieces at one time before I start.

With me, it's a matter of space limitations. If my sewing room is clean (LOL) then I'll cut everything out at once and try not to leave a mess. If my room is cluttered, then I will do block by block and hope I can find all the necessary material again.

Depends on the project - If the layout is very involved and color specific, I will cut it all at once. If not, then I will do a sample or two - then cut some, sew some.

Like you, I usually cut everything first. unless there is a challenging part in a block. I have been well known to make a sample block to make sure I have my measurements correct. Just recently I did it twice where I cut strips incorrectly and got so frustrated I could scream. By the time I decided to make my sample block I discovered why the cuts I was making were wrong. So I can do the same quilt with smaller sizes or do something entirely different with the strips I cut and could not use for the quilt top I made. If I have to figure the sizing myself I make the sample block. If I am using an established pattern I will cut everything first to be sure I have everything I need correctly.

It’s always been a good idea (for me at least) to cut and make a test block...if I fear running out of fabric I use leftover fabric from my stash... but I’ve saved more than one headache by making a test block first! Then I cut everything... Unless it’s a sampler quilt...that’s another beast all it’s own!!

I always cut everything first for the quilt top. But I keep the fabric out in case I didn't complete my cutting list correctly (which happens!) I don't usually cut the binding until I see how much of the fabric I have left, ditto the backing which I sometimes piece with left over fabric from the front.

That's my plan as well.

I usually cut out 4 or 5 blocks and stack each cut out block on a paper plate and when I have a few minutes I can sit down and sew a block or two. Sometimes I do make a block to see how it will look or to have a block to refer back to if I am making a new pattern.

If it is a new pattern or a very different color combo I want to try out, I will make a test block. I store these orphan blocks in stacked pizza boxes (new!) by color combos, ex. christmas, patriotic, black/white, neutrals. I can later use these on tote bags as gifts or even a table runner. If I am happy with the block, then I cut all the fabric at once. I like to 'compartmentalize' the project so I can feel I have accomplished sections along the way. We often do better when we think of projects in sections - preparing, cutting, block making, top assembly, etc.

I make sure I understand all the cutting and construction steps thoroughly (this can involve several readings), then I cut everything.

I do what GingerK does. I don’t cut borders till I get to that point. Usually, they are a little different. Go figure!!

Sometimes I cut all my pieces first but most of the time I make a sample block & then cut my pieces as I go. Not long ago I decided to make the Over & Down Under Quilt by Bonnie Sullivan and as I read the pattern & did some research on making it, I found that I should cut all my pieces first as this quilt takes some organization & numbering of pieces concerning the color placement. Well, it's a good thing I cut all at once because I had to put it aside after cutting/numbering all the pieces instead of starting it right away & I would have never remembered where I left off if I had not cut all at once. I'll pick it back up when time permits.

I cut everything to be sure I have enough of what the pattern calls for and for any goofs I make in cutting.

I cut as I go so that if I want to make changes midstream I can do so. One time I began cutting several pieces in the beginning and found I was cutting the wrong size. Stopped right then and there and have never cut everything first. I like to have the option to change my mind on which fabric to use where. Make sense?

I make one or two blocks first to make sure they "work", but still usually cut for a "row" or two as I go.

I love reading our similarities and differences, so reassuring to remind myself there are several paths to the same destination! Complicated block, I cut one and assemble first, more simple I cut all that is needed. I do not cut my borders until blocks, rows, whatever are assembled and blocked, and binding when the top is completed and blocked.

Before I cut anything, now I soak it in hot water, wash, dry, and iron/press the fabric.

I used to "just" give the fabric a quick wash in tepid (lukewarm) water, and then dry it. I would always iron/press the fabric before cutting it. I have learned that sometimes it takes a bit of time (like at least 30 minutes) before some excess dyes will release.

If I am following a pattern, I make sure I have enough of whatever it calls for before starting. I may make changes as I go, so I probably would not cut out everything at once.

I had been "taught" to cut the borders before cutting the center pieces. I ruined a large piece of fabric doing that - I was a beginner beginner then, and was not that aware of "the bigger picture" when looking at the designs in a fabric.

Another "learn and live" lesson.

I do think it makes sense to "set aside" border fabric - especially if the borders are wide and one "should be" aware of how the pattern will "hit" on the strips.

It really depends on the project. Most times I cut as I go along, once in a while I cut everything out in the beginning. I usually want to cut out one block or one section first just to make sure it comes out right. Sometimes there are misprints or mathematical errors I want to catch before I cut out a lot. Quite often I make my quilts up as I go along so I’m cutting as I go and finding fabrics as I go too

It's interesting to read the different methods we use. I once precut a lot of pieces for a mystery QAL. As we assembled & I realized the pattern, I wanted a few more blocks to enlarge the overall size & pattern. I cut more pieces, then they didn't fit with the original cuts! I must have been slightly 'off' in my measurements the second time. As a result, I'm more likely to precut all pieces at the same time now. Except for sashing. The width may be decided by amount of fabric I have.

Exactly what I am doing right now on a chocolate candy quilt.

I cut all the blocks at once, but wait to cut sashing, borders, and binding until after assembling the blocks.