test block
 

Am I the only one that makes a test block prior to starting on the actual fabric? I have made so many mistakes that I find if I mess up the scrap block and have to fix the mistake I have saved myself some greif.

I don't do it and there have been many times that I wished I had. I now more often will just cut out and do one block first before cutting out everything.

It is a habit that I am trying to make! It saves so much grief!

This sounds like a REALLY good idea. Then we can make quilts from our "try-outs". Nothing wasted -- lots gained!

i do if it is something new- a new technique- something i'm just not sure about- those practice blocks come in handy later :)
you can use them for small projects (the front of a tote bag, a pot holder, something to practice a quilting design on) or make a sampler quilt out of them later- when i find i have many that i doubt i will use for anything i pass them on to someone else who will put them to use...practice blocks saves lots of good fabric- and frustration ;)

I do most of the time, it can save a LOT of trouble if you can work out any kinks before you cut into your quilt fabric.
I save these blocks for scrappy samplers :) :) :)

Yes, I would much rather practice with some scrap bits of fabrics. It gives you a chance to find any problems you might have.

YES!!! I often get an idea and actually graph it out on paper, but am not sure that those measurements are accurate even tho I KNOW the graph paper is 1/4 inch squares. So out comes the cheapo broadcloth and I make a test block. Sometimes the block ends up being too cumbersome (too many parts so has to be broken down futher) and sometimes I just hate the process and scrap the whole idea. I KNOW that taking the time to try out a new or different sized design has saved me mega time and bucks in the long run!!

Wish I had developed that habit!! I have screwed up many a block--in fabric that was precious. I am learning though--just not as fast as I would wish!

i don't. but so many times i wish i had. thanks for the reminder. i'm about to start another big one :)

I did that on Monday with an applique block. Good thing. I didn't like the stitch I started using, didn't like the color I started using, had to order some new thread and tried out several stitches before I decided which one I would use. Also decided I needed to make the block bigger to start with even though I will end up with the same size. I made several changes because of the ideas I got from the applique thread that is going.

I usually cut out enough piecews to do a block so I can see how it will actueally look with the colors I've chosen. If I like it, I continue to mark and cut!

I usually do! But I've now learned that I should do this from scraps or maybe, 'ugly' fabric - so if I haven't purchased enough extra fabric for a test block, I'm not working out the kinks on the fabric for the quilt! Especially when I'm making a quilt from Fat Quarters!

I don't intentionally make a test block, but sometimes the first block or two doesn't pass muster, so it becomes a test block. Our guild made a quilted van cover from all our "test" blocks. http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...rs-t22705.html

I have never done this, but everything I read recommends doing this. I'm thinking maybe I will from now on since I am beginning to machine piece. Everything prior has been hand-pieced, so much more time consuming.

i do only when i am trying something really new such as paper piecing a new pattern or a block i am recreating without pattern measurements or a pattern, only a picture to guide me.

I haven't so far but you have a great idea. I,m going to start.

Occasionally the directions are unclear - or just plain wrong. I'd rather mess up scraps than the real thing.

But then there is "what to do with all those stray blocks"?

Twice I did and both times I needed them! In fact I just finished repairing a hole in my GS's quilt with a block I'd pieced, layered and quilted! Can't tell the difference. Forget what happened with the other, but I was equally as happy.

Only if it is a complicated block with a design that Ive never tried before.
Most blocks are simple to do with methods already done before like flying geese and HST etc.

Over the years, I have gotten in the habit of doing test blocks. It has saved me alot of heartache over this time. I only cut out enough for a couple of blocks. I do more than one to compare layouts.

I like the idea of making a test block. It reminds me of crocheting or knitting a swatch when you start a pattern. Sometimes I have found that the fabric didn't behave the way I thought it would (in ironing or color) so I can try out another idea. Great reminder!