Is there a correct way to piece blocks together when there is no sashings? Does it matter if you sew the rows vertically or horizontally? If it is just preference, which method do you like?

I usually do it in the shorter direction! I have been know to piece my tops in 1/4's just to shorten the rows!

I chain sew in vertical rows and never clip the threads. The threads act like pins for the horizontal rows. This is how Eleanor Burns does it and I copy off of her a lot.

I don't sew rows at all. I sew the blocks into giant 4 patches and then the giant 4 patches together until I have the quilt in 4 quarters. Then I sew the top quarters together and the bottom quarters together. You only have one full width seam that way. Plus the quilt comes out squarer overall.

I sew blocks in rows horizontally. Then I sew rows in twosies, then foursies, etc...

This is how I sew mine too :D:D:D

Think about how many times you put more than half that quilt thru the sewing machine. I do that just once before I put the borders on.

Me three! LOL

I do blocks like scissor queen, even if they are sashed. I always use cornerstones so this works.

I do horizontally first, since that's (almost) always the shortest lenght. Then I sew the rows together vertically. But perhaps I'll try the fourpatch method, I hadn't thought about doing it that way.

Thanks for this idea. I will try it next time. It makes sense to me. :)

I've done it every which way. I saw Eleanor Burns lay out her blocks and stitch them vertically, not cut the threads, and then do the horizontal rows. I use that method mostly but have used the others too. Whatever mood I'm in, I guess

I add the shortest direction first (usually horizontal) and then go the other direction. Not sure why, really.

It is a good idea to stick to a plan. In the past when I got creative and connected sub-sets, I created a pressing nigtmare. So now I go by rows.

I generally do the rows horizontally and then sew them together from either the top up or the bottom down.

I've never tried to do quarters! Have to think about that on my next quilt!

Gosh! I have a king size coming up in the near future. Thanks for the tips! The quarters sounds like a good plan if I can keep the pattern in mind and not get some of them wonky!

Tee hee,,, I got into one of those traps today on a lap quilt. It was like a corn maze once I got into it. There was no graceful way out.... :)

You're brilliant! Thanks for the tip.

I like your way of thinking. I'm going to give this a try instead of wrestling with those long strips. Thanks for that tip!

I don't think it matters. Do what is easiest for you. I like to sew horizontally because the rows tend to be shorter. Part of the fun of quilting is finding out what works for you and doing it. Have fun!

Kaye England recommends the four block piecing.

I sew in horizontal rows, then rows by two, then sew the two's together.

I think Scissor Queen is on to something! Great Tip!

I do it this way, also and quarters--especially for heavier tops. I know most people seem to do it in vertical rows but I prefer horizontal because they're shorter and if I'm piecing a large flannel or heavy rag quilt, I'll do it in quarters.

Eleanor Burns does hers vertically, i like horizontal.

I agree with finding the way that works best for you. Sometimes it also depends on the pattern. I did the four block method for a Trip around the World and it was an okay way to do it.

I am going to try this idea. Thanks

This sounds like something I'll have to try. Is there a method of pressing you use so the seams aren't all going in one way?

I press just like I would if I was doing rows. All of row 1 seams press to one side all of row 2 seams press to the other direction. The only difference is you're only putting two blocks of row 1 together before you sew them to two blocks of row 2. When you put the giant four patches together you do need to do some planning which way to press the seams. You can still press them so they go in opposite directions.

I also use safety pins and little labels and label my blocks r1b1, r1b2, r2b1, r2b2, etc and I make sure the label is at the top of the block with the top of the label at the top of the block.

When I put the Orion's Star Thangles quilt together I'll do a tutorial!

I guess you can take your pick for I do. Most of my quilts are square! lol

Thanks for the tip, been finsishing up a qayg, and did it in rows, all cotton batting, developing muscles I did not know existed trying to push it around!! :(

I sew which ever way is shorter.

this is how i do it also

I've tried both ways. I think I'm with scissor queen about less bulk that goes
through the machine when you do by 4 patch and keeping everything square.
I press all my seams open then I don't have to worry about direction. :)

I'd say there is no right or wrong...just whatever works for you.

Ditto! :o)

This is one of those moments when I say "Duh". Why didn't I see that before? Thanks!

I just started doing this too, and I agree, it makes for a squarer finished piece! (Thanks Rhonda for the suggestion!)

I have never done this method, but know that I am going to use it on my next quilt. It sounds a lot easier. And I am for easy. Thanks for the tip.

This is the method I use also....if the pattern allows 4 quarters.

I've always done it this way also.
If I have to stop before I finish joining all the blocks, what I have finished goes on the design wall and I take that opportunity to double check placement.
Works for me.

I've always done rows, but I sure like the idea of doing it in quarters. Thanx guys for the tip. Bet its easier to handle