I probably should, but I don't. My mom used to do this and then she would keep all of them in her scrap box and when I wanted to sew something she would pull them out and let me sew them together. I would make doll quilts and most times there was only like 2 blocks that were the same. Test blocks are good for sampler quilts when you collect enough of them!

I do if its a block if there is something I am a bit unsure of colors, skills.. amount of time to complete , etc.
I always do it when its a block I have drafted or designed my self.

Depends. Sometimes you need a bit more that 1 block to see the pattern, so I've made single blocks, place mats, up to a 36 X 42" wall hanging. The last one was because the 'real' fabric was very expensive and I really, really wanted to be sure of the design & lots of bias edges and wanted to practice on less expensive fabric.

I did............once! And was very glad I did! But prolly will never again!

I usually lay out one block so I get an idea of how it looks. I then sew it together and the rest of the quilt.

I never do any of the things you asked about. I just jump in with both feet.

I do this frequently -- mostly several sample blocks.

I never have. This seems like a great idea. Then as someone said when you have enough you can make a sampler quilt. I think that I will start doing this. BrendaK

If it is a complicated block, particularly if there is mirroring in the desing, I usually make a test block - also if I am iffy on the color. As for color, I usually channel my inner 5-year-old and draw the pattern on grid paper with color pencils. It's fun!

One thing I gotta say: My quilts NEVER turn out to be the size the pattern says and I'm OK with that. When people ask me how big it will be, I tell them that I will let them know when I am done. lol

I'm newer to quilting too. I always do a test block before I start to make sure it's doable for me. After I get it done, I sandwich it just like a quilt and hang them on my walls. So pretty much every quilt I have made you will find the sample block on my wall. :thumbup: