Hi Guys and Gals,

Do any of you ever make a smaller version of a quilt before you make a twin, double, queen or king size one.

Do you make a test block first, before diving into the main block.

I am just asking because I am still learning.

Take Care,

Mary (stitchengramie)

I know it's a good idea but I never do :)

Yes, I usually make a sample block before cutting and piecing a whole quilt.

If it is a new pattern to me, I try to make a sample block first with scrap fabrics. That way I can find and work out any problem areas before I cut my good fabric. It also lets me know if I am in way over my head (have been there before...lol).

I'm in the sample block club.
Not a smaller version of the quilt or anything like that, but sometimes 4 sample blocks to see what they look like together. Then I can stream-line sewing all the rest.

Never a smaller one, but I sometimes make a test block....especially if I am worried about pattern mistakes.

I should but I don't...too anxious to get started.

That is such a good idea, but I've never done it. I'm usually too anxious to get started. Maybe I'll try it when I get my 12-15 ufo's done. That is my goal right now. I don't know it I can resist starting a new quilt, though.
Sue

If you buy several yards of test fabrics, you can make test blocks and end up with a sampler quilt too :D:D:D

I dive right in, cut my fabric, line it all up. Sometimes I just can't wait, and will put together one block just to see the pieces come together.

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:

Always make 1 block or set..so I know if it's right..if your just learning..remember any instructions could have been printed wrong..I teach..so also I never pre-cut borders..you can take an amount to set aside..before you cut for quilt..but I learned the hard way about borders..lol..!! Good luck..let us see what your doing !!

Welcome to the world of quilting. I do make a test block to see if I will like making it and to work out any glitches I may have to work out for myself. Have fun experimenting with all the great stuff you are going to learn!
peace :D

Sorry, DP

I know they say to try it first.. but I jump right in. If I don't like doing hte little one there is no way I'm making it again larger. So I go all in.

I usually do a sample block. I don't want to end up with half a quilt done because I got bored with the blocks.

me too!

I make one sample block to make sure all the cutting directions are correct. Never cut all my fabric until I test first. Never cut my borders until the quilt is done cause I sometimes change my mind about the size of the borders after the quilt top is done.

I do a lot of the experimentation (layout, color, etc.) in EQ rather than with fabric.

Never thought about that. Good idea though.

The kids in your avatar are CUTE!! :)

i tend to make a practice block with scraps when it is something new- and i want to really figure out just how it's going to go together- or when i want to try some color options-
practice blocks make good sampler quilts later :)

No! I jump right in with both feet!!!! I KNOW I should do test pieces....but.....I just keep going!!!!!!!

That's funny-because I was changing a pinwheel pattern and used scraps for a sample. One of the scraps I thought was so ugly but when I had it in the sample, both I and DH picked it out as our favorite. Too bad because I only had a smidgen left and had gotten it in a yard sale bag.

That's funny-because I was changing a pinwheel pattern and used scraps for a sample. One of the scraps I thought was so ugly but when I had it in the sample, both I and DH picked it out as our favorite. Too bad because I only had a smidgen left and had gotten it in a yard sale bag.

This is a great tip!!

I made a sample block of a new pattern just recently and so glad I did. I'm a newbie and decided to try a block first. I usually stick to beginner or easy patterns but this didn't designate skill level. Needless to say, I'm NOT going to make a quilt from that pattern. I tried to make the block more than once and it became a frustration. I'm into quilting for the pleasure and relaxation and not the tension and frustration.

always always make a sample

For me it depends on how difficult the block is. If it's made up of basic shapes, I just go with it. If the pattern has new pieces that I haven't encountered, then I do a test block or two to make sure I have it down.

I have a computer program (Quilt Pro) that I use to audition the color scheme so I'm pretty confident about that before I start.

Yes, I make a sample block, or two.....a couple of designs if I am confused as to what design. I wonder where those extra blocks go...........?

The one time I didn't make a sample block before cutting I ended up way to short and had to hustle to get more fabric. There was a directionality in the fabric that I hadn't accounted for, as well as cutting things the wrong dimension! I was following a pattern, which had a mistake in the directions which led to the cutting error.

Definitely try a block out before cutting!

No I never make a smaller one first. Just plunge right in.