Testing/Sampling
#1
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,387
Testing/Sampling
I know that "testing" before continuing is a good idea.
Examples: markers, glues, fusibles, threads, washing techniques, etc.
I also know that making a test block is a good idea before continuing. The pattern is not always right - or my understanding of the construction is fuzzy.
I also know that more often than not, I am impatient and just go ahead and try something and hope that it works out okay.
How about you?
Examples: markers, glues, fusibles, threads, washing techniques, etc.
I also know that making a test block is a good idea before continuing. The pattern is not always right - or my understanding of the construction is fuzzy.
I also know that more often than not, I am impatient and just go ahead and try something and hope that it works out okay.
How about you?
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,335
I very rarely make a sample block, unless I am not sure about the colors involved. But that's because I can be color challenged and just want to make sure they blend the way I want them to blend. Since I don't make really complicated quilts there hasn't been a reason to make a sample in a really long time.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 2,680
There have been times that I should have made a test block and didn't, and still don't. But one thing that I don't do any more is to cut all the fabric before hand, Mainly because I have done that and after I have made a couple of blocks I have decided I don't like the pattern, colors choices, etc. that I'm not happy with.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 903
I like to make a test block if I'm doing something new, or want to see how color values work. I rarely test any of the other stuff, and -knock on wood- have not had a problem. I also rarely cut a whole project at once unless I have a really good reason to do so
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,042
I always learn so much when I'm making my projects and believe in a couple of test blocks, or at least, I usually work in scraps and deliberately make a couple more blocks than I need. I like to think and mentally play with my fabrics and rehearse before I start... sometimes the test blocks may be quite awhile before the actual project. Sometimes I find out that I don't want to do what I thought I wanted to do after all...
I'm trying to gear up to do a paper piecing project I want to do, but it is not one of my strong skill sets, so I'm probably going to make another project or two first, that will be if not a test, at least practice for my own project.
My last project was a simple baby quilt, I knew I was going to use snowball blocks to show off a large scale fabric and alternate it with some sort of star. I chose to do a Lemoyne Star and set-in the corners and the side triangles just as practice. I did just fine and I'm better now than I was a couple of months ago, but will still continue to avoid set-in seams as much as possible.
The thing where I found it really pays to do a test project first is in garment construction. I haven't sewn garments for so long I've forgotten, I think I could trust McCalls patterns to fit me but Simplicity always ran large, and Vogue patterns often had details that you should practice first! I don't look noticeably "off" but I have a long torso with relatively short arms and legs, large bust and back then a tiny waist -- nothing ever fit me (bought or made) unless I altered it. Every time I didn't do a test piece first, there were issues. But I never wanted to do the test piece! I now know to buy a sheet at the thrift store for the practice piece, at least you can get the fit right even if it doesn't behave like your real fabric.
I'm trying to gear up to do a paper piecing project I want to do, but it is not one of my strong skill sets, so I'm probably going to make another project or two first, that will be if not a test, at least practice for my own project.
My last project was a simple baby quilt, I knew I was going to use snowball blocks to show off a large scale fabric and alternate it with some sort of star. I chose to do a Lemoyne Star and set-in the corners and the side triangles just as practice. I did just fine and I'm better now than I was a couple of months ago, but will still continue to avoid set-in seams as much as possible.
The thing where I found it really pays to do a test project first is in garment construction. I haven't sewn garments for so long I've forgotten, I think I could trust McCalls patterns to fit me but Simplicity always ran large, and Vogue patterns often had details that you should practice first! I don't look noticeably "off" but I have a long torso with relatively short arms and legs, large bust and back then a tiny waist -- nothing ever fit me (bought or made) unless I altered it. Every time I didn't do a test piece first, there were issues. But I never wanted to do the test piece! I now know to buy a sheet at the thrift store for the practice piece, at least you can get the fit right even if it doesn't behave like your real fabric.