Do you complete one "unit" completely - or do you "jump around" -
 

Do you complete one "unit" completely - or do you "jump around" - and work on different phases of similar "units"?

This question is sort of a follow-up to this thread:

https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...s-t296642.html

I am making tote bags for a a group - I've been wondering if it would be more efficient to complete one bag from start to finish -

or to continue the way I am -

which is that I frequently have several bags in various stages of completion. (Right now nine of them are waiting for the handles/straps - I am waiting for calm weather so I can seal/singe the polyester webbing before I sew them it to the bags.)

I frequently try to get fabric lined up for several of them - because I make a mess getting fabric out -

Then I sew up the center seam - and then it has to go the pressing station

So things get pinned - sewn - pressed - usually I have bags in four or five stages of the process.

When you are piecing - (assuming all the blocks are the same) - do you complete each block before going on to the next? or do you have them in different stages?

Or is this question making no sense at all?

If all the blocks are the same, I will piece multiple blocks at a time. For instance, if I need 48, I'll probably do 12 at a time. If I'm doing it like that, then I only cut for 12. I do chain piecing, iron all 12 seams at one time at each step. Makes me feel like I have really accomplished something when I get those done.

I tend to be a 'jumper'..I get bored... and yes, I am still working on On Ringo Lake...SO many pieces! lol

I do some of each depending on the project and my mood.

Rob

I jump around so I can chain piece as much as possible and have several things to take to the ironing board at once. I often have a project on at least two different machines. Right now there is a prayer quilt on the MW machine and a wedding quilt on the 301. I'm thinking of setting up the other 301 to start thread painting a horse panel. Is that jumping around enough?

I would think the way you do it is more efficient since you are making multiples. Very nice that you are making totes for a group!

With the quilt I am currently working on, this is what I am doing as well. It's pp'd so I'm rough-cutting elements then sewing all of 1 and 2 pieces; trimming; pressing; sewing the next piece; repeat. But as I need at least 64 of these 12" blocks I'm only doing a dozen or so quadrants at a time. I don't have enough room to have everything cut; then sewn; etc.

I tend to be an assembly line quilter and sewer. That's why I have so many UFOs. I have about 50 pack-n-play sheets all cut right now in a box, ready to start sewing. When I start working on them, I do about 10-12 at a time... chain stitching each step at a time. It's not interesting to make the sheets anyway and seems to go faster this way.

And, I have 10 quilts sitting here... all needing their bindings.

I often make tote bags for gifts, usually 6-8 identical ones. I make the first one completely, to double check the size and that I like the pattern, then I cut & sew the rest assembly line.
I guess I do something similar with a quilt top. If I'm not familiar with the pattern or not too sure about fabric placement, I'll make one block completely. Then I will create the rest assembly line. I seem to be more accurate this way and for some reason I hate having to go back and cut or make more of a specific patch. Like I made 436 flying geese, but actually needed 440. Drives me nuts.

I usually do one at a time. But then most of my projects are scrappy so I don't gain anything in cutting multiples from yardage. i waste a lot of time picking out scraps to go with a block, but I like the variety.