I did as Maggiem said with my 6" squares -- laid them out in rows and moved them around until I liked how they looked, then stacked 'em up and sewed. I think it depends on the nature of the fabrics and how hard you want to work LOL. Mine were from a bright, large-print, funky line (George Mendoza "Wise Tree") and I just wanted something to brighten up my very dull living room.