Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Choice of large or small blocks? >

Choice of large or small blocks?

Choice of large or small blocks?

Thread Tools
 
Old 08-14-2014, 02:23 PM
  #11  
RST
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 947
Default

I agree that smaller pieces blend better when you are dealing with true scraps. If, however, you are working with a planned scrappy collection, I think you can get away with larger pieces.

A lot depends on how I want to quilt it too. If I plan to showcase some fancy FMQ, I'll use bigger blocks of fabric-- fewer seams to hit, more space to let loose and stitch. A quilt with very small pieces tends to get heavy and I generally use a simpler quilting pattern there.
RST is offline  
Old 08-14-2014, 05:13 PM
  #12  
Super Member
 
mom-6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 6,395
Default

I typically go with larger sized finished blocks. These may be made up of four smaller sized ones however. 12" blocks with 2" sashing seem to work out well for lap quilts, which are what I do the most of.
mom-6 is offline  
Old 08-14-2014, 05:48 PM
  #13  
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 7
Default

I'm a medium I say 5 or 6 is my average
Sheilapeeler is offline  
Old 08-15-2014, 03:35 AM
  #14  
Super Member
 
ILoveToQuilt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New Hampshire & Maine
Posts: 3,300
Default

I'd use a combination of both. One large patch with 4 or 9 patch blocks on either side of it. If I begin a row with a large patch, the next row I'd begin with a 4 or 9 patch block, continuing to alternate the blocks each row. (It forms a diagonal pattern when completed). This idea has been kicking around my scrap pile for a while now. I'll just have to put this on my "to do" list.
ILoveToQuilt is offline  
Old 08-15-2014, 04:21 AM
  #15  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 113
Default

I will keep the 12" blocks in mind, as I won 2 bundles of beautiful Tilda fabric earlier this year, I think it would be a shame to cut it up to much.
Vicki (Adelaide SA) is offline  
Old 08-15-2014, 06:54 AM
  #16  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
Default

I prefer working with blocks that finish at no less than 8", preferably 12", I don't want to work on blocks for a quilt for decades. LOL I did FINALLY finish a pp 3" spool block last year that I started in 2004. LOL I would say it depends on how much patience you have, I don't have much. LOL
pocoellie is offline  
Old 08-15-2014, 07:50 AM
  #17  
bj
Super Member
 
bj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Posts: 3,674
Default

Sometimes it depends on whether it forms a secondary pattern. I'm making one now with alternating shoo fly and 54-40 blocks which form a circular secondary pattern. I'm using 12" blocks, but now I'm wishing I'd gone with smaller so I'd get more of the circle action going.
bj is offline  
Old 08-15-2014, 08:51 AM
  #18  
Super Member
 
citruscountyquilter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hernando FL
Posts: 1,662
Default

A lot depends on what I have for fabric. I just completed a DPN using 3" finished squares because I had an abundance of 3.5-4" strips and scraps. I tend to gravitate toward smaller piece patterns as I enjoy the challenge and I'm not in a hurry to get something done.
citruscountyquilter is offline  
Old 08-16-2014, 02:50 AM
  #19  
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 8
Default

At the moment, I'm making a Queen Size Quilt with blocks and smashing, and the blocks are 71/2" square with stripes In between each square, all the blocks are different colors and different patterns, should be nice when finished, I hope!
Jennykandy is offline  
Old 08-16-2014, 06:13 AM
  #20  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 267
Default

Oh I like this a lot What is the name of he pattern?
railroad is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
incoming2me
Links and Resources
5
02-03-2014 05:42 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
11
08-26-2011 06:29 AM
butterflywing
Links and Resources
4
03-16-2011 12:59 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter