sbeddingfield

I am making a quilt for my son. This will be my first larger quilt (I have made a table runner and other small projects). It has about 12 pieces per block and there are about 18 blocks. This doesn't sound like much but it seems to be taking me soooooo long to get it all cut out. Am I just anxious to start actually working on putting it together or is it normal and I should just expect to take so much time to get the quilt pieces ready to start. Thanks,
Scherrie

bearisgray

Are you cutting with a rotary cutter or with a scissors?

sbeddingfield

Both - it has some big straight pieces for the actual block and then smaller pieces (a sea turtle in about 4 pieces) that I think I have to use scissors.
Thanks,
Scherrie

bearisgray

Some people cut just enough pieces to make a "test block" - before going on.

Or cut some and sew. As far as I know, there is no "law" that says you need to cut everything out before you start sewing.

That said - it is a good idea to keep all the fabrics together for a project - otherwise one of them could go "missing"

sbeddingfield

Thanks - making a test block is a great idea. And a good excuse to get started on the "fun" part.
Blessings,
Scherrie

donnajean

I don't cut all the pieces for my blocks 1st. Then, if I decide I really don't like how the quilt is turning out, I have less UfO's.

moonrise

I always always always make a test block before cutting all the pieces out, to make sure the pattern is right (printing mistakes happen, unfortunately), and to make sure I know how to assemble the block properly.

Once the project is a "go", I usually cut enough pieces for 2-4 blocks at a time, then sew those, then cut some more. (Just a personal preference.)

Depending on the pattern, it takes me just as long, or even a little longer, to cut the pieces out than it does to sew them.

dsb38327

The 'June Taylor Shape Cut' (18") was a blessing for me. Walmart has them (ususally) for around $20. It is a big piece of plastic with slits in it to run your rotary cutter through. It made a huge difference in my accuracy and speeds the process 100%. If you have a friend who has one just try it. I think you will want one for yourself. I recommend it. Good luck.

kathy

I have a lot of back issues and can't do anything for very long so I cut till it's getting too uncomfortable then I sit and sew till I have to move again. It breaks up the boredom, I don't think I know anyone who does all the cutting before beginning to sew. What if you had it all cut up then on the first 1-2 blocks you decided you just can't do it or don't like it and won't finish it? You could use some/most of it in a different pattern but most likely you'd loose a lot and be mad :shock:
nobody is looking, go ahead, sit and se a while, we won't tell! :thumbup:

amma

Cut, sew, press, repeat as needed :D:D:D
I too go back and forth so that my hands, back and shoulders get a break :wink: