Piecing question
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,250
I usually break the blocks down to 10-12 blocks and piece them as a group. Piecing the entire blocks, then do the next group. This seems to get through a large number of blocks easiest for me. Be sure to square up as you piece the blocks. Making this many blocks they realllyyyyy need to be squared up.
#12
My test blocks are all done with coordinating fabrics and they wind up in a sampler quilt...then I change the color palette for the next batch of test blocks.
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,861
Like some of the others .... I will do the first block to make sure it all comes together OK. And too, to make sure I really like it IRL before I cut all the yardage. Or perish the thought, that the pattern should have an error, again, caught without wastage!
Then I'd go ahead and assembly line sew in smaller groups, not the full 60 all at once!
Then I'd go ahead and assembly line sew in smaller groups, not the full 60 all at once!
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
I like to do a couple of blocks completely to make sure they are the correct size and colour placement. If the blocks are going to have sashing the colour placement doesn't matter as much. Sometimes if it's a repeated block, I like to see how the colours/pattern will look as they are put together. If there is no sashing, I will sometimes change the colours so they are not blending the blocks and other times I like the secondary design of the blocks blending. After I have all the bugs worked out, I will chain piece them a row at a time.
#15
When all the blocks are fairly simple and all the same I tend to do one step on all the blocks before going to the next step. I get more of a sense of accomplishment than completing one block at a time.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Posts: 639
I do one or two whole blocks to get the feel of it and then chain piece all the blocks step by step, with an ironing session after each seam if required. Then, suddenly, when you look up, you have 60 wonderful blocks in no time. Of course, you miss out on the joy of admiring your handiwork after completing each block and adding it to the dispay board. I guwess it depends on how much time you have. In my case it always seems to be less than no time.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 2,497
I piece one step on all the blocks then go onto the next step for each block.
I chain piece and take many mini breaks. Usually when laundry needs to be tended to or the music station needs to be changed. I also make a few extra blocks. That way I can make a pillowcase out any surplus that doesn't fit in the quilt.
I chain piece and take many mini breaks. Usually when laundry needs to be tended to or the music station needs to be changed. I also make a few extra blocks. That way I can make a pillowcase out any surplus that doesn't fit in the quilt.
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
It depends on my mood and on how complicated the block is. If it's a new block, I often make a tester block just to verify the design and cutting instructions. Does it have matching points? Does it require a scant vs. regular seam allowance? etc. Then I like to break the project into the individual steps. Cutting all the bits and stacking them in order. Sewing all the pieces one step at a time. For very complicated blocks, I usually work them start to finish on each block. I have gotten things turned around in strip-piecing so I am now more careful.
#19
[QUOTE=susie-susie-susie;5061596]I like to make 5-10 blocks at a time--chain piecing--that way you can see what it is going to look like. It keeps me from getting bored. It seems to go faster that way.
Sue[/QUOTE
I'm with you!
Sue[/QUOTE
I'm with you!
#20
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Like so many others who have posted, I like to do one prototype block first, just to ensure pattern is ok and my color placement is good and have a model. Then I like to do chunks of blocks so I can avoid boredom and give myself inspiration to continue as I start to see the quilt come together with several blocks completed and laid out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
4
08-05-2010 12:02 PM