To cut all first or not???

If it's a new pattern I will do as Sandy does....if everything works okay and I like the block then I will cut but I always double check my instructions as I have made mistakes cutting and had to buy additional fabric to finish project...so once I get my sample block done then cut it all!

I don't cut all before, I am mostly too excited to get started.. so I cut some fabric, and when I have used that up, I cut some more.

Sometimes I really don't know how much I'll need exactly, especially, when I'm making log-cabins, I never know whether I have enough strips or not..

In most cases i do cut everything first. Like Sandy and others have mentioned, if it a new pattern/technique i will do a test run with scraps.
If I'm on a roll cutting, I might cut several projects out in an afternoon. i have also spent time going thru my scrap bag and cutting shapes for future projects, my favorite being the tumbler and half hex from MSQC. I keep adding pieces to a ziploc bag until i have enough to do a project.

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Originally Posted by Bubby

I cut one block and sew it together....if everything works out okay with the first block, I cut the rest out. Sometimes there are mistakes in pattern directions (oh, say it isn't so!!!). Hugs, Barb

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Good idea, Barb. I usually cut everything out first, then sew. I guess that's mostly because I worked on the kitchen table and it was a little crowded to do it as I go. I think I will start doing the one block to see if it is okay and then cut the rest. Thanks for the idea.

A bit of this and a bit of that ... mainly because I have been known to decide that a pattern I'm working on is heading down the Road to Boring and drastically change direction on the way.

By the way Bec, what is that cute little bird on your avatar?

That is a really cute bird! I'd like to know also.

I like to live on the edge. It's more efficient to cut it all out at one time. I do all the cutting first and chain piece as much as I can. I read and re-read each step in the cutting process so I avoid making mistakes. My mistakes usually happen when I'm piecing something together. For example, I was definitely making some really stupid piecing mistakes last night and getting really angry. Lots of unsewing goin' on. Dang it!!!

With the first quilt top, I cut all the pieces at one time. With the 2nd and 3rd quilts that I'm working on, I made a test block first, then cut enough pieces for several blocks at a time, partly because I didn't buy enough yardage in the beginning.

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Originally Posted by LynneLeavell

Like Sandy said. If I'm doing the same block for the entire quilt then I cut everything out at once. I am a believer in chain piecing if possible. But if the pattern calls for two different blocks then I do it one section at a time before putting the rows together.

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This is just how I do it too.

Hey guys... that cute little bird is a tufted titmouse!

I don't like the cutting, so sometimes I set out a week for just cutting and cut several projects and put them in project boxes so I can just sew.