Mostly 12.5 unfinished.

I'm definitely drawn to the all-over quilt design. I don't usually pay any attention to the block size, unless I want to make a quilt a different size than the pattern. For instance, I'm currently working on my guild challenge quilt, and the requirement is for it to be 30" square. The pattern I decided on is about 64" square, so I'm making the blocks 1/2 the size of the pattern, and will use a smaller border.

I do like to see blocks of different sizes incorporated. I think it gives a nice different visual element.

I agree with you about blocks that don't seem to go together. I think if I wanted to use blocks like that I would use sashing in between.

Donna

Usually 12.5" unfinished, sometimes 10.5". I have done some tops that had 8.5" blocks but I like the top to go together without making too many blocks so 12.5 is what I normally do. If the pattern block is smaller, I just adjust units up so that it is 12.5---works for a lot of blocks.

~Geraldine

Because I make quite a few baby quilts, I tend to use smaller blocks such as 6-inch and 4-inch sizes. I prefer the smaller blocks for these smaller quilts.

Seeing as how I am "sashing challenged," I also prefer blocks that fit together to make the overall design of the quilt rather than separate blocks bordered by sashing.

I've made 3 quilts using the Nickel Square technique, or 5-inch squares of fabric. The blocks for these quilts ended up being rather large - like 16-inches square. A nice perk of this being that you don't have to make a bazillion blocks to make a good-sized quilt!
Teresa

I like 6 inch blocks for baby quilts, but I most often use a 12 inch block. There are so many ways to divide 12.

I go all over the board. I think I'm most comfortable with nine inch, have done some twelve inch, and also ten inch. I cannot find a ten inch template and wonder, is this an unusual size? It's either got to be that or so common, ten inch templates are always sold out.

The smallest I am comfortable with are six inch blocks and I have yet to make a full sized quilt using them. I think one is on the horizon, however. I translated a nine inch pattern into a twelve inch block for one Queen sized quilt. It turned out nicely, but I think it lost a little in the translation. It carries off fine on a large bed, but I think the design would get lost on a twin sized bed.

I do have one top, my Eye of God quilt, finished in sixteen inch blocks. The design is pretty intricate, however, and they don't look overwhelming.

Most often I make 12 1/2" (unfinished) but like the looks of combining 6 1/2" (unfinished) blocks with them. I've made a pink and white one and am thinking about red, white and blue for the next QOV. Points and corners still match. Not sure how this would look in other patterns....might give it a shot one day if I ever get caught up.....sigh. Couldn't a 9 1/2" (unfinished) be incorporated, too? All divisible by 3.....

Sharon

Here is a link that might be useful: Bonnie's Random Stars

Most of mine have been with 12-1/2", but I made a quilt a couple of years ago which used 18", 12", and 9" in the design. I really like the looks of it. I have also done 6" and 10".

I'm more attracted to the over all quilt design. To me quilt block size is nothing more than a unit size and I can change that size with a variety of little tricks.

Mostly 12.5" unfinished.

I have made more 12.5 unfinished then others because there are so many patterns in that size that I have used. I really don't have a preference but the larger ones work up faster. Jayne

So far, I have made 14.5 inch blocks, it finally dawned on me that if I cut the squares 4 inches, then I do not have as much waste of fabric. I have only made 2 quilts, one a log cabin that was 14.5 in., square, and a charm quilt that was 14.5.

I made a tree skirt yesterday out of 4" squares, and am working on a denim rag throw 6" blocks. I guess I am all over the map.

Sid

I like the slightly smaller scale of 8,9, or 10 inch blocks. I'm making a Log Cabin quilt right now with 9" blocks.

Thanks for all your answers - this kind of insight from everyone is so informative to a new quilter.

Sharon - I also like the Random Stars by Bonnie - It would be perfect in R-W-B
for a QOV.