Strip Sewing - Is It Really Faster?

[@ruthl359]

I'm a strip piecer. Working with little fiddly bits is frustrating to me. But what I've heard no one mention is precision. Yes, I'm careful about cutting and sewing strips with tricks and tools. Consequently, my strip units and subcuts are more precise so the finished product is more nearly precise. And though you may be right, I'll take precision over speed every day of the week. Then again, I'm using yardage. I'm right there with you on the nesting, though. Especially so with spun seams.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ruth, I think you're right, especially if you have a really good cutting and seam technique...although of course I must like the fiddly bits. And of course, using yardage does make it easier. Nesting seams=joy. I can't imagine NOT nesting them! 😂

[@cheekymare2779]

Have you tried finger pressing instead of it Ironing. I also enjoying nesting seams but I hardly ever iron my strips set. I iron at the end when the blocks are done. Jordan Fabrics does a great job showing the finger press method I use

[@angiewarren6045]

One summer a few years back, I decided to take all of my scraps and cut them down to 2.5 inches squares and just sew them together. It took me all summer! I ended up with a very large “I spy” king quilt. I didn’t add in any background fabric. It was just what I had in my scraps. I started with 9 patches, then put 4-9 patches together, and so on. It really turned out kind of spectacular! I did wonder when I was sewing the quilt top, if I’d of had strips to work with, would it have been faster? I only had small pieces of fabric to work with as these were my super scraps! Now I feel like I know the answer! It still would have taken me all summer!! 😂 It might have been faster with strips but I don’t think I would have gotten the variety that I ended up with. Your little experiment was very interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I bet that quilt WAS spectacular! (and time-consuming!) Good thing we don't do it for the speed or the time! 🥰❤️

[@shannoneaster9311]

Oh my goodness! This episode has given this quilting, retired science teacher so much joy! I love an experiment, especially one that promotes efficiency and makes the process run more smoothly. Bravo for being willing to commit to this exercise and for your commitment to limiting your variables. I’m thrilled with your results as well. I’ve always believed that strip piecing felt like the more efficient method and would therefore be faster. I’d seen other quilters piecing 2.5” squares and wondered why on earth they weren’t strip piecing their blocks. And it really does come down to what works best for the quilter with the materials at hand. Thank you for such a fun video fusing my two favorite pastimes, quilt making and scientific inquiry. Bravo! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Shannon!!❤ It was a fun experiment to do!

[@jeanetterochnowskis142]

Cathy that was very surprising. I was curious about this very topic. I personally feel that each person needs to do their craft anyway they choose. There are no rules when it comes to our hobbies. That's the defining thing that gives us our escape. There are enough rules in everyday life. If it takes us longer...well maybe we need to slow down. As we often like to say...Stop and smell the roses, which to me can also mean just enjoy and forget the time factor. Anyway great video! ❤️👍

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Jeanette! ❤

[@lindad6223]

I'm brand new at this! I pieced my first block a few weeks ago, and falling in love with it. That baby quilt will, with the help of some quilting friends, have batting, backing, quilting and binding - probably on Friday. They'll coach me through it, but they'll also make me do it. 😱 So with my copious experience, what I'm really enjoying is finding what I like to work with - what blocks and patterns I'm already enjoying working with! Including my first attempt at a little bit of strip piecing on a surprisingly forgiving block. I'm a computer programmer, systems analyst and web manager... similar science brain, but with a definite twist. I really enjoy the puzzle solving aspect, batch processing, and not so much the skills I want in a pharmacist - the fiddly bits of what I would call excruciating detail. Right now, I'm enjoying a very brand new hobby, and to enhance that enjoyment, Ill work on finding how to streamline processes, including strip piecing and other batch processing But, please don't ever change.

[@suzie7848]

As someone who doesn’t always sew straight, I appreciate this effort. It’s encouraging for me to not try to get a lot finished, but to take my time and enjoy the process. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome, Suzie! I always think I'm a straight sewist until I sew a long row (or two or three) and I realize that I hold a better seam on smaller pieces...so you are not alone! ❤️

[@AvivaHadas]

I made myself listen to the whole video instead of having a conversation as you went. 1. I'm glad you got to preference/joy. Aside, I had to watch again because... 2. I just pieced a quilt from a pattern (not common for me - the finishing/borders sold me.) and it had strip piecing and I toyed with just cutting the squares because I know I am more accurate with squares vs strips. BUT I did the strip sewing and confirmed that while the beginning and ending of my strip sets were spot on, the middles were not - the variance wasn't huge and I am able to fudge with the best of them, but I would have preferred to just have sew squares and to have had them be the right size. 3. I'm never worried about the time (there isn't a blizzard coming and my family has enough quilts already). I have all of the same variables - I'm not in a race, this is my hobby & I don't want it to have the stress of my job, I have a stash to use, etc. 4. I also don't care for the cutting after. I got pineapple block rulers - they are sew press trim sew press trim sew press trim & I have avoided using them to use "some" scraps (because I will never use "them up") because I don't want to trim after. 5. I am very happy to see a pile of rectangles waiting for me to sew them together one by one. I prefer cutting them individually then sewing them one by one and then snipping each of their chain piecing threads. 6. That officially makes me a process person not a product person. (I had wondered, this though experiment made it clear for me.)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok, I laughed. You definitely usually have a conversation with me as the video progresses. ❤️ 1. Right?! It''s the whole reason to do it...the way we each want to do it. 2. Same. 3. I have to work against that inner productivity manager in me...I do love the process but I feel the need to rush sometimes and then have to talk back to myself with those same reminders you mentioned. 4. THANK YOU. I just want to be done with cutting once I'm done cutting. 5. Also same. 6. How wonderful! 🥰 I love clarity--for others and for myself, What a gift understanding oneself is!

[@maryhollenbach4966]

I like the way you think, I make scrap quilts, and precut as an organizational tool, so I’m frequently sewing piece by piece. This makes me realize that it’s ok to take a little longer, and enjoy the process.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Mary, I'm so glad! Those of us who enjoy the square-to-square process can just enjoy our sewing process and feel no shame for not doing it "the faster way!" 🥰

[@nicolebeauchamp7622]

Thanks again for another enjoyable video. Personally I love strip sew but that's just my style and what I enjoy as you mentioned. After many years of strip sewing I'll give you a tip if I may in case you decide to strip sew again one day. Dial your stitch length down to 1.5 or 2. This gives a little more strength to the stitches where you sub-cut the strips so the stitches don't come undone. And yes, I totally agree, our hobby is meant to bring us joy so whatever works for the individual is what's right.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!❤ And I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@michaelcaselli2716]

Great video! I’m sure your well researched info raised some eyebrows! After 40-some years of marriage, I’ve learned that “Everything takes longer than you think it will.” I think it applies to quilting, too, and maybe, just maybe, it gives me an out for every ‘extra’(?) creative minute I take in my quilt space! 😉

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You are so right…EVERYTHING takes longer than you think it will! What freedom it is to really embrace that truth, especially in quilting! ❤️

[@sarahwisnewski7611]

Being creative is not a hobby it is a way of life. I quilt and I crave the joy and satisfaction it brings me. When I quilt I get lost in the process and put all other thoughts, cares and woes aside and come out on the other side ready to deal with life with a fresh mind. If I want to do a project quickly I choose a simple one. I have found the same as you that these two methods are equal. I enjoy your videos and caught you at the beginning.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Sarah, thank you for being with me all this time! ❤️ Being creative IS a way of life, and when I get caught up in getting it all done (production) instead of letting the creative process happen, it steals my joy. Boy, that's a whole sermon in that one sentence! These lessons I'm learning (about myself, about quilting, about creativity and problem-solving) make life richer and better, I think.🤓

[@christinahall3318]

Love your experiment! I, too, am a quilt hobbyist and I love the journey! I may not work on just one quilt at a time but that is what works for me! You, too, enjoy the process and journey. Quilting brings me great joy!!!! #2023Word - JOY

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Christina! Your presence on my YT channel and IG and FB accounts bring ME joy! ❤️

[@Making-Beth-Gain]

I love your Sew-experiment! I shy away from strip sewing if I’m working with thrifted fabric too. You pointed out good things from both approaches for sure ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Beth! ❤️

[@dippsydoodlecreates]

What a fun experiment! I've often wondered wich is faster. Knowing that the difference is negligible, I feel better about sewing patch by patch. I thought that was the slower process, but I enjoy it so much more.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I enjoy it so much more, too. It was a relief to know that it's not a big time waste comparatively! ❤️

[@wandachadwick843]

Learned to hand-piece in the 90s with cardboard templates and a school ruler. I enjoy this method because it is soothing for me. Right now, I work at a high stress job and do EPP (great for lowering stress levels while waiting for apps to load on my ancient desktop computer at work). I complete more projects if they are portable, and I always wonder why people try EPP at all if they want "faster."

[@valeriebigley8759]

Your experiment made me smile. Thank you for analyzing all that info for us. Now I don't have to wonder. Lol. I use both methods. I enjoy the strip method more but, if I'm using scraps I use the other one.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So glad you liked this one!❤

[@carmencreamer3769]

Fascinating to me! My first quilts were strip pieced, as a friend taught me, and I found it frustrating…didn’t know why. I’ve been doing the other way with shirt fabric and find I enjoy it more. And that seam thing is real…did a jelly roll race as a ‘cleanser’ recently…easy, right, just long seams! Hated it, hate how uneven the whole thing looks, hate how the little bit of pattern I hoped for didn’t happen…I think it really does come down to personal preference, time has little to do with it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

100% agree. totally.❤️

[@deejenkins8314]

The main reason I watch your videos is that I love seeing your joy when you are creating. Honestly this experiment would be skewed in favor of the method the person doing it was accustomed to using. Where you are used to the methods you use when using shirts and can do it now as second nature, I would be hopelessly stressed out trying to work out out how many individual cuts I would need and how to get them. I on the other hand have always worked with yardage and can cut and piece together strip sets with very little thought or effort. We should all quilt in the manner that we are comfortable, and that brings us the joy of the process that we have in common. The only “right way” for any person to quilt, is the way that they do it. Keep doing your creating in the way that brings you joy and satisfaction.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Dee, I agree wholeheartedly! Despite my best efforts, you are right that whatever I do normally will be (at least a touch!) faster. What was great for me was seeing some of the benefits of strip sewing even if it isn't faster for me. 😘 Oh and thank you for your kind words...it makes me happy that you enjoy seeing my joy in my videos. ❤️

[@genier7829]

I think there is one more variable to account for. The print vs. the plaid. If it were me, the plaid cutting would take longer to get exactly on grain than the aqua. The straight grain makes it slower to cut by quite a bit, but only faster to sew by a tiny margin when I use plaids. The same with woven stripes, to a lesser degree. Your plaid looks perfect! I like the look, but often lack the patience, so I don't use plaids often.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Genie, the plaid strip wasn't actually part of the experiment, I just made it to have an example for the video! 😉 But yes, if I was using stripes or plaids it might take a bit longer! 😳🤓 But thank you for noticing the plaid lining up so well...I couldn't believe it came out so straight! 😂

[@tiffanyclark5745]

Omg! How have I never heard the end of that quote?!?! Thank you so much!!! I have been binge watching your videos & I am so theilled to try quilting with men's shirts. Your videos are beyond amazing & so much great information & advice, I just really enjoy all of them!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Tiffany! ❤️

[@gisellejones1139]

How very interesting Kathy.ln the last couple of years l have done some patterns with strip sewing and didn't find it any less fussy or faster.l watch quilting videos where it appears to be but often precuts are used or someone has a die cutter so that would definitely make things go agood bit faster. My motto is " slow and steady " wins and brings joy and satisfaction to me every time .

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Slow and steady does, indeed, win! And when the prize is joy and satisfaction (and matching corners,) what could be better?!

[@kellyboyneoconnor3709]

I'm SO glad you completed that saying about curiousity and satisfaction! So many forget about that.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Right?! It's a crucial component of the quote! 🤓

[@abibritton8791]

I've done patches both ways, and strip sewing works for me because I square up each block in the end. Also, you really don't need to spend the 16 minutes, just cut several shirt strips and then sew each one to a yardage strip until you get to the end of the shirt strip. Clip off the excess yardage strip, or just add another shirt strip and continue for a couple/three yardage steps and then clip the sections at the 'next strips juncture. Then, to each set, add the third strip of shirt or yardage to the side. When you press, always press toward the shirt strip and they'll nest beautifully. I do it first by finger pressing right at the machine which makes pressing the whole unit so easy. I can recommend two quilters, if you don't mind my offering. I watch quite a few video quilters who all have something nice to offer, but these two have been favorites for awhile now. They're both as much of a joy to watch as you (I love love love watching and listening to you, such a delight, lol!) They're so different from each other, but both have made such a difference in the adventure of quilting for me. One is Donna Jordan, of Jordan Fabrics. She makes it all look effortless, and I'm always inspired by her videos. She's a happy instructor! She's the one who taught me the finger pressing method, and what a help that has been. She works with bstiks as well as other fsbrics, and writes lots of free patterns. The other is so totally different! That's Beth, her video site is 'My Sewing Room'. She almost always just uses scraps (piles of wrinkly scraos!) with a quickie press and in the most non-picky way creates peopler-friendly, baby-friendly, picnic-friendly, couch potato-friendly, snuggly, old-fashioned, old pattern quilts. But the best thing about her for me is how calm, stress-free, fussiness-free her sewing is, just so peaceful and remarkable, quiet and comfotable, makes me less anxious about the whole darn process, I love what she comes up with though her colors aren't always what I would have chosen, but I sure consider them now ;-), and she makes me say to my OCD self "I want to try that!" I know you're a busy catbird, but perhaps, if you have a minute (or three....or six and a half!) you might decide to check them out. And I'm now so looking forward to YOUR next video!! Happy quilting! from Abigail in beautiful frozen New Hampshire.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Abigail, I just heard the windchill temperature there is -108! What in the world?! Stay warm, my friend! 🥶 I'm always happy receive suggestions for quilters to watch on YT (or follow) on IG...so thank you for sharing! I have watched both Donna Jordan and Beth from "My Sewing Room" and agree with your assessment of both! Beth is very calm and pleasant and that is so appealing to me! Donna's enthusiasm and efficiency is admirable as well. There is always something to learn from both of them! 🤓 Thanks again for watching and for commenting...stay warm and cozy and snuggle up in a quilt! ❤️

[@privateinfo1711]

I recently made a baby quilt. It was the dachshund pattern that has a lot of patches that goes across the quilt. I did strip sewing because it helped the seams match. So, instead of 23 pieces, I had 5 or 6 sections being sewn together. Speed was not an option.

[@carolg.6838]

Interesting to combine a "taste test" of sorts with quilting. After not making a quilt for YEARS, I have finished the top and spray basted. It is a manner of learning and re-learning. I learned I needed the walking foot for PIECING.. It was OK to square up the blocks which had a center square and border. But then it can't be that much off, even when pinning,when I sew the rows. The walking foot did wonders. I spray basted for the first time and did a few inches of quilting and realized the tension issue was magnified, just awful, so I had the machine serviced. Afraid to start again. A quilt store lady said best way for ease and using one color of thread is to quilt through the middle of the frames. I need straight lines si bought chalk then realized my walking foot has a guide. Found the guide and broke the part it attaches to. Now to get a new one because I don't think I want to wash off so many chalk lines. Years ago I heard of water erase markers reappeared on someone's quilt. I wish I could adjust my own tension. I want straight lines won't be straight and the back not to pucker. I will try painters tape but it seems awkward to apply straight. If I get to the point where basting and quilting are AOK, it will be a joy.

[@patoconnell5007]

Like all your videos this was so well done!! I have gone down the rabbit hole of acquiring shirts to incorporate into some baby quilts I want to make after watching so many of your videos. Like you, in my head thought I would have deconstructed them in no time. Days later I knew that was not going to happen quickly. Granted I had acquired 22 of them on my first few good will searches 🤪🤪I now find myself in church looking at everyone’s shirts thinking “wonder where they will donate that?”🤣🤣 thank you for sharing so much here.

[@angelamyers1201]

I love your methods! This video made my engineering brain super happy! I find that strip piecing works with the way I process things. So, were I to do a similar experiment, my results might be different. With all those tiny squares, I would most definitely have sewn some pieces together that would then have had to be ripped and re-sewn to their appropriate companions (or I would have spent more time staring at them to ensure I had them placed properly) I appreciate that you took the time, and maybe I need to try the same experiment for myself, to see what my results would be!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Angela, I think you should do the same experiment! Wouldn't that be interesting! 🤓❤️ And thank you! 🥰

[@sonjadalglish6544]

Fun experiment. I always loved my physics labs. I also love that it really boils down to what we enjoy doing.

[@mpete2525]

Cathy, my jaw is on the floor.... Amazing! You are truly a great scientist AND an amazing quilter! Such an informative video. I what you said about quilting... Being creative, theraputic and enjoyment.... is exactly correct AND THAT levels the plying field. Such a great video. You always teach me the subtleties and I'm grateful!

[@mpete2525]

My spelling.... You can tell I was in a hurry

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Meyrick! You are unfailingly kind. ❤️ (I am nearly always in a hurry so I relate to typos and left out words and spelling issues!)

[@loribrock991]

So fascinating! As I start on a small scrappy 2 inch square baby quilt, I’ve been thinking about how I can speed up the process. Your video today reminded me I don’t have to speed through any of this journey. Just enjoy the ride. I love the scientific method too, and find myself curious about the processes I take throughout any given day. Another great video.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Lori!❤️ I often have to remind myself of that very thing...I don't have to speed through! I have a high need for a sense of accomplishment, so struggle with rushing the process to get to the completed quilt top or quilt. And then I'm a little bummed that it's over.😂 Always working to find that sweet spot between the two.🤓😘

[@billclason1]

I just love this and I'm so glad you took the time to conduct this experiment ! Another thing that keeps me from utilizing the strip method is that typically there is more waste AND (in my own opinion) the end product is more "canned" (less serendipitous ?)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I agree with your observation and feel the same on both counts. Something about all those little variations (even if the corners still match!) that communicate the "handmade" nature of quilting on an unconscious level. Thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@cashby1425]

Your TAtW quilt is so lovely. I am making postage stamp 9 patch valance. I have found that strip piecing is more accurate and less pulling and distorting of some of the fabrics. That said, having little blocks sewn individually to add in keeps the project looking very random and scrappy.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I bet your postage stamp 9 patch valance will be beautiful! 🥰 I agree on both counts, that little squares can be pulled/distorted possibly more than strip piecing AND that the square sewn method can have a certain scrappy feel to it!

[@debraigo2711]

Everyone is so different ! It's great that they came up with the strip method for the ones who just cut and sew one piece at a time, but really a great thing that the "quilting police" haven't put a ban on the tried and true !!!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

YES! Truth! ❤️

[@tadeyishu]

Loved this, I'll look for ways to make it easier not necessarily faster, but then part of the therapy, for me, is the planning, the working out just how I'm going to do this or that, how much fabric will i need, what needs to be sewn first, all part of the joy, unless I've got a deadline it will take as long as it takes....

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So right! Part of the enjoyment is just doing what we love doing-and not watching the clock!

[@silver_csmith]

That is very interesting! Thanks for sharing. Also….ooooh look at that quilt coming along behind you!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Charity! It’s getting there…slow but sure!

[@PaperDiva67]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time so that I don’t have to😂! Your observation regarding the need to make your seams on the long strips a consistent quarter inch was a great one! As far as piecing the all square blocks, my biggest challenge is with the final stitches of my piecing, I always seem to veer off, resulting in a lot of re-sewing the tail or making adjustments in my ironing. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Your final thoughts were a shiny light on a very important reason why we quilt, because it brings us joy ❤!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Adrienne, I too, veer off at the end and my only suggestion is just to commit to seeing it right all the way through-that is what I have done as of late and it has made a big difference!🤓

[@QUILTINGCHAP]

If you make a ledge with masking tape along the 1/4” seam it keeps you sewing straight to the end. KZbin quilter Karen of Just Get it Done Quilts made this suggestion and it has really helped me. It is in her video called “Sewing Hacks with Masking Tape.”

[@carolg.6838]

@@QUILTINGCHAP Thank you. I ever off too. I will have to try layering the tape. Actually, I have some foam 3M squares I bought for card making. It that was mounted to the very edge of painter's tape and then only the painter's tape makes contact with the sewing machine, you have a ledge that us easily removed. I wish sewing machines came with markings that were longer and more easily to read to aid getting the tape in the right place and straight. I will have to watch Karen's hack video.

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

Kathy, I really enjoyed this video.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I’m so glad! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@dakin7612]

This episode was wonderful. I loved it all. I agree that quilting is very therapeutic and I want to enjoy it. I also listen to 70s music when I sew.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! I'm so glad that you loved it! ❤️

[@yvonneparish6007]

I love a good experiment.. working out how to make a project feel good in every step... when to step away from the not so perfect, the super frustrating was the best lesson..now I love a combo how can I make this event..stripping, block by block, chain piecing, open and nested seams... Its all in the total JOY equation 😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Yvonne and I agree...so much joy to be had quilting as long as we keep that balance! ❤️

[@Ohwhale79]

As a teenager in the 90s I did quite a bit of strip sewing, it seemed like it was a brand new concept back then. I used patterns and yardage and so I shaved a really considerable amount of time off of my quilting. I was also doing much more complex designs such as sail boats and girls in bonnets. I think that, at least for me, more complex designs are saved more time by doing strip sewing, but simpler designs don't seem to save much time. I definitely see what you're saying about using the shirts instead of yardage and having to work out the math, sounds awful. lol 😂 I'm glad you gave it go!

[@barbjursic9300]

I'm heavily into scrap quilts, so it's simpler to join them piece by piece

[@debiogle3798]

6.5 mins equals 6 in one hand and a half dozen in the other. Either way curiosity n satisfaction equals joy in the attitude. Enjoy your creativity! Love this science project! ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Right? Thanks Debi! ❤

[@beckyjohnson9917]

Thanks for all your hard work and doing that for us it really saves me because I’ve actually been working on a quote. Wondering if I would’ve been quicker doing the strip piecing😅

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome, Becky! ❤️ Of course I suspect every quilter's experience will vary some, but it's good to know that whatever way you choose will be right for you!

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

I love this channel. No matter what you’re talking about it’s just so peaceful and your quilts are always beautiful and your husbands editing makes me laugh. ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It's because he is THE BEST. True story, I was watching the video to make sure we didn't miss anything in editing and nearly fell asleep *watching my own video*...I have always wondered why people described my videos as calming or peaceful, but I get it now! 😂 But thank you so much for all the compliments! ❤️🥰

[@happynanna4749]

😂🤣

[@gwenj5419]

"How long does it take to make a quilt?" I've started a quilt diary to keep track of my projects. I'm working on a 'quilt as you go' queen size quilt currently. I wrote down the date I started, and I've been working on it a year. 😅. I don't quilt every day though. I tend to go in fits and starts.

[@padmarubiales5184]

I ❤ love the quilt behind you in this episode! I love checkerboard, and that looks gorgeous! Doesn’t look like shirt fabric…? Are they 1 inch squares or…? I agree with you! Why spend more time calculating how long it takes you to make a quilt? I am curious, but not curious enough to waste my time on calculating the time! I guess if you were trying to sell them, you might want to know to price your quilts accordingly. Your examples looked absolutely on point! Fabulous! Of course, you could control for coffee and music factors! But I’m sure it was accurate enough anyway. Another way to make it a more accurate time assessment would be to make a half a dozen nine patches in each method, and then average it. Another reason to do squares instead of strips is if you’re doing it scrappy! Then you can cut little squares out of your small leftovers, whereas with strips, you have to have that long of a piece to be able to do it.

[@bethliebman8169]

Truer words were never spoken--I do it for the joy! Thanks for running the experiment. Thanks also for the full quote Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought him back. I had never heard that before. Take care and stay warm. Here in Chicago, we were at 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh, Beth, 9 degrees!!! Brrr!!! Maybe I should tell YOU to stay warm!! I do love the whole quote---my eldest taught me that! 🥰 Thanks for the support and kind words! and DO stay warm!!

[@barbaraangier9967]

I would love you to go over how you nest your seams. You mentioned it in your video……but when I saw the back of your work I noticed that you don’t twirl your seams…….can you explain how you do this? The back of your work looks so neat!! Just love your videos. I could listen to you for hours…..❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Barbara! ❤️ I have a video (Easy First Quilt series) where I explain and show how to nest seams; it's been so long I've forgotten which one, maybe the one on piecing? Check that one out and see if it answers your question. 😊👍🏻 If not, maybe I can do a video on nesting seams sometime!

[@mariasapien3303]

This was interesting! The 9 patch memory quilt that I’m working on, I’m doing strips. I feel that the block comes together faster. It has been challenging getting strips long enough and I have wasted some pieces 😏

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It IS hard to get strips long enough. And that may be the chief reason I didn't enjoy it and why it took longer for me to do it the strip-sewing way!

[@Joy-gp2gg]

I enjoyed your experiment. Yes, quilt the way you will enjoy making that piece of art. There was a one minute segment that I had to play for my husband. We were both laughing because he is an Engineer and loves your experiment process. I’m the other half lost in my 70s lite rock with Christopher Cross.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Joy, that is funny! I can just imagine the two of you laughing at me and each other and yourselves! How wonderful.❤️ So glad you enjoyed the video.🥰

[@jennamckenzie647]

I have always wanted to know the answer to this question and I am so glad that you did this experiment! Thank you 😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! (me too!) I'm so glad it answered your question! ❤️

[@Loriann3616]

I’m so enjoying your sense of humor. Most especially the Christopher Cross reference ❤😂❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Lori! And that 70’s lite rock music reference is real-it is what I listen to often when I quilt! 😂

[@Loriann3616]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts meee tooo!

[@kathylee1261]

The ‘which one is faster’ appears to be really personal. Which one do you enjoy most? Which is mor accurate for how you sew? Are you using scraps or yardage? Do you have a pattern? Is the block more complicated than squares? Interesting experiment though (for an engineer) Thanks

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I agree with you 100%. It was interesting to do...and of course wasn't a truly or perfectly designed experiment, but fun nonetheless! ❤️

[@toothvetia]

I haven’t taken the time to read all the comments, but Missouri star quilt company suggests making a strip set of your light and your dark and cut those into sets of two and using four of those and then an extra single 2 1/2 in square to form your nine patch. that way you don’t think about which ones which because all of your two patches work together to form your nine patch and so it’s just as mindless as the Non-strip piecing but it’s strip pieced so it’s faster.

[@kathleenswan4184]

Thank you for this! I’ve often wondered if there was a time difference between the two methods.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome! ❤️

[@donnarichey144]

You are amazing to figure all that out. Very interesting and I love it. T hank you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Donna!🥰❤️

[@freddiehansen7324]

I'm also not a strip-set fan - because I am (still) not the best at sewing straight lines. Regarding the cutting, I'm getting good with the rotary cutter (not with scissors though lol), so smaller/shorter seams are preferable. You can also "fudge" a seam to get corners to match when using squares, you can not do that so well with strip sets. I think it comes down to how I like to sew. I don't like it to feel like I'm rushing. I don't time my sewing and I don't sew when I'm not in the mood for it. Your "around the World" quilt is absolutely gorgeous!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you thank you! ❤️

[@LanaGB05]

This is very informative video, thanks a lot Cathy! ❤️ You talk about cutting in this video, it got me curious, How actually you do your cutting and subcutting? Do you mark? Do you use templates? What marking tools do you use? I think I won't be too wrong, if I say it would be fascinating to see! This topic is covered in "Your first quilt" series, but only for squares. Would be interesting to see other shapes being cut. 💖

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Lana! 🥰 I don't generally mark and I don't usually use templates! (although I have for at least one project!) I think the cutting of the shirts is a daunting thing for a lot of people...maybe your suggestion to do a video on this would be helpful to them! Thanks and great idea! ❤️

[@shulamussnug7120]

Very interesting. Loved this experiment.

[@elainelear4982]

Definitely an interesting experiment. I enjoy scientific research and useful results. Thank you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@anneoconnorao]

You love precision!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I do!

[@robinblack3865]

Good analysis, do what makes you feel good!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Robin!❤️

[@JennyMoon-il2wi]

As an engineer, I love the scientific approach you took! Like you, I enjoy individual piecing best. (It’s probably a control issue for me!) The biggest negative I’ve found with strip piecing is that cutting across seams leads to seams easily separating at the cut. This is especially true the more the cut pieces are handled and when they are on the outside edges of the quilt. Did you have any experience with that problem?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Jenny! And no, I didn’t have that problem, but in all honesty once I had the strip sets sewn I sewed them directly to the quilt top so they didn’t have a chance to be handled and separate! But I definitely could see where that might be a tendency with strip sewing! 🤓

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

Just another wonderful, interesting video!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Caitlin! You know I have to mix it up and keep it interesting! 😘

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts you always do!!!

[@mandyp]

Thanks for this interesting experiment. I knit and quilt and always get asked how long something took. I used to try to guesstimate but now I think I’ll say something like “months” or “ a lot longer than you would think.”

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I like these answers. A whole lot. I may adopt them as my own! 😉

[@olgaromero8831]

Question: did you chain piece all Blue/White/Blue with the White Blue White, or did you make 1 whole block at time? Just came across your KZbin, I love the quilt and so fascinated with the fact the you use Shirts. I offered some family/friends to make a memory quilt for a love one that has passed, just some big 10" or 5" squares, however: I never even thought of making any actual pattern. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure your friend loves the quilt.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I chain pieced them! And you're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! (and yes, she loves it! 😘)

[@stefflcus]

lolololol I was SKA-REEEMING the second part of the curiosity cat quote at the screen. I... I may have cheered when you said the second part. 😅 Not sorry.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Of course you did, Steff. ❤😂🥰 love you, girl!

[@ingridcarstensen2542]

Great investigation and interesting results : ) Love the videographer's extra pop-up (s) and the zooming in on your personal 'hand' snips 8 ) I'm still laughing!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

LOL! Yes, he is THE BEST and always finds a way to make me funnier and my videos more enjoyable. 🥰 So glad you liked the video! ❤️

[@annettemaxie-mahmoud2390]

I am new to your channel and that was a very interesting comparison! Thank you. ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay...I'm glad you found me! Thanks for watching and commenting! and for being on this journey with me! ❤️

[@glynisreynolds446]

Gosh, working all that out was hard work 😳😳 Thank goodness I just enjoy the sewing, however I do it 🤣🤣 Good point about the seam allowance on the strip sets though 👍 Enjoy your sewing 😊🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Glynis, right?! TOO much work! But worth it for the satisfaction of knowing.😂🤓😘

[@joycerideout6311]

Great information thankyou ❤️👍

[@beckypetersen2680]

It seems like you were overthinking those blue/white/blue strips. When figuring the 9 patches, you just have 2x the number of the center strip so you just needed 16 of them for 8 blocks. It also could just be that for you it is not faster. Taking 10 minutes to press two strip sets just seems slow. In general, however, working using second-hand fabrics takes longer than using yardage - for sure! I find that strip sewing is much faster and more accurate - esp. with 1" finished squares. But I understand about being off about sewing strips. I feel that way about all the disappearing methods. However, I do use both methods. if I have 'strips', I use them, but often I end up having little squares and having to do them individually.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol! It was more calculating the length of the shirt strip to make it work, but yes I probably DID overthink it! 😂

[@joyshewan5086]

6 minutes difference multiplied by the number of sets of 8 blocks does add up significantly. So if you had 8 sets of 8 blocks to make that is 48 minutes more to make that same number of blocks as compared to the other way. Am I understanding that right? Interesting experiment, though. Thanks for doing it for us!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome, Joy! I'm not sure that the time difference would be linear in that way (that would be ANOTHER interesting experiment!) 🤓

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thank you

[@conniemurdoch8528]

I was very interested in this video because I bet I am curiouser than you! Do you know that (this was scientifically studied by me) by counting how many of the friends I communicated about sewing with were like me - Computer Programmers or Systems Analysts. I started asking the people whose work I admired the most what their day job was and most were the STEM people. This rigorously studied theory proved to me without a doubt, there might in fact be something to my idea - or maybe not. Around that time I did one of those tests one to establish your work style and I was heavily a process oriented person. This was more truer and more better (statistician speak) amongst my smocking friends, which activity was very like a programmed sequence. The people that enjoyed the most complex designs, were in the more highly skilled tech jobs. I can remember describing how to do a certain smocking stitch pattern using terms like “if - then - else” or “do - until” . Of course this was when we were programmers (1980’s) not coders like now. When I started my career there were still punched cards being used in a fair number of applications and mainframes were in climate controlled rooms. (Did you know that from the mid1800s in the textile industry complex weaving patterns done on Jacquard looms were controlled by punched cards?) Some day I might study my theory by actually writing stuff down! But I’m too busy making a bunch of quilt blocks and then when I’m finished and know how to do it the right way, I go back and rip out all the first blocks and redo them even though no one would see any difference, I’m just compelled to know for my own satisfaction that all the blocks were sewn using the best method. I also always write in pencil so that if I make a spelling mistake I can erase the entire page and write it over. But I seldom do that more than 3 times.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Connie, I didn't think it was possible, but you very well might be curiouser than me! 😂 And that is AWESOME.🤓❤️👍🏻

[@gingerhammock8400]

It's funny how much we think alike!

[@kathscrafts4335]

if you multiply that 6-minute difference (by either method) by the eleventy hundred 9-patch blocks you need, it adds up to quite a bit, but do what makes you happy. It's about the journey, not necessarily the destination!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Good point.🤓 Although I wonder if it would be a linear gain in that way! But yes, in the end it's about quilting in a way that makes us happy! ❤️ (also, eleventy hundred! LOL!😂)

[@janiewilliams5803]

This could be another plus to the square to square method. If the pieces are all cut, when I have only 5 min to sew (waiting on whatever), I can just sit and sew for five minutes. With the other method, I must remember where in the process I am, which could take all 5 min!! :)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh that’s so true! It’s much harder to do a little bit here and there with the strip method!🤓👍🏻

[@gina8330]

I have never used the strips. I think there is a flaw in the experiment. You have a lot of experience in sewing squares into 9 patches. You also have experience in cutting shirts to get those squares. You don’t have experience in cutting and sewing the strips. Each step requires thought and calculations that run in the background with experience. Since the math was so close, I think, with experience, the strips would be a faster method. I also think you’d get better at getting them straight with practice. A better experiment would be to take someone who had never done either method. Let them try.

[@yx6889]

I'm working on a civil war era quilt now and it's taking me forever. I have the same conclusions about the precision aspect of strip piecing as well. I break out the process into chunks to deal with the repetition, so I'll working on maybe 10 strip sets at a time, then I'll take a break and press them, then cut them and then sew them the next night, etc. I hate the idea of sewing hundreds of little squares together, I'd rather sew the bigger strips and then cut and sew again. It's a lot of work but more doable than all of those little squares to me.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

And isn't that the best thing about quilting? Everyone has their own way. ❤️

[@cindyhappel7376]

Sometimes I’m a stripper (lol) and sometimes I’m a l title squares piecerrit just depends on whether I have jelly roll strips or am using other stash. Thanks for this great video, I’m very surprised at the time difference.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok this made me LOL! Thanks for the laugh and the comment!

[@TheQuiltingLunchLady]

I am not sure that strip sewing is faster, but often times it is more accurate. Less margin for error or the error is consistent thus becoming a non-error (yes this is not a word but works for me).😂. Strip piecing does require some technique for accurate sewing and pressing is important as well.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Funny, I think for me it is less accurate--although I totally get your point! I can definitely see how having those long seams might eliminate some the errors (as long as you're consistent!) 🤓

[@cnuttall4193]

Am quite disappointed with all the comments about strip sewing not being precise. If you can sew a small square acurately you can sew a strip accurately. Most inacuracy comes at the beginning and end of the fabric feed under the presser foot. If you are sewing little pieces there is more chance for these inaccuracies. This is too small an experiment to justify this conclusion. btw, i find my accuracy goes up the faster i sew and fewer stops i make.

[@frontofficed.burnell-power6288]

Hi Cathy, like you quilter by night, scientist by day. I will offer these thoughts to your process... Testing speed... the only way to do so accurately is to give two different quilters, who are operating in their "sweet spot", The same pattern and same genre of raw materials and compare their sewing times. That would adjust for most of the things you spoke of...however, as a newer sewer...I have never heard, or perhaps completely ignored, the argument that strip piecing is faster. What has been emphasized to me is that it is more accurate for a novice quilter, provided they check the seam allowance on each strip and undo it if it is off. Where as I have been cautioned if I sew square to square, I will likely have a different seem allowance on every block which will lead to wonky rows and nothing matching up. What you describe in your video is you have developed a way to read fabric in a particular situation (square to square) and you can easily correct in that situation ie block piecing, which takes experience. And that is what seems to be missing from your experiment. If you are trying to determine if a method is intrinsically faster, then the sewers would have to be equally proficient in each method. If you were testing which method promotes greater accuracy, then the sewers would have to be equally non-skilled. However, if you were trying to prove to yourself which method you "should" be using, you knew that before you started. The one that makes sense to how your brain works and gives you the most joy will always be the fastest. Because your experiment did not allow for boredom or frustration with the method, which are the two most impactful things that typically kill most projects or at the very least slows them down. :). Thanks for the video. You truly are as big of a nerd as I am.

[@itcouldbeanyone]

Every quilt I tell myself I will keep track of how long it took to make this one, and one day I actually might

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I say that too and I NEVER DO. Maybe neither of us ever 😘should!

[@katf009]

I’m not a fan of strip sewing, I can never get my blocks “perfectly matched” like I can with square to square. 🤷‍♀ I’m a perfectionist when it comes to corners meeting.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Me too, Kat!

[@yoshiew05]

Just in the nick of time. I’m about to make a nine patch

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

YES! ❤️

[@amberfun9148]

Hundressssssss

[@tracyhost1047]

Thanks for this video. I too am a piece by piece quilter but I’ll try strip piecing someday just for the experience. Watching your videos is like sitting down with a friend for a chat except you do all the chatting. I just nod my head and smile. Ha! Thanks again. Already looking forward to our next “chat”. 😉

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you, Tracy! ❤️

[@lyndaslocum7404]

A little Greased Lightening

[@destrygraves]

Might I suggest that you had little to zero experience in sewing the strips versus your tremendous experience with cutting and sewing of individual squares. That would naturally make the strips process take longer. You can be in a zone with the individual pieces. If you were confident and experienced with working with the strips you would have gotten a different result. I personally use both depending on what I am working on. If I were making that trip around the world quilt I would never make it by cutting and sewing individual pieces because we are talking about 2.5” squares. It would be impossible for me to be accurate.

[@debraigo2711]

If you check out the responses to some of the comments, I think you'll find a scammer.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I did. 👎🏻 And promptly reported them. 🤓👍🏻😘

[@xhoxolatequilts]

Do you know of that lady mathematician who loves quilting? I can not recall her name, however she is very special....I love her brilliance in numbers and quilts. I, myself merely love chocolate... quilts and the scientific significance of removing chocolate stains from quilt blocks!🤎

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I don’t know her…but she sounds interesting! And lol…I’ve learned the hard way not to eat chocolate while piecing! 😂👍🏻

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

I recently tried strip sewing 8 strips of 2 3/4" by width of fabric, then to cut to 2 3/4". My 1/4 " seam was too scant. So I had to resew them all. They came out wonky (gently curved like they had perronies disease). So for me being new it, didn't save time. Each time I speed up the process, it costs me more time. Slow and steady produces great results (you have instilled that in me). Thanks for sharing another great video. When will Mr. Martin start to quilt?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks Apache! Not sure I can influence my husband to quilt, but sometimes I recruit him to seam rip and he is excellent at it!!❤