I have done that before. It make sense to me to have fewer seams and fewer chances of not matching perfectly. Also less see-through of seams.

Good question. I often make a pattern easier than shown. I also will combine pieces into one bigger piece when they seem to be cut only to add those extra seams. Since no one will see the pattern I made it from, who would know anyway.

I think sometimes they make the directions so you piece fewer types of pieces. Like making a bunch of HSTs instead of some HSTs and flying geese. But personally I prefer the look with fewer seams, so I usually change my patterns when I can. The exception is blocks for exchanges. I follow the directions so they will all be the same.

beverly

I agree that it makes sence to cut a larger pc. for 3 but I think that it is done that way to give the border impression to the block. Jayne

Yes, if I see an easier way of making a pattern, I'll make it that way. I used to swap on another forum, but they've gotten so wordy for the directions, I doubt I could follow along. I can easily make the blocks to look like what they show, but won't make them using their directions. I only do the BD swap here, anyway. I don't understand extra seams if they aren't needed. The older I get, the less I care about certain things.

SharonG/FL-IN

Thanks for your answers. When I asked the question I wasn't thinking about swaps, but I can see that would be a good reason not to change the pattern!