If you’re new to quilting, figuring out yardage can feel overwhelming, like tackling a math test when you haven’t studied. Fortunately, pre-cut fabrics take away that stress. These convenient bundles come perfectly trimmed, color-coordinated, and ready for you to sew. Instead of wrestling with measurements and fabric selections, you can jump straight into the fun part of quilting. It’s no wonder pre-cuts have become such a popular shortcut for quilters of every skill level.
Why Pre-Cuts Became a Quilter’s Shortcut
Fabric companies began offering pre-cut sizes as a way to simplify the quilting process, packaging a variety of coordinated prints from the same fabric collection. Because the pieces are precisely cut at the factory, each edge is perfectly square and consistent, which means no more uneven strips or mismatched squares. It’s like opening a paint set where every color already works beautifully together. All you have to do is pick your favorite pattern and start stitching.
Buying fabric by the yard is still a wonderful option, especially for large backings and custom cuts, but pre-cuts offer an easy alternative when time is limited.
The Most Common Pre-Cut Sizes
Understanding the different types of pre-cuts can help you pick the right one for your project. Most shops, including 118 Fabrics & More, stock four popular sizes:
• Charm packs (5″ squares) – Great for small projects like baby quilts, table runners, and sampler blocks. They let you explore an entire fabric line without committing to large amounts of yardage.
• Layer cakes (10″ squares) – Perfect when you want to highlight bold or larger prints. They’re ideal for quick half-square triangles and simple quilt designs. Two-layer cakes plus some background fabric can easily make a comfy lap quilt.
• Jelly rolls (2½″ strips) – With forty uniformly sized strips, jelly rolls make log-cabin blocks, rail-fence designs, and quick quilt tops achievable in just a few hours. They’re also useful for binding finished quilts.
• Fat quarters (18″ × 21″ rectangles) – A versatile favorite, these larger cuts are great for fussy-cutting big motifs or creating multiple small pieces from one print. Fat quarters allow you to collect your favorite fabric lines without needing yards of each print.
If you need help figuring out which option would be best for your next project, just stop into the shop or give us a call and we’ll be happy to make some recommendations!
Choosing the Right Size for Your Pattern
Each pre-cut shape lends itself to different design possibilities. Smaller prints pop in charm packs, while big, bold motifs need the space that layer cakes provide. When combining bundles, consider adding a neutral solid or blender fabric to bring the look together and prevent visual overload. And because these pieces are precision-cut, your seams need to be just as accurate. A tiny quarter-inch seam allowance helps everything align the way it should.
Simple Ways to Store and Organize
Pre-cuts arrive beautifully bundled, but tight packaging can cause stubborn creases. A quick press with a warm iron before storing them ensures they’ll be ready when inspiration strikes. Clear containers labeled “charms,” “strips,” or “fat quarters” help you easily spot what you need without digging through drawers. Some quilters prefer to keep bundles intact to preserve the fabric designer’s original vision, while others sort fabrics by color or theme. There’s no right or wrong answer; just choose the method that works for you.
Weekend-Friendly Projects to Try
If you want a quick quilting project for instant satisfaction, try sewing a disappearing nine-patch made from a charm pack and a few strips of sashing fabric. For something even quicker, consider a jelly-roll race, which involves sewing strip ends together, then cutting and repeating until your top is done. Need a quick yet thoughtful baby gift? Cut one layer cake into large half-square triangles, add a soft background fabric, and you’ll have a beautiful quilt top ready before the weekend is over.
Working with Pre-Cuts Like a Pro
Press each piece gently before sewing to ensure flat seams. As you sew, be mindful of pinked edges, which help to reduce fraying but can be tricky when it comes to maintaining an accurate seam. And don’t underestimate the value of the leftovers! Those small trimmings can be transformed into mug rugs, scrappy borders, or miniature blocks, letting you make the most of every bundle.
Pre-cuts can help you move quilt projects from your to-do list to your finished pile quickly and easily. Whether you need help choosing the right bundle for your next project, pattern suggestions, or just want to chat about quilts, stop by 118 Fabrics & More. We’re here to spread out fabric options, share ideas, and send you home inspired and ready to sew.
Leave a Reply