Learn about using pre-cut quilting fabric, choosing colours, and the range of pre-cut packs available, such as Jelly Rolls, Charm Squares, and more.
Pre-cut quilting fabric has revolutionised the creative textiles world, allowing quilters to dive right into the piecing process, often designing the quilt as they go.
These fabric packs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colour combinations, often from the same fabric line, ensuring a harmonious blend of patterns and hues.
Packs of pre-cut quilting fabric offer an economical alternative to purchasing yardage, save time, and are great for beginner quilters.
What is Pre-cut Quilting Fabric?
Pre-cut quilting fabric is cut to specific dimensions and organised into bundles or packs. Often, one designer’s entire line of fabric is used to make up a pack. Other times, it may be a collection of complementary colours or similar patterns.
Some packs include duplicate fabric, so it’s always wise to check the contents of a bundle to ensure it offers the range you want.
Pre-cut fabric often has pinked edges — the same effect as when using regular pinking shears. The pinked edge prevents fraying — however, it might also affect the dimensions of each piece of fabric.
Some manufacturers include the pinked edge in the sizes, while others do not.
Types of Pre-cut Quilting Fabric Packs
Pre-cut fabric packs come in a variety of styles. Here are some popular types:
Jelly Rolls and Dessert Rolls
These consist of 2.5″ x 44″ strips of fabric. Jelly Rolls do vary in the amount of material included. However, you can expect a good-quality Jelly Roll to contain 2 3/4 yards of fabric.
A wide variety of fabric types, colours, and patterns are made into Jelly Rolls, including bright colours, complementary colours, batiks, solids, geometric, florals, etc.
Dessert Rolls contain 5″ x 44″ strips of fabric.
The Kaffe Fassett Collective Classics Jelly Roll offers vibrant, contemporary prints. These Jelly Rolls are available in a range of different colour sets and fabric prints.
Charm Squares and Mini Charm Squares
Charm squares are 5″ x 5″, and their mini counterparts are 2.5″ x 2.5″.
Charm square packs vary in the number of included squares and, thus, the amount of fabric included. Always take time to calculate how much material you’ll need for the project you’re planning.
Charm School―18 Quilts from 5″ Squares: A Beginner’s Guide is a fabulous book that includes 18 beginner-friendly patterns for Charm Square quilts.
Mini Charm Square packs are perfect for making colour wash quilts. This handy book — Colourwash Quilts With Yan Pring — will help you get started with the colour wash technique.
Layer Cakes
These are larger, 10″ x 10″ squares. Each pack usually has 42 squares, totalling 3 1/8 yards of fabric.
Linda Ludovico Stonehenge Gradations 10″ Layer Cake includes a mix of bright colours.
Fat Quarter Bundles and Fat Eighth Bundles
Fat quarters are 18″ x 22″ pieces, and fat eighths are 9″ x 22″.
When deciding how many fat quarters or fat eighths you need for a quilt, keep in mind that 4 fat quarters total one yard of fabric, and 8 fat eighths make up one yard.
Tula Pink’s extensive range of Fat Quarter and Fat Eighth bundles are perennial favourites amongst quilters.
Using Pre-cut Quilting Fabric
Pre-cut fabrics offer diverse possibilities. They’re perfect for patchwork, as the pieces are already accurately cut, saving time and reducing waste.
You can mix and match pre-cuts from different collections for a unique look or use one pack for a coordinated theme.
Pre-cuts are also great for borders, sashing, or binding.
If you’re looking for inspiration or patterns, there are many popular books available that will help get you started.
Does Pre-cut Quilting Fabric Need to be Pre-washed?
Pre-cut fabric should never be pre-washed as the pieces may shrink — this would result in none being the same size. This really defeats the purpose of using pre-cuts!
Packs of tiny pre-cuts, such as mini-charm squares, contain small pieces, so there’s a risk that some will get lost.
Choosing a Colour Set of Pre-cut Quilting Fabric
When selecting a pre-cut fabric pack, consider the quilt’s intended use.
- Bright, playful colours and patterns are perfect for a child’s quilt.
- For a more classic look, opt for muted, traditional prints.
Pre-cuts often include an entire fabric collection, giving you a balanced colour palette.
If you’re choosing individual pre-cuts, lay them out together before purchasing to ensure they complement each other.
You could also look for colour inspiration in nature, art, or interior design.
Planning a Quilt with Pre-cuts
Planning a quilt with pre-cuts can simplify the design process.
- First, decide on a quilt pattern designed for pre-cuts.
Tip!
If you want to create your own pattern, using coloured paper is an inexpensive way to experiment with layout and colour.
- Next, select your pre-cut fabric pack.
- Remember that the size of the pre-cut will influence the final quilt size.
- When arranging your pieces, experiment with different layouts before sewing. Taking photos as you plan is a helpful reference when assembling your pieces for stitching.
- Balance the colours and patterns across the quilt for a harmonious look.
- Finally, consider how you’ll quilt it — the stitching can add another level of design to your quilt.
Tip!
Putting together a few test blocks is a great way to practice piecing fabric — especially those pesky points — and try out your free motion quilting ideas.
Pros and Cons of Using Pre-cut Fabric Packs for Quilting
Just like any quilting material, pre-cut fabric packs come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you decide whether they’re the right choice for your quilting project.
Pros of Using Pre-cut Quilting Fabric Packs
1. Time-Saving: One of the biggest benefits of pre-cut fabrics is the time you save. Instead of spending hours cutting fabric, you can start sewing right away.
2. Precision: Manufacturers accurately cut pre-cuts, reducing the risk of errors that could affect your final quilt’s size or pattern alignment.
3. Variety: Pre-cut packs often contain multiple fabrics from the same collection, giving you a coordinated variety of prints and colours without having to buy full yards of each.
4. Cost-Effective and Beginner-Friendly: For those who quilt occasionally or are new to quilting, pre-cuts can be a more economical way to gain a diverse fabric selection without investing in large quantities.
5. Inspiration: With a pre-cut pack, you can challenge yourself to create a design with the given set of fabrics. This can be a fun and creative exercise, particularly if the collection includes fabrics you might not have picked.
Cons of Using Pre-cut Quilting Fabric Packs
1. Limited Fabric: The specific sizes of pre-cuts can be limiting. If you need larger pieces for your quilt design, pre-cuts might not be the best choice.
2. Less Control Over Selection: With pre-cuts, you get what you get. You may love some patterns in the pack and be less fond of others, and you won’t usually be able to choose the exact amount of each fabric.
3. Cost: While they can be more economical in some situations, pre-cut packs can also be more expensive than buying fabric by the yard, especially for larger projects or if you only need a few specific fabrics.
4. Availability: Not all fabric lines or collections are available in pre-cut form, so you might not find the exact fabric you want.
5. Shrinkage: Pre-cuts can’t be pre-washed because they would fray. If they are not 100% cotton, they may shrink at a different rate than the rest of the quilt when washed.
Create with Confidence with Pre-Cut Quilting Fabric
Pre-cut quilting fabrics provide convenience, variety, and inspiration for quilters of all levels. You can dive into your next quilting project with confidence and creativity.
Remember, your unique project requirements and personal preferences will determine whether pre-cut fabric packs are the best choice for your quilting project.
By understanding their pros and cons, you can make an informed decision and create a quilt that brings your vision to life.