If you've ever wondered why quilters talk about cakes, rolls, and charms like they're planning a bake sale, you're not alone. Precuts have some fun names, but once you know the sizes, they make quilting so much easier.
What Are Precuts?
Precuts are bundles of fabric cut into matching shapes, usually one piece of every print in a collection. You get a perfectly coordinated mix without having to buy a dozen different fabrics by the yard. They're great for beginners, scrappy quilts, and anyone who wants to skip a lot of cutting.
Precut Sizes at a Glance
| Precut |
Size |
Great For |
| Mini Charms |
2 1/2" squares |
Mini quilts, mug rugs, small scrappy projects |
| Charm Packs |
5" squares |
Baby quilts, table runners, patchwork pillows |
| Layer Cakes |
10" squares |
Quick throws, half square triangles, big blocks |
| Honey Buns |
1 1/2" strips |
Log cabins, sashing, skinny borders |
| Jelly Rolls |
2 1/2" strips |
Strip quilts, binding, rail fence designs |
| Fat Quarters |
About 18" x 21" |
Bags, fussy cutting, larger pieces from many prints |
| Fat Eighths |
About 9" x 21" (varies by brand) |
Scrappy quilts and small projects |
How Much Fabric Is in a Precut?
This is the question we hear most. Piece counts vary by brand, but most packs come with around 40 to 42 pieces. That works out to roughly:
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Charm pack: about 3/4 yard of fabric
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Layer cake: about 2 3/4 yards
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Jelly roll: about 2 3/4 yards
Always check the product page for the exact count, especially if you're following a pattern that calls for a specific number.
A Quick Note on the Names
Jelly Roll, Layer Cake, Charm Pack, and Honey Bun are names that started with Moda. Other brands make the same sizes under their own names, like strip rolls or 10" stackers. The size is what matters, so if a pattern calls for a jelly roll, any bundle of 2 1/2" strips will do.
Tips for Sewing With Precuts
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Skip pre-washing. Precuts can fray and shrink unevenly in the wash. Use a color catcher when you wash the finished quilt instead.
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Watch for pinked edges. Many precuts have zigzag edges. Measure your 1/4" seam from the outer points, not the valleys.
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Pair them up. A layer cake plus a matching charm pack gives you lots of options in one collection.
Ready to try one? Browse all our precut fabric or start with a fat quarter bundle. They're a fun way to fall in love with a whole collection at once.
