Whether you're just starting your quilting journey or expanding your fabric knowledge, understanding precut fabric types is essential. Fat quarters and fat eighths are two of the most popular precut options — here's everything you need to know about them, plus a quick overview of other precuts you'll encounter.
What Are Precut Fabrics?
Fabric manufacturers release collections that group coordinating prints, solids, or themed designs together. To make it easier for quilters and sewists to work with these collections, manufacturers cut and bundle the fabrics into standard sizes. These are called precuts — and they save you both time and money compared to buying individual yardage of each print.
Fat Quarter
A fat quarter is a quarter-yard of fabric cut to approximately 18" × 22". It gets its name from its shape — wider and squarer than a standard quarter-yard cut (9" × 44"). Both yield the same square footage, but the fat quarter's dimensions make it far more versatile for quilting, bags, pillowcases, and small home goods.
Because quilting cotton width varies slightly between manufacturers (typically 41"–45"), fat quarter sizes can range from 18" × 20" to 18" × 22". Always check the product dimensions before buying.
Why Use Fat Quarters?
- Easier to cut large shapes and blocks than a narrow quarter-yard strip
- Strips cut on the lengthwise grain are twice as long as from a standard quarter-yard
- Versatile for appliqué, patchwork, scrap quilts, bags, and accessories
What Can You Make with a Fat Quarter Bundle?
- Zipper pouches and coin purses
- Small tote bags and lunch bags
- Tea towels and cloth napkins
- Pillow covers
- Patchwork quilt blocks
- Face masks
- Travel jewelry cases
- Crossbody bags
Fat Eighth
A fat eighth is an eighth-yard cut measuring approximately 9" × 22" — wider than a standard 4.5" × 44" eighth-yard strip. Just like fat quarters, the exact dimensions depend on the fabric's width, so sizes may vary slightly between manufacturers (9" × 21" or 9" × 22" are both common).
Fat eighths are an affordable way to collect a wide variety of prints without buying larger quantities. They're ideal for smaller accents, scrappy quilt projects, and building a diverse fabric stash.
Other Common Precut Sizes
Charm Pack
A bundle of 5" × 5" squares — typically one square from each print in a collection, though duplicates may appear in larger collections. Charm packs are great for pillow covers, small quilts, and patchwork projects. Mini charm packs use 2.5" × 2.5" squares for even smaller-scale work.
Jelly Roll
A bundle of 2.5"-wide strips cut the full width of the fabric (~44"), rolled up and tied — typically 40 strips per roll. Jelly rolls are perfect for strip quilts, table runners, bag straps, and bindings. "Jelly Roll" is a Moda Fabrics trademark; other brands may call them design rolls or fabric rolls.
Layer Cake
A bundle of 10" × 10" squares — typically 42 per bundle —
