What is Precut Fabric and How to Use It!
If you are new to sewing there are so many new terms and techniques that it can easily become confusing! There are SO many types of fabric that it is completely and totally overwhelming! This post is focusing on quilting cotton (not used only for quilting but that is what it is called) precuts. What is precut fabric and how to use it, here we go!
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What is Precut Fabric and How to Use It!
Precut Fabric for Quilting and Sewing
What is precut fabric?
These precuts are a collection of quilting fabrics that are already cut into a specific size or shape. They are usually a variety of patterns from one certain line of fabric. You typically get one or two of each fabric from a certain line. Sometimes a precut pack will have a selection of solid colored fabrics. The precuts come in all one color, such as white. Or they come in a color scheme like white, blue, grey, and black (for example.) They also come in half sizes, like half a layer cake which is usually one of each print from the line (you usually end up with about 20 cuts compared to about 40 cuts with a full size pack.) Be sure to read the description carefully when purchasing the precuts to really know what you are getting.
Click the title or image to see all the fabrics on Fat Quarter Shop that come in each pre cut!
Layer Cake Fabric:
Layer cake fabric is a collection of 10″ squares, each brand has different numbers of squares but you usually get 2 of each cut which results in about 40 cuts of fabric (some you get a few more.) A junior layer cake has half as many cuts and is usually one cut from each fabric in a line. These are great for making half square triangles and would be perfect in this Half Square Triangle Quilt. Or to make a quick rag quilt.
How many strips are in a jelly roll?
Jelly Roll:
A jelly roll is a collection of strips that measure 2.5″ x 42″. The number of strips in each roll varies widely so always read the description to be sure of the number you will be getting. Many jelly rolls have 2 strips of each fabric in a line. You can also find jelly rolls in solid colors. Be sure to check the packaging or description to be sure what you are actually getting. These are great for strip quilts. They are also perfect for making ruffles. A honey bun is almost the same as a jelly roll but the strip measures 1.5″ x 42″.
What is charm pack fabric?
A charm pack is a collection of 5″ squares. These squares are an easy size to work with and fun for smaller projects like a patchwork tote. This is also a good size to make projects with prairie points.
Mini Charm Pack:
A mini charm pack has about 42 squares measuring 2.5″. These are great for mini patchwork items and also for pixelated quilts. The only down side to the mini pack is that you don’t get to see a lot of the print of the fabric. If you are going to be using small squares you wouldn’t see the print that much anyway though. This size can save you a lot of time cutting small pieces since that can be so time consuming!
Jolly Bar:
A jolly bar is a collection of 42 fabric pieces measuring 5″ x 10″ each. (So each piece is half of a layer cake piece.) These would be great for use in a quilt top like this subway tile inspired quilt. The jolly bars on Fat Quarter Shop also come with a quilt pattern for using these precuts which is really nice.
What is a fat quarter fabric bundle?
Fat Quarter:
A fat quarter measures 18″ x 21″. You can buy it alone or in a bundle (as pictured above.) A fat quarter bundle usually includes all the prints from any given line of fabric. These are a great size for small projects. There are lots of projects that use just one or two fat quarters. Like these Fat Quarter Projects. Buying one or two fat quarters instead of yardage is a great way to not have a lot of excess in your fabric stash!
Fat Eighth:
A fat eighth is similar to a fat quarter but it is half the width at 9″ x 21″. These are good for smaller projects like zipper pouches or throw pillow covers.
Honey Comb:
The last precut is a hexagon. This is a 6 sided 6″ (from point to point) cut of fabric. You can get it in a fabric pattern or as a solid (like I have shown above.) These are great for english paper piecing. They would also be super cute embroidered or appliquéd!
Which precut fabric are you most interested in trying out? Share with me in the comments below.
Pamela Garcia says
Do you pre-wash the smaller pieces, like 5 in. squares or not?
sewwhatalicia says
No you won’t want prewash your smaller pieces.