Quilting precuts explained
Precuts are fabric cut to standard sizes and bundled across a whole collection, so every piece coordinates. Here is what each one is and what it is good for.
The precut family
| Precut | Size | Usually in a bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Fat quarter | 18 x 21 in | sold singly or in bundles |
| Fat eighth | 9 x 21 in | sold singly or in bundles |
| Charm pack | 5 x 5 in squares | 42 |
| Mini charm | 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in squares | 42 |
| Layer cake | 10 x 10 in squares | 42 |
| Jelly roll | 2 1/2 in x WOF strips | 40 |
Names like charm pack, layer cake and jelly roll are Moda's terms; other brands sell the same sizes as 5 in squares, 10 in squares and 2 1/2 in strip rolls. The math is identical.
What each is good for
Fat quarters are the most flexible: a 18 x 21 rectangle cuts almost any block, and a bundle gives you a whole coordinated palette. Fat eighths suit scrappy quilts needing many prints in small doses. Charm packs make quick baby quilts and patchwork with zero cutting. Layer cakes shine for big simple blocks and half square triangles, since two 10 in squares make eight generous HSTs. Jelly rolls are for strip piecing: log cabins, rail fences, jelly roll race quilts.
Two things worth knowing
Do not prewash precuts. The small pieces fray and distort badly in the wash; wash the finished quilt instead. And measure a sample before precise piecing: pinked edges mean a nominal 5 in charm can measure a whisker either side of 5 in, so decide whether you are measuring to the points or the valleys and stay consistent.
Common questions
- How many fat quarters are in a yard?
- Four. A yard is cut in half along its length, then each half is cut in half across, giving four 18 x 21 in pieces.
- How many squares are in a charm pack?
- Usually 42 five inch squares, though a few brands pack 40 or 44. The wrapper always says.
- Should I prewash precuts?
- No. The cut pieces distort and fray in the wash and can end up too small for their patterns. Sew first, wash the finished quilt.