Walk into any quilt shop and you’ll see them—those tidy little bundles of fabric tied up with a ribbon or stacked into neat squares. They’re so pretty that sometimes it feels wrong to even untie them! These beauties are called pre-cuts, and they’ve become a staple in the quilting world for good reason.
If you’ve ever wished for more time to sew, less time with your rotary cutter, and a quick way to get colors that work beautifully together, pre-cuts might just be your quilting soulmate. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, using pre-cuts can save time, reduce stress, and spark creativity in ways you might not expect.
Let’s dive into the advantages, tips, tricks, and fun ways to use pre-cuts in your quilting projects.
What Exactly Are Pre-Cuts?
Pre-cuts are fabrics cut into standard, ready-to-sew sizes and usually bundled by fabric collections. They’re designed to work together so you can spend less time choosing and cutting, and more time enjoying the actual sewing part.
Here are the most common pre-cut sizes you’ll run into (please note these terms reference the names for Moda pre-cuts. Other companies use different names for the same pre-cut sizes):
- Charm Packs – 5″ squares (great for quick quilts and small projects).
- Mini Charms – 2½” squares (adorable and perfect for small patchwork or accents).
- Layer Cakes – 10″ squares (super versatile for everything from half-square triangles to larger blocks).
- Jelly Rolls – 2½” x width-of-fabric strips (often 40–42 per pack; ideal for strip quilts, log cabins, and bindings).
- Junior Jelly Rolls: 2-1/2” x width of fabric strips (generally 20 strips).
- Fat Quarters – 18″ x 22″ rectangles (so flexible you can cut them into almost anything).
Some fabric lines also come in honey buns (1½” strips), charm rolls (5” strips), or turnovers (triangles), but the ones above are the pre-cut sizes you’ll see most often.
Fun Projects Using Precuts
Buy or Cut Your Own?
It’s so hard not to be tempted by all those little pack of pretty. There’s another way to build a collection of pre-cuts. You can simply cut your own from the scraps left over for other projects.
They won’t be curated from the same line of fabric like those you can purchase at your favorite shop – but they are a great way to make those scraps usable in a pattern calling for pre-cuts. And they can give a fun, scrappy look to a project.
Why Quilters Love Pre-Cuts
- Instant Coordination
Fabric designers curate the collection, so you don’t have to. Every square, strip, and fat quarter is guaranteed to work together. - Major Time Saver
No more marathon cutting sessions. You can start sewing almost as soon as you get home from the shop. - Stress-Free Fabric Selection
Picking fabrics can be fun—but it can also be overwhelming. Pre-cuts take the guesswork out of color matching. - Perfect for Beginners
New to quilting? Pre-cuts give you smaller, more manageable pieces that eliminate tricky measuring and cutting. - Budget-Friendly “Sampler”
You get a little piece of the whole fabric line without buying full yardage. It’s like tasting the entire collection without the cost of the whole buffet. - Space Savers
If you don’t have a giant cutting table or storage closet, pre-cuts tuck neatly into baskets, bins, or shelves until you’re ready to sew.
Tips and Tricks for Quilting with Pre-Cuts
1. Watch the Pinked Edges
Most pre-cuts come with pinked (zig-zag) edges to prevent fraying. But here’s the catch: that edge can make it hard to know exactly where the measurement begins. Use a scant ¼” seam allowance to avoid accidentally losing fabric in the seam.
2. Measure Before You Sew
Pre-cuts are supposed to be exact, but fabric can shift during production. A “5-inch square” might actually be 4 ⅞” or 5 ⅛”. Take a minute to check and, if needed, trim them all to the same size for better accuracy.
3. Handle with Care
Because they’re cut small, and all those raw edges are exposed, pre-cuts can fray more easily than yardage. If you’re working with jelly rolls or charms, avoid over-handling the pieces and keep edges clean until you sew. Some quilters (like me) even stabilize their pre-cuts with spray starch or Best Press before sewing for added stability.
4. Pair Them with Yardage
Most quilt patterns that use pre-cuts still require background, borders, or binding fabric. Keep neutrals like cream, white, gray, or black in your stash so you always have something to pair with your bundle.
5. Mix and Match Sizes
Who says you can only use one kind of pre-cut per quilt? Layer cakes pair beautifully with charm packs, and jelly rolls mix well with fat quarters. Mixing creates depth and variety without extra cutting.
6. Press, Don’t Iron
With small pieces, a heavy hand can stretch fabric out of shape. Instead of dragging your iron, lift and press with the iron to keep your squares and strips crisp and accurate.
When Pre-Cuts Might Not Be the Best Choice
As wonderful as they are, pre-cuts aren’t perfect for every project.
- Large-Scale Prints – If you love fabrics with big, bold motifs (like florals or landscapes), those designs can get chopped awkwardly in pre-cuts. Yardage is better for showing them off.
- Bias Cuts –-Jelly roll strips can stretch easily if you’re sewing on the bias. Handle gently to avoid wonky seams.
- Custom Color Palettes – Pre-cuts are curated, which is great, but if you want a very specific look (say, only blues and greens), you may need to supplement with yardage.
Fun Ways to Use Pre-Cuts
- Charm Pack Quilts – One pack + some background fabric = instant baby quilt or lap throw.
- Jelly Roll Race – Sew strips end to end, fold, and keep stitching. In an afternoon you’ll have a full quilt top!
- Table Runners and Placemats – Use up mini charms or leftover strips for fast home décor projects.
- Scrappy Star Blocks – Combine pre-cuts for colorful blocks without all the cutting.
- Gift Projects – Tote bags, pouches, or pillows are quick to make from fat quarters or mini charms.
Storing Your Pre-Cuts
Let’s be honest, sometimes those bundles are so pretty you don’t want to use them right away. To keep them in tip-top shape:
- Store them in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight.
- Keep jelly rolls wrapped in plastic or ribbon until you’re ready (less fraying).
- Stack charm packs or layer cakes in clear bins so you can see what you have at a glance.
Final Thought
Pre-cuts are like the “fast food” of quilting—quick, convenient, and oh-so-satisfying. But unlike fast food, these little bundles are good for you (or at least for your creative spirit). They save time, reduce stress, and let you focus on the part we all love most—piecing together something beautiful.
So next time you’re at a quilt shop and find yourself eyeing those irresistible stacks, don’t just admire them. Pick one up, untie that ribbon, and let your creativity unfold—literally.