If you’re a quilter or a sewist, you may have heard about “precut fabrics” and wondered what they are and why so many crafters love them. In this guide, we’ll demystify precut fabric types, why crafters use them, the most common precut fabrics and their sizes, and the perfect projects for precut fabrics!

What is precut fabric?

Precuts are bundles of fabric manufacturers cut into specific shapes and sizes. They are a great tool for sewists and quilters because they help save time and effort and allow you to dive right into your projects.

• Time-saving: Since the fabrics are already cut to standard sizes, you can skip the measuring and cutting phase, making it easier to start piecing your quilt or sewing project.
• Coordination: Precut bundles often come from a single fabric collection, so the colors and patterns are already coordinated, ensuring a cohesive and beautiful end result.
• Variety and budget: Precuts allow you to sample an entire fabric line without buying large quantities of each print, helping you save money while giving your projects lots of variety.

What are the benefits of precut fabric?

Precuts are an excellent way to jump into quilting and sewing projects without the intimidation of selecting and cutting fabric. The pre-coordinated bundles give you confidence that your project will turn out beautifully, and the pre-cut pieces mean you can get to the fun part—sewing and quilting—much faster. Whether you’re making a full quilt, a small gift, or just practicing your piecing, precuts are a beginner’s best friend.

Type of precut fabric: Half-yard bundles

Measurements: A half-yard bundle is typically 18" x the width of the fabric, which is usually 42-44”.

A half-yard bundle is a collection of fabric pieces typically from the same collection or designer and coordinated by color, pattern, or theme. These precuts are a great way to sample a variety of fabrics from a particular line without purchasing full yards. This size of precut fabric is popular because it offers more fabric to work with compared to smaller precuts. 

Projects for half-yard fabrics: Half-yard fabrics are ideal for larger projects such as quilts, garments, or home decor items like pillows, table runners, and wall hangings.

Explore Thimbles half-yard bundles!

Type of precut fabric: Fat quarters

Measurements: A fat quarter is typically 18" x 22".

Projects for fat quarters: Fat quarters are one of the most popular types of precuts. They are made by cutting a half-yard of fabric in half again, but in the opposite direction. This results in a more usable size of fabric compared to a regular quarter yard, which is only 9" x 44". Fat quarters are great for larger piecing projects, applique, or when a quilting project requires a larger piece of fabric for cutting custom shapes. They’re also ideal for projects that require a bit of fussy cutting.

Explore Fat Quarters at Thimbles here and here!

Type of precut fabric: Fat eighths

Measurements: A fat eighth is typically 9" x 22".

Projects for fat eighths: A fat eighth is half the size of a fat quarter, created by cutting a fat quarter in half along its length. These smaller pieces are perfect for intricate piecing, small applique projects, or when you need just a splash of color in your work. Fat eighths are often used with other precuts to add variety without requiring large fabric pieces.

Explore Fat Eighths at Thimbles!

Type of precut fabric: Jelly rolls

Measurements: Jelly rolls typically include 40 strips of fabric, each measuring 2.5" x 44".

Projects for jelly rolls: Jelly rolls are bundles of fabric strips perfect for strip piecing, making quick and easy quilt tops, or creating beautiful bindings. Quilts made from jelly rolls often come together quickly because the strips are already the perfect width for many quilt blocks, such as log cabins or rail fences.

Explore Jelly Rolls at Thimbles!

Type of precut fabric: Layer cakes

Measurements: Layer cakes are typically 10" x 10".

Projects for layer cakes: Layer cakes are squares of fabric usually bundled in packs of 42 pieces. They’re ideal for larger quilt blocks, simple patchwork quilts, or projects requiring larger fabric pieces. Particularly versatile, quilters can cut layer cakes into smaller squares, rectangles or triangles, offering endless design possibilities.

Explore Layer Cakes at Thimbles!

Type of precut fabric: Charm packs

Measurements: Charm packs measure 5" x 5".

Projects for charm packs: Charm packs are small but mighty, containing 42 squares of fabric! These squares are great for creating quick and easy patchwork quilts, or for use in projects like half-square triangles, small bags, cushion covers, or othr small home items or accessories. Since they come in a coordinated bundle, they make it easy to create a scrappy look with minimal effort.

Explore Charm Packs at Thimbles!

Type of precut fabric: Mini charms

Measurements: Mini charms measure 2.5" x 2.5".

Projects for mini charms: Mini charms, also known as “candy squares,” are the smallest precuts, coming in packs of 42 squares. They’re perfect for tiny projects or adding a bit of color to your work. They’re great for making small items like coasters, pincushions, or for use in more intricate piecing where smaller fabric pieces are needed.

Explore Mini Charms at Thimbles!

Type of precut fabric: Honey buns

Measurements: Honey buns measure 1.5" x 44".

Projects for honey buns: Honey buns are similar to jelly rolls but narrower and typically in packs of 40 strips. These are excellent for more delicate strip piecing, sashing, or when you want to add thinner strips of fabric to your quilt without cutting down larger pieces.

Explore Honey Buns at Thimbles!

Type of precut fabric: Turnovers

Measurements: Turnovers typically measure 6" x 6".

Projects for turnovers: Turnovers are triangles cut from fabric squares and are perfect for creating half-square triangles, chevron patterns, or star quilt blocks. The pre-cut triangles save you time and help ensure accuracy when piecing these shapes together.

Explore Turnovers at Thimbles!

Do you have a favorite precut fabric? What do you use it for? Let us know! We can also help you choose the right precut fabric for the project you’re making. Visit us or check out our fabric selections and fabric kits for inspiration!