Choosing Your Precut Fabric

Which Precut Is Right for Your Project?

Precut fabric bundles are one of the easiest ways to start a new quilt as every piece is already cut and color coordinated straight from the designer. But with several formats available, it helps to know what you're getting before you buy. Use this guide to match the right cut to your project and budget.

Quick Comparison

Format Cut Size Typical Piece Count Best For
Yardage Continuous cut (by the yard/half-yard) — Backgrounds, borders, backing; any project needing large uninterrupted fabric
Charm Packs 5" × 5" Often 40–42 squares per pack (varies by designer) Postage-stamp quilts, pinwheels, half-square triangles; great sampler starter
Fat Quarter Bundles 18" × 22" Varies by collection (commonly 10–40 FQs) Blocks requiring directional cuts; tote bags, table runners, versatile project fabric
Layer Cakes 10" × 10" Often 40–42 squares per pack (varies by designer) Larger blocks, disappearing patterns, on-point squares; faster cutting than charms
Jelly Rolls 2½" × 44" strip Often 40 strips per roll (varies by designer) Strip quilts, rail fences, bargello; ideal when you want lots of variety in thin cuts

Piece counts are typical industry standards and vary by designer and collection. Check individual product listings for exact counts.

Try One Collection Before Buying Yardage

Not sure if a fabric line is right for your project palette? A charm pack or layer cake is a low commitment way to audition an entire collection. You get every print in the line at a fraction of the cost of buying yardage in each colorway - perfect for testing value contrast, color flow, or simply falling in love with a designer's work before investing further.

Browse Our Precut Collections

Still Not Sure?

If you're working from a specific pattern, the pattern will usually tell you how many precut pieces you need and which format to buy. When in doubt, reach out, we're happy to help you match the right cut to your next quilt!