What Are Precuts—and Why Sewists Love Them
If you’ve spent any time in a fabric shop or browsing online quilting stores, you’ve probably seen neatly bundled stacks of fabric labeled fat quarters, jelly rolls, or layer cakes. These are known as precuts, and they’ve become a staple in the modern sewing and quilting world. But what exactly are precuts, and why are so many sewists obsessed with them?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Precuts?
Precuts are pieces of fabric that have been cut in advance into standardized sizes, usually from a single fabric collection or designer line. Instead of buying yardage and cutting everything yourself, you start with fabric that’s already measured, trimmed, and ready to sew.
Some of the most common types of precuts include:
Fat Quarters (18" x 22"): A quilter’s classic—versatile and easy to mix and match
Fat Eighths (9" x 22"): Smaller cuts, perfect for detailed projects
Jelly Rolls (2.5" x width of fabric strips): Long strips rolled into a bundle
Charm Packs (5" x 5" squares): Great for patchwork and small projects
Layer Cakes (10" x 10" squares): Ideal for quick quilts and bold designs
Mini Charm Packs (2.5" x 2.5" squares): Tiny but mighty for scraps and accents
Each bundle typically features coordinated prints and colors, making them both practical and visually inspiring.
The Benefits of Sewing with Precuts
1. Huge Time Savings
One of the biggest advantages of precuts is the time you save on cutting. Measuring, squaring, and trimming fabric can take hours—especially for large quilting projects. Precuts let you jump straight into sewing, which is a major win if your crafting time is limited.
2. Perfectly Coordinated Fabrics
Precuts are usually pulled from a single designer collection, meaning every print already works together. No second-guessing color choices or worrying whether patterns will clash—it’s all been thoughtfully curated for you.
3. Less Waste, Less Stress
Because precuts are cut to specific sizes, you often end up with less leftover fabric and fewer oddly shaped scraps. They’re efficient, predictable, and easier to plan around, especially for beginners.
4. Beginner-Friendly
If you’re new to sewing or quilting, precuts remove a big barrier to entry. You don’t need advanced cutting skills or special rulers to get started. Many patterns are written specifically for precuts, so you can follow along with confidence.
5. Great for Scrap-Style Projects
Love the look of scrappy quilts but don’t have a huge stash? Precuts give you variety without the clutter. One bundle can include dozens of different prints in manageable quantities.
6. Easy Storage and Organization
Let’s be honest—precuts are just plain pretty. They stack neatly, store easily, and look amazing on shelves or in clear bins. Organization becomes simpler, and inspiration is always within reach.
When Are Precuts Especially Useful?
Precuts shine in projects like:
Quilts (especially patchwork and block-based designs)
Table runners and placemats
Tote bags and pouches
Baby blankets
Home décor accents
Quick gifts and weekend projects
They’re also perfect when you want to try a new fabric line without committing to full yardage.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While precuts are incredibly convenient, they’re not always the cheapest option per yard, and their fixed sizes mean less flexibility for certain designs. It’s still helpful to understand basic cutting and yardage planning—but many sewists find precuts are well worth the tradeoff.
Final Thoughts
Precuts have earned their place in the sewing world for a reason. They save time, reduce stress, spark creativity, and make sewing more accessible to everyone—from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. Whether you’re stitching your first quilt or your fiftieth, precuts can help you spend less time cutting and more time doing what you love: sewing.
Happy stitching