What Are Fabric Precuts? A Quilter’s Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Soul of Cloth
May 18
2 min read

Updated: May 22

If you're new to quilting—or just looking to save time while diving into your next project—you’ve probably come across the term “fabric precuts.” But what exactly are precuts, and why are they such a game-changer for quilters? Let’s break it down.

✂️ What Are Fabric Precuts?

Fabric precuts are bundles of fabric that are pre-cut into standard sizes. Instead of buying yardage and cutting it yourself, precuts arrive ready to use—perfectly measured and beautifully coordinated. They’re ideal for quilters, crafters, and sewists who want convenience without sacrificing creativity.

🧺 Why Use Precuts?

Save Time: No measuring or cutting needed—just open and sew.
Reduce Waste: Precuts help you avoid leftover odd-sized scraps.
Great for Beginners: No rotary cutting or complicated math involved.
Perfect for Patterns: Many quilt patterns are written specifically for precut sizes.
Built-In Coordination: Bundles are often color- or theme-coordinated, making fabric matching easy.

📏 Common Types of Fabric Precuts

Here are the most popular precut sizes you’ll find—each one offered in vibrant African Wax Prints in our shop:

Fat Quarters

Size: 18” x 22”A fat quarter is a quarter-yard of fabric cut in a rectangle instead of a long strip. You get more usable space for larger shapes or blocks.

Charm Packs (5” Squares)

Size: 5” x 5” squares, usually in sets of 20–42. Perfect for patchwork, baby quilts, and beginner-friendly projects.

Layer Cakes (10” Squares)

Size: 10” x 10” squares. Great for quick quilt tops, half-square triangles, or cutting into smaller pieces.

Jelly Rolls (2.5” Strips)

Size: 2.5” wide x width of fabric (usually 42”). These long strips are ideal for strip piecing, borders, or fast quilt designs.

🌍 Precuts + African Wax Prints = Creative Power

African Wax Print precuts bring a bold, global flair to your quilting. Each print has rich cultural roots and radiant colors, so even a small piece packs a big punch. Whether you're working with traditional blocks or modern improv styles, precuts are a fun, accessible way to add African-inspired beauty to your work.