Should You Start Quilting With Pre-cuts or Yardage?

Pre-cuts and yardage are two popular fabric options for quilting. Pre-cuts are pre-measured fabric pieces in standard sizes like charm packs or jelly rolls, making them convenient and beginner-friendly. Yardage, sold by the yard, offers more flexibility for custom designs but requires more preparation and tools.

Choosing between them depends on your goals, tools, and budget. Pre-cuts save time and simplify fabric selection, while yardage provides more control over design. Many beginners start with pre-cuts and move to yardage as they gain experience.

Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide.

Pre-cuts for Quilting

Pre-cuts are a fantastic option for beginners looking to dive into quilting without the hassle of measuring and cutting fabric. These ready-to-use fabric bundles come in standard sizes and are often curated from a single collection, ensuring all the pieces work beautifully together.

Types of Pre-cuts and Their Sizes

Pre-cuts come in several popular formats, each with its own standard size. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones:

• Mini charms: 2.5" x 2.5" squares, typically 40–42 pieces per pack.
• Charm packs: 5" x 5" squares, also around 42 pieces.
• Layer cakes: 10" x 10" squares, approximately 42 pieces.
• Jelly rolls: 2.5" x 42" strips, usually 40 strips per roll.
• Fat quarters: Roughly 18" x 21–22", offering the largest and most versatile option for pre-cuts.

Among these, fat quarters stand out as a favorite, especially for Mrs. Quilty. They provide enough fabric for larger quilt blocks without the bulk of traditional yardage.

Why Pre-cuts Are Great for Beginners

Pre-cuts take the stress out of quilting prep. With no need for measuring or cutting, you can jump straight into piecing your quilt. This is a game-changer for those with limited space or physical challenges. Plus, pre-cuts are expertly coordinated by color or theme - think "Floral Fade" or "Warm Reflections" - so you won’t have to worry about matching fabrics.

These bundles are compact, making them easy to store, and many quilt patterns are tailored for pre-cut sizes. This means you can follow "one-roll" or "two-charm-pack" designs without doing complicated fabric math. While pre-cuts may cost more per yard compared to yardage, they’re a smart choice if you want a variety of prints without buying large amounts of fabric. For instance, purchasing individual half-yard cuts of multiple prints would not only cost more but also leave you with extra fabric you might not use.

Drawbacks of Pre-cuts

The biggest downside to pre-cuts is their cost. They’re more expensive per yard than fabric off the bolt, and smaller options like mini charms are the least economical. Another challenge is that pre-cuts often can’t be prewashed - especially small pieces like strips or squares. Washing them can lead to shrinkage, tangling, or dye bleeding, which might affect your finished quilt.

Accuracy can also be an issue. Pre-cuts aren’t always perfectly sized or square, so you may need to trim or stabilize them with starch and pressing before sewing. Additionally, their fixed dimensions limit your ability to cut larger pieces, like borders or backing. Some bundles may lack strong contrasts between light and dark fabrics, which can make quilt patterns appear flat unless you add other fabrics. Adapting a pattern not designed for pre-cuts can also lead to waste or sizing issues. Even with these challenges, curated pre-cut collections make quilting more approachable.

Mrs. Quilty's Pre-cut Collections

Mrs. Quilty has perfected the art of pre-cuts with carefully curated collections designed to simplify quilting for beginners. Their Fat Quarter Bundles are thoughtfully organized by color and theme, making fabric selection a breeze. For $32.97, you can choose from collections like "Endless Motion", "French Play", and "Sweet Celebration", all made from 100% premium cotton known for its softness and quality. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Mystery Fat Quarter Bundle ($39.99) offers a surprise selection of expertly coordinated prints.

For a more comprehensive experience, the Mrs. Quilty Monthly Box ($34.97/month) goes beyond fabric. Each box includes 12 coordinated fat quarters, a block-of-the-month project, easy-to-follow instructions, video tutorials, a quilting magazine, and surprise tools - valued at over $120. This subscription ensures you have everything you need to start and complete a project without worrying about fabric calculations or pattern compatibility. With over 65,000 happy customers and a 4.8/5 rating from 2,032 reviews, Mrs. Quilty has earned a reputation for making quilting accessible and enjoyable for beginners.

Next, we’ll explore how yardage offers another way to fuel your quilting creativity.

Yardage for Quilting

When it comes to quilting, yardage refers to fabric sold by the yard. In the U.S., the standard fabric width is 44 inches, though after trimming selvages, you’re left with about 40–42 inches of usable width. Unlike pre-cut fabrics, yardage gives you complete control over how much fabric you buy and how you use it. Let’s dive into the advantages and challenges of working with yardage, especially for beginners.

What Is Yardage?

Yardage is fabric sold in continuous lengths, making it versatile for a variety of quilting needs. A quarter yard measures 9"×44", a half yard is 18"×44", and a full yard comes in at 36"×44". After trimming the selvages, you’ll have approximately 40–42 inches of workable fabric width. This flexibility allows for custom cuts and larger pieces, which is why many quilters prefer yardage for their projects.

Why Yardage Works for Beginners

One of the biggest perks of yardage is the ability to cut fabric to the exact size your pattern requires, giving you more value for your money. For example, a yard of fabric priced at $10.75 provides 1,584 square inches of material (36 inches × 44 inches). In contrast, pre-cut bundles, while convenient, often cost more per square inch.

Prewashing is another advantage of yardage. Washing the fabric before cutting removes excess dye and reduces the risk of shrinkage in your finished quilt. This isn’t possible with most pre-cuts, as they can fray, tangle, or bleed when washed. Yardage also gives you creative freedom. You can purchase multiple yards of the same print for borders or backgrounds, mix and match prints without being limited by pre-cut bundles, and adjust your design as needed.

The Challenges of Using Yardage

The biggest drawback of yardage is the time commitment. Cutting fabric into strips or specific shapes can take hours, especially if your pattern calls for precision. For instance, cutting 2.5-inch strips from multiple yards of fabric is far more time-intensive than using pre-cut strips that are ready to sew. To get started, you’ll need some essential tools: a self-healing mat, acrylic ruler, rotary cutter, iron, and starch to keep your fabric stable.

Planning fabric requirements is another challenge, particularly for beginners. It’s important to calculate exactly how much fabric your pattern needs, keeping in mind that the usable width is about 40–42 inches, not the full 44 inches. Buying too little fabric can leave you short halfway through your project, while buying too much can result in leftover fabric you might not use. Plus, it takes practice to cut accurately and minimize waste, especially when learning to use rotary cutters and rulers.

Mrs. Quilty's Yardage Options for Beginners

To make things easier for beginners, Mrs. Quilty offers curated yardage options specifically labeled for backgrounds, borders, and bindings. These fabrics pair seamlessly with their beginner-friendly quilting kits, which start at $54.97. Their 100% premium cotton fabrics are carefully organized to help you find exactly what you need, taking the guesswork out of planning while still allowing you the freedom to cut custom sizes.

With over 65,000 satisfied customers and an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 2,032 reviews, Mrs. Quilty has built a reputation for understanding what beginners need to succeed. Their thoughtfully curated options make starting your quilting journey less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

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Pre-cuts vs. Yardage: A Comparison

Let’s break down the differences between pre-cuts and yardage to help you choose the best option for your first quilt.

Side-by-side Comparison Table

Here’s a quick look at how pre-cuts and yardage stack up in terms of time, tools, and flexibility:

Factor	Pre-cuts	Yardage
Time to First Stitch	Super quick - ready to sew right away. You can complete a scrappy quilt top in a day using layer cakes or charm packs.	Slower - requires full fabric preparation before sewing.
Tools Needed	Minimal - just a sewing machine and basic supplies. Great for small spaces or those with limited mobility.	A complete cutting setup is essential, including a large mat, acrylic ruler, and rotary cutter.
Design Flexibility	Limited to pre-set sizes; works best with patterns designed for pre-cuts.	Extremely flexible - cut any size you need, scale patterns, and mix designs easily.
Fabric Variety	Pre-selected bundles with coordinated prints and colors.	You choose and match fabrics yourself, which can be tricky for beginners.
Accuracy of Cuts	Sizes may vary slightly, and edges can be stretchy or pinked. Trimming and starching are often needed for precise piecing.	Allows for precise cuts, but requires skill and practice to avoid waste.
Cost Per Yard	Higher due to labor and packaging, though bundles can be more affordable than buying individual cuts.	Lower per yard - ideal for larger pieces like borders, backing, and binding.
Prewashing	Not recommended - pre-cuts can fray or tangle, and saturated colors may bleed.	Can be prewashed to remove excess dye and reduce shrinkage.

This table highlights the strengths of each option, helping you decide which format fits your quilting style and needs.

Combining Pre-cuts and Yardage

Why choose one when you can use both? Many quilters mix pre-cuts and yardage to enjoy the best of both worlds. For example, you can use a curated layer cake or fat quarter bundle from Mrs. Quilty for scrappy blocks and pair it with coordinating yardage for backgrounds, sashing, or borders. This approach saves time on cutting while still giving you the freedom to customize larger sections of your quilt.

Mrs. Quilty’s collections are tailored for this hybrid method. Their pre-cuts are expertly matched with yardage options, so you can quickly piece together blocks and still have the flexibility to personalize your quilt’s larger elements. This combination works especially well with patterns that call for both scrappy blocks and solid background fabric, letting you focus your energy where it matters most.

When blending formats, make sure to calculate yardage based on a usable fabric width of 40–42 inches instead of the full 44 inches. If you plan to prewash your yardage, consider prewashing any compatible pre-cuts (like fat quarters) as well to ensure consistent shrinkage across your quilt. This little extra step can make a big difference in your finished project!

How to Choose Based on Your First Quilt

When starting your first quilt, it’s essential to work with what you have - your current tools, space, and creative goals - rather than imagining an elaborate future setup. Let’s break down how to decide between pre-cuts and yardage based on your situation.

If You Have Limited Tools and Space

If your sewing space is small or you don’t have many tools, pre-cuts are an excellent choice. They come ready to sew, saving you the effort of cutting and preparation. This means you can skip investing in large cutting mats, rotary cutters, and rulers. Pre-cuts are especially helpful for those with arthritis or mobility challenges, as they reduce the physical strain of precise cutting.

For beginners, Mrs. Quilty offers 97-piece quilting kits ($54.97) and 104-piece kits ($64.97). These kits include essential tools like rulers, cutters, and pins, making them a great match for pre-cuts without requiring a full cutting station.

If You Want Design Freedom

If creative freedom is your priority, yardage is the way to go. Yardage allows you to customize patterns, adjust block sizes, and cut specific motifs. Pre-cuts, on the other hand, come in fixed dimensions - like 2.5-inch strips or 10-inch squares - which work well for specific patterns but limit your ability to modify layouts or scale designs.

While yardage offers flexibility, it does require time, skill, and precision. If you’re ready to learn cutting techniques, yardage provides a solid foundation for creating unique designs. Mrs. Quilty’s yardage collections make this process easier by offering coordinated fabrics that simplify color matching while giving you full control over your cuts.

Starting with Pre-cuts, Moving to Yardage

A smart approach for beginners is to start with pre-cuts and gradually incorporate yardage as your skills improve. Pre-cuts are great for ease and accuracy, while yardage allows for custom touches as you gain confidence. This combination lets you practice cutting on simpler pieces while relying on pre-cuts for the more detailed work.

Mrs. Quilty’s monthly subscription box ($34.97/month) supports this progression perfectly. Each box includes 12 coordinated fat quarters, patterns, and video guides that help you learn both pre-cut and yardage techniques.

Budget Considerations

Pre-cuts are more expensive per yard than yardage, but the overall project cost can tell a different story. Yardage, priced around $10.75 per yard for quality cotton, is cost-effective for larger pieces like backgrounds and backings. However, if you want a variety of 20-40 prints, buying individual yardage can quickly add up, often surpassing the cost of a curated pre-cut bundle.

Pre-cuts also save money by eliminating the need for cutting tools. Plus, the time you save on cutting means more time spent quilting. Look out for sales or clearance pre-cuts, which can sometimes be more affordable than yardage when you factor in their variety and coordination. When calculating yardage, remember that the usable width is typically 40-42 inches, not the full 44 inches.

Both budget and practicality should guide your choice, and Mrs. Quilty’s curated options cater to every need.

Mrs. Quilty's Beginner Kits and Fabrics

Mrs. Quilty makes starting your first quilt simple with curated fabric options tailored for beginners. Their fat quarter bundles ($32.97-$39.99) include 12 coordinated 100% cotton pieces, eliminating the stress of color matching. Collections like "Endless Motion" and "Floral Fade" are thoughtfully selected, so you can focus on sewing instead of worrying about fabric combinations.

For those transitioning from pre-cuts to yardage, the monthly subscription box is an excellent choice. It provides progressive projects with all the materials you need, helping you build your skills step by step. Pre-paid plans offer extra savings: save 3% for three months, 6% for six months, or 9% for a year, plus free shipping. With over 65,000 satisfied customers and a 4.8/5 rating from 2,032 reviews, Mrs. Quilty has become a trusted resource for helping beginners complete their first quilts with confidence.

FAQs

Why are pre-cuts a great choice for beginner quilters?

Pre-cuts are a great starting point for those new to quilting. They take the guesswork out of choosing fabrics and help make the entire process feel more approachable. These fabric bundles come pre-cut into standard sizes, which means you won’t have to spend time measuring and cutting - plus, every piece will be perfectly uniform.

Using pre-cuts lets you jump right into sewing, skipping the challenges of matching colors or patterns and cutting fabric with precision. This makes it easier for beginners to concentrate on improving their techniques and simply enjoy the creative journey.

Why does yardage provide more flexibility than pre-cuts for quilting projects?

Yardage offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to cut fabric into any size or shape you need. This makes it ideal for crafting custom designs or working on intricate patterns. Unlike pre-cuts, which come in set dimensions, yardage gives you the freedom to shape your fabric to match your exact vision.

This adaptability is especially handy for larger quilts, distinctive layouts, or when you want to fussy cut specific prints with precision. With yardage, your creative options are boundless!

Can I use both pre-cuts and yardage in the same quilt?

Combining pre-cuts and yardage in one quilt is a smart way to bring together convenience and creativity. Pre-cuts save time with their ready-to-use pieces, while yardage allows you to add personal touches and customize your design.

For instance, pre-cuts are perfect for quick piecing, and you can complement them with yardage for borders, backing, or larger design elements. This mix not only introduces variety but also helps achieve a balanced look. With Mrs. Quilty’s thoughtfully selected pre-cuts, coordinating fabrics becomes effortless, making your quilt planning smoother and more enjoyable!