If you're new to quilting, pre-cut names can sound like a bakery menu. Charm packs, layer cakes, jelly rolls, fat quarters. Here's what each one is, and what it's great for.
One quick note first: every quilt seam uses a 1/4" seam allowance. That's why each pre-cut has two sizes. The cut size is what comes in the pack. The finished size is what shows in your quilt after it's sewn.
Charm pack
Cut size 5" square, finished size 4 1/2" square. Charm packs are perfect for patchwork, nine-patch blocks, half-square triangles, and quick baby quilts.
Layer cake
Cut size 10" square, finished size 9 1/2" square. Layer cakes give you bigger pieces, so they're great for larger blocks, big half-square triangles, and fast throw quilts.
Jelly roll
Cut size 2 1/2" strips, finished width 2". Jelly rolls are made for strip piecing, rail fence quilts, log cabin blocks, and bindings.
Fat quarter
About 18" x 21". A fat quarter gives you the most flexibility. You can cut it into squares, strips, or larger shapes.
Here's the best part: you don't have to memorize any of this. In the Pre-Cuts Studio, you just type what you have, like "2 charm packs and 1 layer cake," and click See What I Can Make. The studio already knows the sizes and shows you the blocks and quilt size your fabric can make.
The SewMelanie Studio is free during beta, and spots are limited to the first 100 people. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/3WxWdzQ