Some useful information about pre-cut fabric
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The names given to pre-cut fabric can be a little confusing particularly as different names are sometimes given to the same size of pre-cut fabric. In addition, not all pre-cut packs contain the same number of pieces, so care needs to be taken to make sure you have enough fabric to complete your project. The size of a full bolt of fabric can vary in size but are usually 44" wide. The list of names of pre-cut bundles below is not comprehensive as new names are being created all the time:-
Charm Packs also known as 5” Stackers, Charm Squares, Freedom Charms
These are packs of 5” x 5” squares.
The number of squares in each pack varies depending on the manufacturer and is generally 40, 42 or 45 pieces per pack and will often contain at least one of each print in a collection. This does mean that there may be some duplicates or even triplicates of some prints.
Mini Charm Packs/Mini Charms
These are packs of 2.5” x 2.5” squares. Like most Charm Packs they usually contain 40, 42 or 45 pieces. Mini Charm Packs are particularly useful for using to create a centre point in a patchwork project and can be used very easily with a 2.5” Jelly Roll.
3.5” Bitty Stacker
These are 3.5” x 3.5” squares. The number of pieces in each pack varies depending on the fabric collection.
7” Stacker
These are 7” x 7” squares. The number of pieces in each pack varies depending on the fabric collection.
Dessert Rolls/Charm Rolls
Dessert Rolls come in 5” x 44” strips, which makes them particularly useful for cutting into squares or rectangles.
Fat Quarters
Each Fat Quarter is 18” x 22”.
Fat Quarter Bundles
A FQ Bundle has a selection of Fat Quarters, usually containing prints from a particular collection. The number of pieces in each bundle can vary.
Fat Quarters are very popular with quilters.
Fat Eighths
Each Fat Eighth (or F8) measures 9” x 22”.
Skinny Quarter
Each Skinny Quarter is 9" x 44".
Honey Buns® also known as 1.5” Rolie Polies, Skinny Strips
These are 1.5” x 44” strips.
The number of strips in each pack may vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally there 40 strips in each roll.
Honeycomb, Hexagons, Hexie
These packs generally contain 40 laser cut 6” hexagonal pieces. The number in each pack may vary.
Jelly Rolls® also known as 2.5” Rolie Polie, Rolls, Freedom Strippers, Strippers/Roll Ups
These are 2.5” strips which usually measure 44” in length. The number of strips in each pack is generally between 40 and 45, depending on the manufacturer.
These versatile strips can be sliced into different sizes, or used to create a sashing, flange border or binding. Jelly Rolls are a joy to work with.
Junior Jelly Roll®, Junior Freedom Strippers/Half Rolls
These are 2.5" strips, which usually measure 44" in length and the number of strips in each pack is generally 20 but varies depending on the manufacturer.
3.5” Rolie Polie
Riley Blake has a range of 3.5” strips. The number in each pack varies depending on the fabric collection.
Layer Cakes® also known as 10” Squares, 10” Stacker, Freedom Square, Ten Squares
These packs contain 10” x 10” pieces of fabric and generally contain between 40 and 44 pieces of fabric depending on the manufacturer.
The versatility of Layer Cakes means they can be sliced into all manner of shapes and sizes. Layer Cakes are good if you are making a large quilt or want to use a larger print to create a particular effect.
Turnovers/HST or Half Square Triangle
These are relatively new and are becoming popular in the American market.
These are usually packs of 6” triangles although some are 6.5". The number in each pack varies depending on the manufacturer.
Half Yard and One Yard Bundles
These are bundles of coordinating fabric and are usually a selection from a particular fabric collection.
We hope you've found this information useful. If you are new to quilting, you are probably wondering why the names of many of the pre-cut bundles sound like something you might buy from a confectioners or cake shop. Don't ask us! We've no idea why.