PRECUT FABRIC - 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I definitely learned something while researching Precut fabric. Some facts I knew. Others were total shockers ...like how much extra they cost. I hope you learn something too

[@redfox7137]

I am a frugal quilter. I do the math; I have a spreadsheet that I use to compare per yard prices. I know that half yard and fat qtr bundles are the most cost effective. I do buy other precuts; Bluprint used to be my go-to. SnarkyMerch.com has a lot of their material right now.

[@joyinstitches456]

I worked in a fabric store for about a year so I knew the extra cost. The one time I've found precuts to be worth the extra cost is the project I'm currently making. It involves rectangles of different sizes and adding 1.5 inch strips to the outside of those rectangles. Having the honeybun has been a saver of time that I was willing to pay extra for.

[@Crafty-n-Krazy]

Yes I did learn something today from your video .I also am a fat quarter lover and have a hard time passing them up now I see cost wise as well as the cuts I can get from them are well worth it . haven't really bought any yardage because I have no where to store it, my fq fit in a shoebox on my desk I turned into my sewing area.between my desk and a fold up tv tray that's my sewing area

[@donnarichey144]

@@redfox7137 Craftsy is coming back did you not get an email. I am so happy.

[@connierogers6853]

I love your videos because they get straight to the point and you don’t waste time! Makes me not want to miss a one.

[@ladyjames6135]

At the age of 68 and in the middle of a pandemic I have decided to try quilting. The whole thing is a mystery to me but I jumped in and made several Crazy quilt blocks out of discarded clothes. I like it...but when I went to the store to buy actual yardage and coordinate the colors...OMG. After 2 hours I left the store with only a spool of thread lol. Thank you for explaining my options.

[@mondaholleger9728]

Jordan Fabrics do their own precuts and Donna Jordan is another quilter I enjoy watching.... She teaches how to sew a different quilt or project on each of her posts. Fun to watch her crank out quilts (some patterns are free) and some patterns can be ordered by her or other designers. They also give away a quilt about once a month!

[@robertawalsh2995]

5:58 There is an exception. Matt Jordan doesn't pink the edges of bundles that he prepares for Jordan Fabrics.

[@katehenry2718]

My precuts have already been sewn into shirts and resold to me for pennys. LOVE THEM!!!!

[@hazeldw4786]

Coming from garment sewing where the amount of fabric needed is listed on the back of the package along with the size chart, I was accustomed to buying by the yard accordingly. Most of my garment sewing was done with my grandmother who was a stereotypical thrifty Scot. She rarely bought as much fabric as was recommended and always managed to make it work with less, and minimal scraps. All of these fabric cut options are new to me since I recently started quilting. I find that I don't really like the smaller packs like layer cakes, and jelly rolls although that is what I cut my scraps into. I do like the fat quarters. What a brilliant way to get just a ¼ yard! So far, I prefer to buy them as I need them rather than a full bundle of a product line. My LQS has individual FQs above the shelf with the bolts and has a section in back where other FQs are sorted by color. Cost wise it works out to about an extra dollar or two per yard. But, if you buy 10 you get 2 free which improves the math. Since my LQS is half an hour away, I only go occasionally and plan my shopping list. I just wish my grandmother were here to share this with.

[@pattweimer9268]

Karen, thank you for your reply. Didn't know about that guild, i will look into them. I've been involved in 'running', "shows" with cumulative 83 yrs ., experience. Almost any 'theme' you can imagine. I presently make quilts, hook rugs, knit, garden and never have time to be Bored! A full life at 75. Thanks again. You are a true friend to countless...out there.

[@deedeesullivan5011]

The advantage of precuts, for me, is that I can have cuts of all the different fabrics in the line without having to purchase minimum yardage cuts when I order online. I'm not always able to find the fabric lines I want at local stores. So this can actually save money in the long run and prevent adding excess fabrics to my stash that I don't need. And most of all......cutting is my least favorite part about making a quilt!

[@lindamorrison2758]

Karen, you know that I smile 😊 back when your face pops up on youtube.

[@dlaity107]

4:15ish I love that you included those of us with dexi issues and disabilities. Gotta love an inclusive space. Thank you!

[@charliechristie9916]

I noticed and loved that too, even if it's not my disability being recognized! Hurrah for Karen being an awesome and woke human who thinks a lot.

[@annmaines4964]

My arthritis limits my time with the rotary cutter. Is it worth it? Many times.

[@nancysue3804]

I loved that mention too. Also she always has closed captioning for us deaf quilters. Yay for inclusiveness!

[@DayumQuitPlayin]

@@charliechristie9916 “Awesome and woke”? 😂 /cringe

[@jlholm60]

I know this is an older video, but i just came across it and wow do I appreciate it as someone who is just starting to work of the nerve to start quilting!

[@louisemorash7718]

This confirms what I committed to doing as started my quilting hobby- always have a specific project in mind vs just buying fabric. This is tough because there are some incredible fabrics out there. But I really don't want to become a fabric store!

[@theresamaday3372]

I’m so grateful to you for helping me learn to quilt. You are delightful and such a good teacher and the information you share is so valuable and superior to many other quilt videos because you educate beyond the cut and sew tutorials. I knew nothing about quilting till COVID quarantine and you and the you tube quilt world have given me so much joy. Learning something so new at 68 has been an adventure. Thank you!

[@AnitaSouthall]

Sew awesome, I'm not new to sewing but quilting has given me a whole new artistic perspective. I'm 58, just added my business name and loving it.

[@RachelsantVIDEO]

The positive to buying precuts is that you get a wide variety of prints. The down side is there are always some of those prints or colorways that I just don't like.

[@barbjardee3216]

Sounds like you've got a good start on an "ugly fabric" quilt!

[@dotjohnson4247]

I bought some 5" precuts so I could sample a bunch of Kaffe fabrics. For about the cost of a yard of fabric, I got 20 different fabrics instead of having to buy 20 different fat quarters from an online store - since my local store does not carry a large selection. Kaffe precuts are not a coordinated line as most precuts are. They tend to come in related colors such as Meadow, green - Lake, blue - Lipstick, red.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Every time I look at one of your videos, it always makes me so happy. Thank you!

[@wildflower1397]

You just saved me from making a big mistake! I was planning to purchase precuts online, and didn't realize how many issues I needed to take into consideration. Thanks for making this video! 💖

[@urbanhomesteadingchannel1813]

I recently made my grandson a quilt out of jelly rolls. Neither the sales associate at Joann's fabrics nor I thought to check how many strips were in the jelly roll I purchased. When comparing the jelly roll to yardage there was such a slight cost difference that I bought the jelly roll. I ended up buying 4 rolls to have enough strips (3 trips to the store). Definitely check all information on your precuts.

[@rosesquilts5823]

Precuts helped get me into quilting. I loved the “get right to sewing” idea of them.

[@janerose1945]

Thanks for making me think more about the $$$ for pre-cut. My first quilting fabric purchase was day two of Covid closings, so I just asked for "whatever" through the door as I picked up my serviced machine. They gave me a choice from two and I was happy for a long, long time. Once the store opened, it was like being in a candy shop! I stuck with a few pre-cuts and odd yards so that I would NOT develop a big stash - just in case the thrill wore off. But friends & your vids have hooked me in mini-quilts as I learn and practice techniques. Who knew sewing an accurate quarter inch could require this much focus! Love your vids: pace, content, variety, usefulness, practicality. And you are sweet!

[@jackieburton7550]

Karen you did it again....so much awesome information....thanks for all the time you spend doing our research....saving us the time

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinebell2864]

Fabulous information, thank you. I have been patchworking for 7 months now and have learnt a lot. First thing I learned was “ don’t buy pre-cuts from China”. I bought 100 ,10 cm squares and Not one was square. The second was don’t pre-wash pre-cuts it took me 45 minutes to untangle them and I lost a birds nest of threads. Luckily the third thing I learnt was that watching quilters was the best way to learn during the pandemic. So thanks again for your lessons, my favourite so far is “ straight sewing “. I would have given up without that information. All the best Aussie Christine

[@elizabethdowling3123]

I usually buy precuts when on holiday. My husband may only give me limited time to shop or is pacing outside so I buy a bundle that will go together and it reminds me of the holiday. I’m an Aussie and I have some beautiful quilts made from fabrics bought in haste from shops all over Canada 😂😂

[@sherifoxworth309]

@@tamarie1189 Oh my! What a fabulous idea! - I'm a jeweler and usually buy a piece of jewelry, but that is so expensive now I stopped buying jewelry; especially since I have to pay retail. - So purchasing a layer cake or two while on vacation is a phenomenal way to have a "souvenir"! Thank you so much for posting and sharing this!

[@barbjardee3216]

Excellent idea! Saves all the agonizing over this bolt or that bolt, satisfies the quilter's need for beautiful fabrics, and maintains the companion's happy disposition!

[@siliconvalleyqfk2481]

Wondering why HE gets to decide how much time SHE has to shop.

[@roykeller6793]

God Bless you dear Karen and your family. I am sooo thankful to hear the wonderful news about your precious son. I tune into your videos, because of course they are very helpful, but I find your voice so soothing, it's a perfect bedtime inspiration. you're just one of those people! Sincerely Sandra Keller

[@rlrieger7871]

Karen, your investigative reporting on quilting is always the best!! So thorough. You've answered so many of my "hmmm, I wonder what" thoughts, and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these questions. Your video about -to prewash or not to prewash-was great also. Thank you, Rebecca

[@donnabailey947]

Patty Sherwood.. the barbed wire jolted me. I grew up with both barbed wire and chicken wire. Thanks for making note.

[@thecamdenstitch]

Great vlog, thanks! One consideration you didn't mention is when you're not buying for a specific project (as I don't) but buying something to go in the stash just because you love it. When I began quilting I didn't really understand what I needed and so bought metres of fabric (I'm in the UK), three-quarters of which then sits unused. So although I paid a cheaper price per square inch, I actually paid 75% MORE because I didn't need it all. So for someone like me, who likes to stash build then pick out coordinates later, fat quarters are the way to go, either as yardage or in packs. Thanks again for a great vlog with some really useful points! Jay 😊😃

[@UpsideDown853]

I lived in Canada as a child, only for several years and was gifted a Quilt. This quilt has always held a real special spot in my heart and now when a friend told me she's pregnant I knew this is something I would have to do. So thank you endlessly that you put your information out there. It helps to share not just knowledge but love.

[@Crafty-n-Krazy]

Yes yes yes.....a stash busted with precuts!!! Wooohoooo!!!! Hope you are having a great morning/ afternoon..or what ever time of day it is when you read this.I look forward to your videos and learning from you . You have made learning about quilting so much more understandable for me with picking choosing colors and the whole process. Thank you for everything you do you are greatly appreciated!!!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Good morning! you too

[@Sloanmatthews]

I just googled how to build your stash. I’m a newbie quilter and want a fabric store in my house to shop from. This video came just in time before I renovated 😊

[@colleen6960]

VERY helpful video, thank you. Personally I never buy 'pre-cuts', jellyrolls or layer cakes, only fat quarters or fabric directly off the bolt. I've heard too many sorry stories about how layer cakes are badly cut and the fabric is not what the buyer thought it was going to be :(. I also like to be in control of pattern repeats. And great advice about reading pattern requirements 'first'! Oh how many times I've cut up beautiful fabric, strictly in accordance with cutting instructions, only to find I had many more (strips) than was actually required. Not wanting to discredit any P & Q business in particular, but I've recently cut fabric (some quite expensive!) for a "LB" pattern in strict accordance with cutting instructions, only to find I have about a metre's worth of strips left over! I guess I'll eventually use the strips for another project, (or maybe the quilt backing) but was such a waste of good fabric I could have used for another project. Over here (Australia) some quilting fabrics are now up to $32-35/mtre, so an averaged size quilt can end up costing quite a lot.

[@marygem]

A good lint roller is a necessity to liberally use on the edges of precuts, especially jelly rolls before opening.

[@suzannemiller993]

I love precuts. With limited storage I can get a whole line. I just trim before sewing or use patterns that square up after sewing. My favorite are 10" squares.

[@louisesmith3219]

I love making scrap and sampler quilts. I buy yardage on sale and sort by colour. I made a Gypsy Wife Quilt as my first quilt. Took awhile but it is just beautiful. The most I buy is a yard no matter what the price.

[@semco72057]

I am a beginner and my first or maybe second project will be in using up squares left by my grandmother years ago after she got sick and passed away. My mother never did quilting so these pieces was left over and I want to make atleast one quilt out of them before going on to another project. As always, I thank you for your help and the time you devoted to your subscribers.

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

That's what happened to me. My mother, grandmother and great grandmother all padded down fabric and squares to me. I had a trashcan FULL of quilt scraps. I wanted to make quilts and throws for the grandkids and greats.

[@Stoffmonster467]

While starting I bought many squares - but: some people don't cut precise, I had to re-cut 200 squares for a single quilt. Some people sell you patchwork fabric squares and 1/3 are strange stuff but not patchwork fabric, yes, they know exactly what they're selling. I have tons of good fabric now and cut my own precuts, just a roll of 1 1/4 inch strips in nature I bought for a curved log cabin project, from a professional quilt shop.

[@rw8873]

Good luck to all of you using these heritage fabrics! Makes me nostalgic for my own grandmothers' fabrics.

[@sevenandthelittlestmew]

Sidney. One quilt inevitably leads to another quilt. And another. And another. 😂 It’s an addicting pastime!

[@jjudy5869]

Go for it. Have a ton of fun. Some unsolicited advice from someone who inherited my grandma's as well as my mom's fabric. Go through it and make sure all the fabric is still sound. The darker colors degrade faster than the lighter colors. Double check each block is square and the same size as ever other block. They were cutting with scissors and paper templates not rulers and rotary cutters.

[@jeannettegory8185]

Rewatched this video and it's reassuring to hear someone who has more quilting experience struggling with what quantity of fabric to buy. In the past, if I saw a fabric I liked but with no plan, I'd buy a quarter or maybe half yard so it wasn't such a hit to the wallet. At the time it seemed sensible as I didn't sew much but often I wouldn't have enough fabric when inspiration struck. My husband, a great supporter, finally said stop cheaping out and buy a full meter. At times that has worked and while I have a few prints in my stash I no longer love overall it's been good advice. Except now, two years into my quilting journey, I've found one meter is sometimes not enough and extremely regrettable when that gorgeous Kaffe Fasset print is sold out and I can't get anymore. Now I have graduated to two meters and bolt ends. I can always find someone in need of quilts or bowl cozies or mug mats or... 😁

[@pegasusquilts]

I often cut a few 2 1/2" strips after cutting whatever I need from yardage for a quilt, and put them in a bin. When I have quite a few, I make a quilt that calls for a jelly roll or just 2 1/2" strips. I think they have more spark and interest than those made from just one line of fabric.

[@laurahenning5531]

Using just a line does sometimes leave me feeling like I was only the assembler of some designer's efforts. It can be so coordinated it feels like it came from a factory.

[@tacksscherbo7771]

@@laurahenning5531 Some time go, I wanted to do myself a favor and I bought a couple of cut rate fq "mystery" bundles to add to my stash. They did show a "photo" of what you might get that looked quite promising and useful. Of course, it was a "final sale" besides. Well, those bundles, under the top photo sample, consisted of some pretty weird stuff, like spiders, ghouls, zombies and assorted other orange, black and brown critters, so our family's pets got some comforters and chew rags for entertainment. I honestly would never want that kind of stuff on my bed, nor would I ever give it. lol That'll never happen again. By the way, in addition, some of the fabric felt as soft as a half limp frisbee.

[@kashigata]

I like your presentation of the facts and the music is so cute and funny!

[@1king77]

I LOVE precuts. Only been quilting five years and I’m hooked on the precuts. I’m blessed so cost is never a factor. I love the convenience. There are many books out there with charm and layer cake patterns exclusively. Happy quilting 😁💕.

[@moniqued9715]

when you say you are blessed does that mean I am not blessed because I do have to worry about $$$? Why are you blessed and others are not? I think saying you are blessed is a slap in the face to those not "blessed". Maybe you should consider not using the term. You are just fortunate.

[@Ucongold]

@@moniqued9715 oh I have to comment, and you won't like it.. Why does she have to consider YOUR situation in her comment?? She said she was blessed, thus able to afford precuts, so just be emotionally secure enough to think "I wish that was me", and move on.. Your comment screams green with envy, (sorry, not sorry.)

[@mkquilter]

Never thought about doing a cost analysis! Enlightening🙏🏻

[@scrappyquilter102]

My quilting has evolved significantly from when I first started in 2004. After all those years I accumulated so much variety in my stash that now I find fabrics there that coordinate with the new pre-cut packs. I enjoy that challenge: inserting some of my own into pre-existing collections, playing with colours and prints, and the accidental discoveries that cause my quilts to end up even scrappier than expected.

[@brendagriffin6437]

I am teaching my granddaughters (11 and 14) to quilt. They had two Yenter jellyrolls with pinked edges that they were sewing into a Donna Jordan pattern they picked out. They were having a lot of trouble with the seams with strips being pinked. I spent a couple of hours trimming the pinked edges off for them. They are not experienced enough yet and I don't want them frustrated and give up.

[@nannybannany]

Oh thank you for making this video. Im not even sure i really want to do a lot of quilting but my MIL gave me a jelly roll and then I was so confused by jelly roll, honey bun, charm pack, etc. This was so helpful!

[@cynthiajones1461]

I always wondered about the difference in price. Wow!! Thank you for breaking that down.

[@memere4137]

Love, love your videos.... you are just the type of person who makes a great friend....so cute and funny 😄

[@leanneg2347]

My issue with precuts is needing any background, border and binding yardage. Sometimes it can be hard to find fabrics that coordinate, especially if you’ve had the precuts for a while. Thanks for the great videos!

[@sewliloquies]

Today is the first day I've watched anything on your channel and subscribed right away! Thank you for the content. :)

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Love you KZbin handle 👍

[@RachelNHJones]

I can’t wait for precut patterns and tutorials from you! You’re my sewing teacher during quarantine. I discovered my interest in quilting recently. So I don’t have access to workshops or classes. I love your stash busters. I can’t wait to see what else you got for us. I don’t feel advanced enough to try out your earlier block tutorials, but I love how you explain your creative process as well as the how to. ❤️💖💜

[@darleensanford7231]

Thank you for creating videos that are very helpful and informative. I have stopped watching several other quilters' videos because they are a sponsor for a specific sewing machine and that is all they talk about. They are probably helpful videos if you have that machine but if you don't then they are useless to me. Long story short, I love watching you and learning from you. Hope your family is all doing well.

[@shirleyb4492]

Thanks, Karen for your unique take on the subject of pre-cuts. I’ve been quilting for many years, but I tend to set an upper dollar limit on my quilts for the tops & bottoms. I buy batting by the roll and don’t factor that amount into the quilt. I realize I could spend less for quilt tops if I purchased individual pieces, but oh the agony of deliberation! So, my choice is to purchase a pre-cut and get sewing 🙂 I may get lucky and find a coordinating fabric for a border or binding, but then I realize I’m just needing to get it done and move on to another quilt top! There’s only so much time!

[@tomfriedmann7164]

That was a very clear and concise explantion of fabric cuts.

[@bellbird]

Having working in a quilt shop for a number of years I am well aware of the markup on precuts, whether they be store made or manufacturer made. That still didn’t stop me from buying the odd jelly roll or charm pack if I really liked the fabric line. I am now retired and realize that there’s not many patterns for just one charm pack and many charm packs are so unique that it is hard to find coordinating fabric to make the quilt bigger.

[@sarah4264]

I learned to quilt watching Georgia Bonesteel on PBS. I just made very small projects. Now, I'm interested in relearning with all of the new techniques and supplies. I'm mesmerized by all of these new cuts.

[@sandralewis3]

I love them💕I don’t like being that person who’s getting an eighth of yard of twenty different fabrics cut.haha

[@kaitlyne1870]

That's another good point. Sometimes I buy precuts if I want all, or at least, most of the line and don't want to make everyone wait while I make someone cut all those 1/8 or even 1/4 yard cuts!

[@joyceepperson5219]

Sandra Johnson I was chastised for buying a half dozen half yard cuts at a Joann’s once.

[@carydelano5484]

I wanted to know years ago what is a precut, so I ordered a 5” package. Not just it was too expensive for my budget, but I didn’t know what to do with those little squares. KZbin was not there those days, so I bought a book and sewed myself a bag. I used it many years, but was a frustrating experience for me. For instance, I didn’t like all the colors included and they were pinked, so I sew them like that and the squares end up being smaller. A couple of years ago I ordered some fat quarters, again, too expensive, plus they were more appealing from internet that in person. From now on, I buy them in stores, I touch, see through and buy a half or a yard of the colors I really like, now I am enjoying to sew! BTW, I enjoy your videos and your knowledge… thanks for sharing!

[@sharonbull4483]

Karen , I’m really done with pre cuts. I now buy yardage. I’ll even buy 5 plus yds to a whole bolt. But they have to be favorite colors. Or shades of these. Took years to jump to this Alway frustrated with not having enough of favorite in a bundle. Love your videos.

[@nadineillingworth2974]

HOW MUCH IS A BOLT TO BUY?

[@grandmommu8815]

@@nadineillingworth2974 It all depends!! There is a source in the US that sells bolts of calico prints for as little as $2.95 a yard (15 yards on the bolt). That source also sells bundles of the same prints in different colors. I will email that source to Karen to see if she wants to share the link. I don't want to hijack any sponsors she may have.

[@patriciasmart198]

i used to buy fabric by the yard at quilt shops, taking hours to match or blend colors and styles. Then we lost all of our quilt shops within an hour of home. You can't do that matching thing on line. I'm so glad I discovered precut fabric, especially the layer cakes.

[@annerankin1191]

I haven’t bought many pre-cuts and they really aren’t for me. This is a great video highlighting the pros and cons.

[@AnnieofBlueGables]

Thank you for your fun videos! Jordan fabric sells perfect cut (no pinking) bundles. Also before you open jelly roll run a lint roller over it several times to get rid of lint.

[@monicabermea7652]

I love layer cakes. I live in a rural community of 4000 in West Texas. We have a huge fabric store old world style. She carries many tempting precuts. We are blessed here with her.

[@JesusisKing222]

Oh wow! How fantastic you have that store! Is it such a treat to shop for fabric that way!

[@sevenandthelittlestmew]

Waco? The Quilt Barn there... swoon. And there’s another place east of Dallas called Stitchin’ Heaven. In Quitman, I think?

[@cashby1425]

Ok I want to come visit!!

[@monicabermea7652]

@@cashby1425 okay it's in friona texas name is maloufs fabrics. Not fancy but loaded baby.

[@rickrackruby3500]

Precuts are the BEST!!!

[@donnabailey947]

That wasn’t barbed wire, it was poultry wire or just plain chicken wire. Love your videos. Wonderful and so informative. Love them.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Several other caught that error too. I changed the closed captions to reflect that. Thx

[@candypurcell8763]

Im 68 and decided to try this quilting. Wow what a surprise all the stuff. Im learning i think? Your video helped with bundles and packs and charms. I tried going to Joann’s but they gave me know help. I bought 1 🧵 of thread. Hope I figure it out.

[@HRHDMKYT]

Great video as always Karen. I'm glad you're looking more rested in this one! These days, quilting fabric has become SO expensive. I'm glad I went crazy buying yardage and precuts when I began my quilting journey in 2012 (until around 2015, when the U.S. vs. Canadian $ exchange rate skyrocketed). I used to share a U.S. post office box with a few others, and my friend and I would drive across the border about once every month or so to pick up our orders from great online stores like: MSQC, FatQuarterShop, Hawthorne Threads (now Hawthorne Supply Co), ConnectingThreads, and others. Even paying GST tax on the way back across the border it was still worth it, because you couldn't get a lot of those designer fabrics here then, or precuts, and the prices were less than half of what we paid in Canada. However, ever since the pandemic shut down the border, even though trucks still get through, several U.S. online sellers have stopped shipping outside of the U.S. (A great shop for non-designer jelly rolls used to be JellyRollFabrics.net but they won't ship here anymore). The post office seems to have increased their shipping prices as well. So I'm glad I have quite a healthy stash from then... I just need to get it all organized, and then I can "shop" from my own 'store'!! (I admit it, occasionally I am still tempted by Black Friday sales, and ConnectingThreads.com with their shiny monthly catalogue and occasional 40%-off quilt books sales or 20% off of everything... Gah!). But now I am determined to shop Canadian, support *our* small businesses, and there are several I like: MadAboutPatchwork, Sew-Sisters, FabricSpark, CountryClothesline, Dinkydoo. p.s. Full disclosure: I have completed (including quilting and binding) a grand total of THREE quilts so far. I have about five more quilt tops done, two of which I can't seem to locate. Yep, I admit it: my *real* hobby is Fabric Aquisition!! :-D ~Diana K.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thanks for sharing

[@tammyislandsewingtutor]

Fascinating information about the cuts. In Hawaii, all the precuts are sooooooo expensive. Fabric yardage is sooooooo expensive and so on…. You inspire me!

[@sandeenisenfeld5232]

I am a fan of 10” squares and jelly rolls. The positive is that like the variety of colors and how they go together. The negative is that sometimes I do not like the design because it is unbalanced in the 10” square, or I there are times that I just dislike several of the squares included.

[@billswifejo]

I’ve been watching all your videos because I want to make quilts, but I think I might need to watch this several times to work out all the measurements. I’m English, and metric, I haven’t measured anything in inches and yards since about 1972! Fingers crossed I don’t give up just because of the measurements. LOL

[@razzmatazz1974]

Things i have learned watching your videos: -I havent cleaned my sewing machine since i bought it in 2012, i should take better care of it. -I only have a pack of precuts. Where i live fabric is sold by the metre so most fabrics i have are leftovers from other projects. I bought this charm pack online and when it arrived i didnt like the color at all, it was brownish and not grey as it looked in the pictures so i never used it. -I can improve my sewing just by having better techniques and tools. Practice is not all.

[@marythompson9952]

I love jelly rolls! I love getting so many different fabrics all in one go. I hate pinked edges, and have found 10" layer cakes tend to be cut small. Thanks for everything you do!

[@nancythompson8836]

I tended to stock pile precuts, jelly rolls, layer cakes etc. The downside is by the time I get around to using them the fabric collection has been discontinued making it difficult to buy border fabric to match. This has happened several times where I'm spending a lot of time with online searches . The moral of the story for me now is to have an idea what pattern I would choose for the precut & buy some coordinating fabric!

[@growingfromhome.]

Yes! This is me, too!

[@theclumsychord]

And me too! A few times I bought a couple yards in anticipation of needing a border, but they're not always useful sizes or I have waited so long I've completely changed the idea for the precut and the fabric choice isn't ideal etc. Oh well... I'm in a use it up phase, so I guess I'll just have to find near matches and be happy with that :D

[@HRHDMKYT]

Nancy, I did that too when I first started buying quilting fabrics in 2012, until I realized that these fabric lines sell out... even faster with a very pretty line (one collection I wished I hadn't missed was Kate Spain's 2013 'Cuzco' collection -- so many lovely rich colours and prints!). Rarely now do you get a popular line such as "Wee Wander" (Sarah Jane for Michael Miller) which was available for a couple of years. As soon as I realized that fabrics are "gone forever" once the quilt shop sells out, I began to buy 1.5 to 1.75 yards of the prettiest fabric in the precut bundle for an anticipated border -- and am I glad I did!!

[@nancythompson8836]

@@HRHDMKYT good idea! I find until the top is finished I'm never sure what I want for the border, but it is certainly smart to buy your favorite.

[@grandmommu8815]

Me too, three, four.

[@JesusisKing222]

I love to sew but crafty things, and whatnots. My mom could sew anything and beautifully. I want to make a quilt and that is all new to me! Thank you for explaining what those beguiling fabric bundles all mean!!

[@dkooistra3325]

I tend to buy either jelly rolls or layer cakes and usually only when they are on sale and purchase a little yardage for a border. Then I spend hours looking for a design that I can use said precuts on. Thanks for all your tips and tricks!!!

[@nancythompson8836]

Missouri Star has lots of patterns & tutorials !!

[@victorialazarine5111]

I was complaining to myself this morning about the pinked edges. What a mess, including me covered in fuzz!!! This was a great video. Thank you!! 🧵✂️🪡

[@carmenbailey1560]

Thanks, I usually buy off the bolts, unless I really like the fat quarter or it’s on sale. I don’t want to have a surplus of fabrics and I have to have a reason for making the quilt. I’m finding money spent on fabric can get out of hand fast. Learning to cut my own pieces is a experience I’m trying to master.

[@judygemar6592]

I love the format and editing of your videos! Concise and no “traveling time.” Just get it done!

[@terrytweedy1743]

I also have trouble with knowing how much fabric to buy, and whether to buy pre-cuts or yardage. Love all of your videos . I didn’t realize the huge make-up on pre-cuts. I will think twice before getting any more.

[@Annabanana985]

Absolutely one of THE BEST INFORMATIVE video I have seen yet!

[@beloved4evr]

Jelly roll, layer cake, charm pack...depends on the pattern tutorial! I love them all!

[@zoepoutoukalis1109]

Hi Karen, I have only ever bought a total of 10 Fat Eights & only because they were on special. Because I'm on a VERY limited income, my Quilting Budget is constantly under my own scrutiny. I am a firm believer in "making my money stretch as far as possible" so I find that the most cost effective & practical thing for me to do, is you buy my Quilting Fabrics by the yard & add to my Stash. Although Precuts can be very appealing, I endeavour to be very particular when choosing Colours & Pattern Designs & I strive to purchase the best Fabrics I can for my hard earned money. I also try to recycle Fabrics whenever I can if the Recycled Fabrics are suitable Colour Values & Designs for the Project I happen to be working on at the time. I enjoy your Videos immensely, they are extremely informative & very helpful & I particularly liked this latest Video about Precut Costs versus Yardage Costs. Warm Regards, Zoe from Tasmania, Australia ☺️

[@carmenbell77]

When pre-cuts were first introduced, I too did a cost analysis and found that I could not justify their costs. Fast forward a hundred (quilt) years. So many quilts, so little time. Cutting and color coordination ain’t all that it’s crack up to be. Enjoy the ride. Buy a pre-cut

[@cashby1425]

Lol😂😂 “fast forward 100 quilt yrs” 😂

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

👍

[@amandawilliams2266]

I like that! I'm going to have to Barrow that one 💕💕

[@nancythompson8836]

I'm with you! Also there's little waste & your not left with all those scraps you store but seldom use.

[@gingerbrooks6971]

I would rather buy yardage, is cheaper and have left overs

[@virginiakinison6541]

I have gotten layer cakes that were only 9 3/4 x 9 3/4. I worker in a fabric shop & measured all our layer cakes. The miscues ones were ALL from one manufacturer. Now I always check before I buy. LOVED YOUR VIDEO!

[@connierogers6853]

I love Jordan Fabric Stores for their precuts because there are NO pinked edges. I hate pinked edges, they get everywhere and practically shred.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I think the husband is a cutting wizard

[@susanemerson8049]

I wish they had more of the ones they cut themselves.

[@marycreed-pallone9732]

Matt’s precuts and kits are fantastic, and Donna’s how to videos and many free patterns are mesmerizing! Along with this site, one of my favorite web go to places. I also bought a lot of precuts and fabric from Bluprint, and really hope the new owners will revive their fabric lines and kits. I wonder what happened to the leftovers when they closed up? I want in on their close out sale!

[@gailketchum1877]

SewYeah Quilts also has exclusive precuts with no pinked edges. The how to videos the brothers do are also very good. Jordan Fabrics and SewYeah Quilts are both excellant resources for beginner quilters.

[@Weesperbuurt]

Yes and Donna Jordan’s KZbin videos often show you how to sew with pinked edges.

[@pattiking1313]

This video I saved and will download. This video is as important as a quilters tool a must have THANKS SO MUCH this I will keep and pass on . Thanks for your time.

[@Shazdog123]

This has really been an eye opener as regards prices of pre-cuts compared to yardage. I understand the manufacturers have to spend more time on pre-cuts, but seriously some of the percentages are just way too much. I’m guilty of hoarding fat quarter packs, so they’re aren’t too bad, but I’ll think twice before buying some of the others.

[@elizabethlampi7667]

Thanks for sharing your research. I’m just getting started on the quilt journey along with slow stitching projects. With some bundles I purchased years ago, for a reason I no longer remember, I began to explore pre-cuts. I find that I often get fabric patterns I’d never use and cringe. 😬 Lesson 🤔 how to use these pieces? They make great base fabric squares for slow stitching as well as quilting blocks like scrappy squares. They won’t go to waste. One of my best finds though is a reclaimed fabric store about 40 miles away. A fat quarter is sold individually at $2. I get only what I want. They have $5 grab bags, $1 pieces (about 3/4 of a fat quarter size). Fabric by the yard, sewing notions etc. I have only begun to explore this store. I’m going to have so much fun creating from these fabrics things like a postage stamp quilt, scrappy quilt etc I still have some quilts I plan that will require purchase by the yard but keep in mind all the fabric that ends up in landfill yearly finding a deal at a reclaimed fabric store is fun and a win win in my books. Thanks for sharing all your skills, I’m enjoying learning from your videos. 🫶🏼

[@nicolab2081]

One thing that didn't come up on a survey is that if you live in an area with only very tiny quilt shops (like Ireland) the shops never buy the entire range as yardage because they just can't afford to carry huge amounts of stock for their relatively low turnover. So precuts are really the only way to get a bit of every fabric in a range. If I love a particular range then I will often buy yardage of the one that I like the most (or the one that is available) plus either a layer cake or a jelly roll in the same range. I'll use the yardage for a nice wide border and the precut for the body of the quilt.

[@IRISHLASS273]

Hi Nicola, I too live in Ireland and there is no shop where I can buy fabric. I buy online. There is an online shop in Dublin but their stock seems limited. Their price for Aurifil thread is reasonable. The shop is Floppy Fabrics it's online only. Hope Karen doesn't object to me naming the shop. A few months ago I ordered 2 jelly rolls from a online shop in the US. Being Moda JRs and they were half price I couldn't resist.. When they arrived in Ireland it must have been a slow day in customs and excise as the officers tore the package apart and I was presented with a hefty bill for import duties plus they taxed me on the shipping charges. despite this they were good value. When I open them and start using them I hope I will still think they were good value (lol) Happy quilting!.

[@nicolab2081]

@@IRISHLASS273 I know Floppy Fabrics, she has a nice range. We get a few different sellers coming to Wicklow Patchwork Group meetings and Apple Tree Crafts is around the corner from the meeting so I do get to see some fabric in person, but to get a wider range I need to go online to the UK, Germany or the Netherlands. Apple Tree Crafts have a massive range of Aurifil if you are ever in Newtownmountkennedy and they're online too, I prefer Mettler but I have to buy that from the UK.

[@zeusincoming282]

I hope Corporate Shops with mile wide shops hit your area one day. Stores where you will see fabric as far as the eye can see ;-)!

[@nicolab2081]

@@zeusincoming282 I doubt it will happen for a number of reasons. Ireland's population is very small, and quilting is a minority interest so there just wouldn't be the demand. People here don't like massive shops anyway, they like personal service. There is also a planning limit on shop sizes, occasionally exceptions are made but they are rare, for instance Ikea was granted special permission to have one store in Ireland and it's nearly 10 times bigger than the normal planning limit (Ikea is 300,00 sq ft, planning limit is 32,000 sq ft).

[@dorothyhopkins5460]

Nicola Branigan similarly in Scotland, only small shops near me.

[@gmhalmeoni2085]

I knew they were at a premium for the convenience, but wowie. I will go back to cutting strips & squares from yardage. Thank you for all the work you put into this research.

[@sharonmika4786]

I really enjoyed this video. I, too, wonder all the time if I am being pound wise or penny foolish when buying fabric. I recently organized my scraps using your method and discovered that the standard scrap sizes you suggested are much more user friendly for my purposes than the yardage stash in my closet. What is a clothaholic to do now? 😂😂 Thanks for the video.💫

[@dulcilass]

Sharon: You've learned the trick of managing your stash. "Finding the right size that you will use when quilting" For example, quilters seem mostly to be using 2.5 " jelly rolls and many patterns are calling for that size. I never buy jelly rolls as my favorite size for a strip is 2" along with 2" charm squares, so that's what I've learned to cut and stash for quick patterns, like Log Cabins or my Illusion charm quilts. Find your size and cut your scraps accordingly makes getting into sewing a quilt so much quicker. Karen's video on standardizing cut scrap sizes has surely helped many a quilter.

[@agb6330]

I wish there was a local quilt shop. We don’t have one in Bethlehem, PA. Fortunately, while visiting family in Austin, TX, I had the opportunity to follow a shop hop 5 years ago to discover all that is available in their area. It was better than Christmas!

[@reesekolcow6136]

There is usually (meaning there’s only a virtual this year), shop hop in Massachusetts on the third weekend in October. Maybe you could check with a bus company for a tour/shop hop? You’re only a half day away from them? I had a blast last year there & it’s a great leaf peeper weekend!

[@SoulsJourney]

The pre-cuts are so seductive! I've only bought one layer cake, but I buy a lot of fat quarters. I've kind of given up on them all now and just buy yardage. I often find I don't like all the fabrics included in a FQ bundle, so never use them, or I want more of one pattern! Definitely good info here.

[@angiemcdermid4845]

Great information for beginners or any curious quilter

[@laurisnicholson1602]

I learned so much about precut terminology and thanks for the great tips! You get right to the point and you're never boring! 💥❤

[@carolbarnes7844]

Excellent tips, I love precuts but this will Make me a smarter shopper Thank you

[@beatakubicki3070]

I haven’t bought many precuts, just the odd jelly roll on sale ‘cuz they’re so darn cute but I do see the appeal because you get such a variety of prints/colours in a precut bundle. I guess the math gets a bit complicated then because if you wanted to recreate a layer cake let’s say, you’d end up buying twice as much fabric as needed seeing as you’d get 8 x 10”squares of each print where there might only be 4 or less in a precut layer cake. Also, whenever I see patterns using precuts they’re often just using half the bundle. So, either way your stash grows 😃

[@elementgypsy]

Glad this popped up! Great info. Well spoken. Yay.

[@karimadawood3366]

I never buy precut fabrics, it really confuses me. I am so glad you put this video out. Thanks Karen always love your videos.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@obxshelly]

I've been around fabrics for 40 years and have heard a lot of cool tips, tricks, and insights. This video was fantastic information for anyone who has drooled over those colorful pre-cut bundles. My hats off to you!! 👏🙌👍

[@amyc3367]

Thank you so much for this video. I have learned so much from your content and really appreciate how you explain things in such detail. I filled out your survey. I've been buying layer cakes to make masks even though I know it costs more, but it saves me time and I am not ending up with a bunch of yardage I may never use. The mask making is what has taken me down the rabbit hole of quilting and sewing. I love the reward of the finished projects.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lauramartin7300]

Oh boy. I retired from working at a Viking Sewing Gallery INSIDE Joann Fabric Store..FAT QUARTERS where my thing Whenever they went I sale, I bought. especially when 99 cents or less. Started with 10 at a time, them went up.I have boxes full of them, and material. Had alot of ideas, but hated to cut into some. When I was designing a quilt block of the month. Fat quarters helped out alot.

[@carcol330003]

I took the survey, but you didn't leave a space for a written comment, so here goes. I have been quilting since my 1st child was born 41 years ago. I was used to buying yardage. My rules were 1 yard if I needed it to round out the stash. 3 yards if I was getting it because I really liked it. If it was a really excellent sale and it would make a good backing, I would buy the rest of the bolt unless there were 20 yards on the bolt. My mother owned a fabric store when I was growing up and we did inventory by counting the folds on a bolt, so I am pretty good at estimating how much fabric is left on a bolt. In the last 3 years or so, I have been attending a quilt retreat twice a year close to Denver, CO. There are lots of stores is a big city like Denver. And no stores in my very rural area. I was taken with pre-cuts, mostly jelly rolls and fat quarter bundles. I have a few layer cakes and charm packs, but not compared to jelly rolls. Now I am like, I need to use these. Having a jelly roll is not like going shopping in my stash. I need to use the jelly rolls and other pre-cuts. My most recent decision (that came with a sewing room cleaning exercise) is that I need to go back to getting yardage or fat quarters (which I store within my stash closet like yardage). The way I pull fabric for a project from my stash does not go with having pre-cuts, so I am not going to buy anymore except fat quarters. My fascination with pre-cuts is over!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you for sharing

[@gerdahalliday5113]

Great explanation of precuts.