Precuts: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly | Episode 7

In this video, The Opinionated Quilter shares her thoughts regarding precuts. She shows you appropriate patterns for precuts as well as those that do not work.
Instagram: quiltershea...

[@peggyfanning9258]

I loved this episode. The only thing I would have also mentioned about precuts is the expense. You pay dearly for the convenience of having this fabric cut up into small sizes that aren't useful for all quilts. Also, I loved the part about "making the quilt your own". I don't want to make quilts that are so "matchy match" that they look like I bought them from Target or Sears, etc. Handmade quilts should be original. Quilting is a creative process.

[@floradempsey7235]

You are my type of girl. I started sewing for myself at the age of 12. My mother taught me to sew, and in doing so, showed me, when making clothing, I could save fabric by repositioning the pattern, rather than following the printed instructions. We were always on a tight budget, so I learned to be creative, and frugal, a mindset that has stayed with me these 67 years. Thank you for this video, lovely quilts.

[@loriar1027]

In all fairness, the material that you designated as “waste” by the ladies from Missouri isn’t really waste. Jenny has said many times that she reuses the remnants of her pre-cuts. Just because she may not use it in that project doesn’t mean it’s wasted. Also, I think you forgot that there is a pre-cut known as a honey bun that is made of 1 1/2” strips which would work very well for a couple of the quilts you showed us in the beginning. Also, I’d like to add a few more things to the “good” category that you missed. For beginner quilters who don’t yet have a stash to pull from, pre-cuts can be a very convenient way to pull together a variety of fabrics for a quilt. Another advantage is that for people who don’t really enjoy a lot of complicated cutting, it reduces the time spent cutting so you can get on to the sewing. There’s just no getting around the fact that pre-cuts are a convenience. Yes you pay for the convenience but even then you can find good deals on them. I think it’s a fair point that you should consider the amount of left over fabric generated by the pattern chosen for the pre-cuts before you get started. But I really like the fact that the precuts are made of fabrics that match. 🤷‍♀️

[@beckypetersen2680]

They are also great for people who really hate choosing fabrics. My sis runs a fabric store and I had no idea people had such a difficult time in choosing fabrics for a quilt. It can become quite an arduous task for some.

[@80657]

That's a really good point. Also depending on the size of scraps you have left after making your quilt top you can always put the remaining balance on the back. I like taking the squares that aren't the exact same size and sew some small pieces to it, square it up to the biggest size possible and put it on the back with my label. You dont exactly have to have "waste" you can sew them together and make your backing unique also. Happy Quilting... p.s. I love MSQC also 😁

[@theopinionatedquilter]

So so true. Many people struggle. I do too. Luckily, I have an employee with a great eye for color.

[@monicahigbie2589]

Great information. Refreshing to see someone thinking of the pocketbook of quilters! Amen!

[@omisfavorites1054]

I love your videos. This one really hit home with me. Until recently I was never too concerned about wasting a “bit” of fabric. You really opened my eyes. I can’t tell you how shocked I was when you illustrated your point by throwing those 2 1/2” strips in the waste basket! You are a great teacher! I appreciate your “opinionated” approach very much! Thank you!!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@LauraMcHugh]

I love that you have and are willing to share opinions! OMG - I love you!

[@susanswanson8404]

Great video. My grandmother made quilts and clothing as a young housewife 100 years ago. When I took up quilting in the early 80s she was thrilled. Being an old Yankee she would hate seeing waste, I can't remember quite how the saying went but she lived by, use it up, make it do, or do without. Great channel 🌷

[@lizreynolds4554]

😊 I really enjoy your explanations. I love that you don't want a lot of waste, or selling too much. Your integrity is showing. 🎉 I love the ideas of checking if it is wasteful. I am so happy that I found you. I am not very experienced, and I love your tips. Thank you. Huggles Always 💖🍀🌹🦓🏵️

[@m53goldsmith]

I do love a good 2.5-in jelly roll and I might get a 10-in square pack if it is really nice and I regularly buy fat quarters. But I absolutely will never again buy a 1.5-in honeybun roll or 5-in charm squares or 2.5-in mini-charms. I once sat down and did the mathematics to see how much they cost by the yard - oh my word!! They were 2-4 times as much as the jelly roll or 10-in squares. Rule of thumb, the more cutting someone else has to do, the more the cost. And just a word about ugly quilt patterns, I once saw one that I thought I would never make and then I saw it again several months later in a completely different colour scheme and it was out-of-this-world beautiful! These days, I use an app that has colouring pages and it really helps me with the planning and fabric selection for more pleasing quilts. I also do baby quilts for Project Linus UK and really love doing these smaller quilts backed with flannel. They are much easier for me to manipulate (arthritis) and I can try out lots of new blocks, plus they go for a really good cause.

[@dianne57m.shifthappens73]

I love, love rhe quilt on the wall behind you!

[@genawalter401]

All good points! It was great to see the different amounts of "waste". My scrap pile is pretty big so this was helpful to know that I can choose different methods to cut down on making more scraps!

[@MrsLovelyPendragon]

THANK YOU for making this video! Sometimes when I see precuts being used and I do the math I just think of all the wasted money! There was a video of a quilt saying you needed 2 10inch precut packs and 2 5inch precuts, they only used HALF of the blocks in the 2nd set of precuts!!!! I know small businesses need all the traffic they can get but this *really* bothered me. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who noticed that precuts aren’t a good fit for every pattern and that patterns that ask you to buy WAY more than you need should be discarded. ❤

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Even though I am a seller of fabric I hate, hate waste so I would rather sell less and give the customer the correct amount of fabric.

[@mary2240]

I, personally, think that using AccuQuilt to cut pieces wastes fabric, too. It’s faster than cutting your own fabric and is useful in situations where you’re in a time crunch, however. Love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@patproctor1432]

Yowza!!! I just found you and you are such a kindred spirit I want to cry. Really. I look at instructions and measurements and rethink the whole process just as you are doing. Not only can you decrease waste but often there's shortcuts you can use instead of methods that make little sense and cause distortion such as sewing a large bias edge. Yay!

[@jackietucker8942]

Watching your older videos again. Really enjoy them. And I always tell myself that places like MSQC are in the business of selling us MORE fabric.so waste is good for their business.

[@jeffbuehlow5290]

Love this ! Opinions are a learning curve for most. Keep the opinions coming!

[@annasibylleehresmann4956]

Thank you for the flatlock frankenbatting tip! I have a serger (and I do use it regularly) but had not made that connection until watching your video. I really like using the serger’s knife to eliminate the need to rotary cut. No need to clean up the mat after trimming the batting!

[@scrappygirl100]

Precuts are more expensive BUT, lots of people USE their scraps, or SHARE them with those who do. This video certainly helps enlighten the beginner regarding precuts, but for variety it's a good way to go. Buying a jellyroll is easier than finding a shop that carries the whole designer's fabric line in yardage and asking for a 5 inch piece, then making your own 2, 2.5 inch pieces from that....and good luck getting a straight cut at the shop.... because that's very difficult to obtain....so then you're buying 6 inches for your strips, just in case. Bottom line there's going to be waste whether you buy pre cuts or yardage, it's all in what you do with it that determines waste. Loved the serger tip. I've been on the fence about purchasing one and this leans me closer to yes.

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

What a great idea on using the serger for piecing batting together. I hardly use my serger and keep forgetting how to thread it, that's why I don't use it!

[@paulaneary7877]

Thank you for the video. Personally I have ALWAYS found pre-cuts WAY too expensive per yard and I am pretty sure I can say I have NEVER bought one. I am way too picky about the fabrics and could not bring myself to pay for even one piece I did not love, as might happen in pre-cuts. So, yardage is better for me. On the point of waste, I totally agree. As another person commented, the basis in the past for quilting was to use what you have to make a blanket to keep someone warm and I truly appreciate your opinion on that. We could all waste less. However, I do not mind scraps, I love to make scrap quilts, but the pile does get high and does need to be tamed once in a while. Great video, new subscriber here.

[@jacquelenebennett4028]

I agree. Absolutely hate wasting fabric and what in the world do you make with all the tiny triangles? I try to use fabrics from my stash in every quilt I make.

[@rachelburgener819]

👏👏👏 very well said ❤️😀

[@beckypetersen2680]

It makes me smile when you say "the ladies from Missouri". I don't watch that many of their videos - but I agree about the hoops you sometimes have to go through to use those precuts.

[@jomercer21113]

I hate wasting fabric and ridiculously complicated cutting, too! I am a big fan of the GE Stripology rulers.

[@mustanggal68]

Great ideas! Love your thought process. Thank you so much!

[@jeannemcmillintwinlakeses3767]

Great video! Karen from Just Get It Done also has a good one where she shows you the price of precuts vs yardage. It's an eye opener. I just took a class that was a Riley Blake pattern that had the craziest assortment of precuts. Like 1 11/2 WOF from three fabrics. 2 31/2 in squares from another. I had to buy 1/2 yard of 10 fabrics because I didn't have anything in my stash that could work, so I thought. Once all the cutting was done I really could have used a layer cake (from my stash) to make the whole project. I should have read the pattern about 8 more times and I would have figured that out and saved myself a bunch of money. Like almost enough to have my serger serviced. That isn't cheap.

[@karenmowrey8269]

Just found you today. Loved this and your “common sense “ approach to quilting. I’ve been quilting all my life. Wasted fabric never made sense. Thank you for posting.

[@ccreel64]

Hello from a new follower! Some of your later episodes showed in my feed, and I fell in love with your channel. Thank you for showing me good ways to reduce waste! Everything is so expensive now that I want the best bang for my buck.

[@joannm6558]

I use pre cuts from time to time when I need the specific size they come in. I made two large quilts, a star quilt from Pat Sloan. I Ames them from fat quarters I bought on clearance. They were for my granddaughters. I also use charm squares on clearance to make a disappearing four patch quilt. I mostly use yardage with an occasional pre cut package. They are convenient for this who have trouble cutting to to health issues. All my scraps get used in charity or baby quilts.

[@carolcocking3039]

So happy to find a quilter that feels the same way I do about wasting fabric!

[@stitchesbysue]

So wonderful to find your channel! Just saw you in the store yesterday. We had a nice talk about the Amish pattern light in the valley. Delighted to see a familiar face for the first time on KZbin!

[@bettybyers4698]

I love how you hate waste in making quilts! Me, too! Hate it when patterns say things like cut 241 squares of white and 241 squares of color & sew together to make 4 patches. Just sew the strips!! Thank you for the tip on using the serger to piece batting!

[@jaybiggins5979]

Thankyou. Great info. I’m trying to design a pattern and the most difficult part is making it have a little waste for the buyer as possible. Not everyone wants to make or keep scraps for other quilts. I’ve used your HST technique for my pattern and if I do want to use precut a I’ll do my best to have no waste. Personally I want my money and appreciation of the fabric I’m blessed to own to be used entirely. Ps. Love the dog waste stuffing idea too! Great channel. Keep it coming. 💕

[@mssixty3426]

New Subscriber here - ugly scrap quilts are what kept me disinterested in quilting for over 50 years. This is the second video of yours that I just started watching. Even if, as Lori's Place states, that what you called waste is not really waste, it is adding to a scrap pile that I fear would get out of hand if I started. Thank you for your logical and systematic way of approaching quilting.

[@janemason9215]

Very informative thank you I appreciate the fact that you point out both sides of the story in what Comes across as a very unbiased way.Personally I don’t want all those bits left over to Deal with. Again thank you

[@BlueBearQuilts]

Thank you for this video. I now will be using my serger to put my left over batting pieces together. That’s so much better than zig zagging on the domestic machine. As a designer, you also are making me think of ways to write my patterns so there is less waste. I always advocate that quilters buy more than the pattern calls for as you will invariably make a mistake.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

When I have written patterns, I have found it is very difficult to write in words what your hands have to do. The one thing I like to see in patterns is, after every step of the instructions there should be the measurement of what that unit should measure.

[@BlueBearQuilts]

@@theopinionatedquilter I totally agree.

[@marionstolmeier6209]

The perfect quilt pattern for precut charm squares or layer cakes is Pat Sloan’s Oh My Stars. They give you a nice variety of fabric prints and there is very little waste. I just add a yardage print for the stars.

[@cheekymare2779]

I am refreshed by your blunt, unapologetic opinion. That is how I am. My friend loves pink... I don't. She gets offended when I compliment her piecing, but not her color pallet

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you.

[@littleurbanhomestead818]

I agree with you so much about pre cuts. I have been given some and have tried to use them up but I have found that I do not like the look it gives. I buy yardage and every time I use one after tidying up the edge I cut a 2 and half inch strip which goes into my own 'Jelly Roll'. At the end of making the quilt I look at what I have left and depending on the amount I will cut into FQ, or squares, 10, 5 and 3 inch. Never seen anyone say anything against pre cuts so I gave you a sub. I do not use patterns but make my own up and some I show on my channel

[@damecupcake]

What a great channel. I like your positions and your possible solutions.

[@kathrynfountain894]

I’m enjoying your tutorials. You’ve offered me a different way of looking at things. One gets into a routine- it helps to get a different “opinion”. You’re interesting. Thanks.

[@nancylyman5192]

Lots of food for thought about the precuts. And…I’m going to see if I can even FIND my serger-I loved the batting tip.

[@rosechildress1060]

Thank you for this! I have my own theory on the origins of precuts: they exists for people traveling past a quilt shop with spouses or non quilters in the car. I was driving through Texas with my hubby and told him I wanted to “duck in” to a well known quilt shop…same time as a tour bus….yes we were late to our destination because I bought yardage😅 should have grabbed precuts!

[@marthascreativelife]

My BESTEST SIL EVER and I just found you and we adore you!!! Keep the videos coming!!!

[@gearkhancorrino7307]

YES! My BESTEST SIL EVER sent me the link to your channel and I absolutely just find your videos and commentary delightful! I appreciate your raw and realness that you exude in your videos and your stoic look. Please don’t ever lose your unique and individual spark, it’s what draws me to your channel. I hope you come up with a tag line too - I’d probably gladly get the t-shirt! Something like, “I’m opinionated, you’re opinionated, our opinions don’t align and I don’t care.”

[@marthascreativelife]

@@gearkhancorrino7307 I love you!!!!! I’m so glad we both have each other and our love of quilting too!!!

[@kattybob1749]

Precuts = convienience. Precuts are a very clever marketing ploy. One day I would like to buy and make something with a precut, but I like older patterns which require yardage. I have some old quilting magazines from the 70's / 80's, and some books (also use the local library) I made my sister in law a quilt for her wedding, blue, green and black and there was fabric left over (I buy a bit more than required). I then with some of the leftovers (did buy a couple more colors) made a quilt for my husband and I with the milky way pattern, blue, green , black, red, purple and orange. from the 101 patchwork patterns from ruby Mc Kim. I enjoyed picking out the fabric and the patterns. I still have very small amount of leftover fabric which I have set aside for other projects and hand sewn hexigons, so I can use a 2 inch square. Slithers of fabric are put in a bag for which I am making a soft toy. But I don't know why people would throw away fabric. Give it away, find a local quilt group and donate, they will find a use. I think patchwork has now been sidelined for quilting. But at least pre cuts have introduced a lot of people into sewing and crafting.

[@rachelburgener819]

👏👏👏 ❤️😀

[@kayejc]

Maureen, I used to use my serger to make t shirts for my sons. Fast forward to 3 years ago I donated it and didn't know about the possibility of serging together batting. Oh well, my definite loss. 🥺 Loving your videos.

[@critterwatcher8009]

I prefer to buy yardage in fat quarters or half yards, only buying larger yardage for background and backing. With covid I began to buy online and many places require at least 1yd purchases. That's expensive and creates a stash that gets out of hand as well ... if you really only want a fat quarter. Precuts can help with not needing to buy unwanted (at least for the current project) yardage.

[@violaqueen2234]

Great idea for my batting piecing, thanks Maureen.

[@AnitaSouthall]

Wow some great points made. 🇦🇺💜🇺🇲🖐

[@franpatzcraig6713]

Good advice! I too hate, hate, hate to waste fabric! I have made Donna Jordan's "Ribbons" quilt that is a no-waste pattern for a layer cake. I agree, though, choose your pattern carefully!

[@rosadrover2070]

Great idea with using the serger to join batting. Thanks for sharing.

[@AvivaHadas]

Not unlike what you stated at the beginning, you & I make different quilts, but I appreciate your perspective! (& if nothing else, I too have an opinion.)

[@jillyates-campbell312]

Another great episode!

[@susanharrell8902]

Never thought about the wastage! Thanks for sharing

[@jackietucker8942]

I DO have a serger, and use it mostly for sewing around the edges of fabric before I wash it. and a few other things. BUT doing this with batting is genius I do worry about how much lint would be made... but I'm giving it a try.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Serger is great for batting. I still have my Bernette serger from the 90’s made by Juki. Still going strong. It is also great for overlocking quilt quilt tops to keep them from raveling if not quilted right away.

[@wandachadwick843]

I have taken up English Paper Piecing for a portable project that uses up left over fabric and pieces of cotton garments. I have so much fun playing with shapes that I bought a black and white laser printer for making templates. I prefer not to use precuts but 2 1/2-inch strips would work well for the Aunt Martha pattern I hope to make when I master diamonds.

[@pooie0116]

I only just recently got some precuts (fat quarters, charm packs and jelly rolls) and was shocked and dismayed at how sloppily cut and skewed they were. The worst was a fat quarter that was so badly skewed it was 4” off on both sides (so that the biggest square piece I could hope to get out of it was 10”x10” with two weird triangles on either side)!! What a colossal disappointment 😖

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I can see why you were disappointed. While the precuts are much better than they were years ago, they still are not as good as we can accurately cut with good rotary cutting equipment.

[@TheJAG1357]

Great video. Thank you❤️

[@wendywilson1736]

From Pre cuts, or scraps from other projects, there is No such thing as waste in my sewing room. It will all get used, and there will be small pieces, or larger. I'm not "into" crumb quilts, but my smaller pieces will just be made into smaller hexagons for smaller hexagon projects. Wishing you happy sewing/quilting in your corner of the world!

[@carriesaindon5382]

I take the leftovers and piece blocks for my quilt backings. I don't have space or desire to manage Mt. Scrapmore.😅

[@Teresa-L.2024]

I prewash my fabric if its dark, bright, or heavily treated with chemicals. I serge the raw edges with a 3 or 4 thread wide overlock stitch. That way you don't get that tangled mess of threads on the raw edges and you'll save on wastage straightening up that raw edge.

[@anitalapierre1585]

I'm fairly new to quilting, but I've learned a lot since I started. If you make those quarter square triangles by sewing 1/4" from the drawn line instead of on it, your seam allowance will take some of your fabric and the quarter square triangles will be too small for your pattern. If you have take 2 sets of 5" squares draw the line on them, one sew on both sides of the line like you mentioned, and the other, sew on the line. Where you sewed on the line, that will keep its 5" size. The other ones will be 4.5" each.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are correct. That is why we cut the square the correct size we want for the finished unit. If you are going for a 5" finished half square triangle unit we would cut our squares 6". If we want a 4" finished we would cut the squares 5"

[@jeffbuehlow5290]

There is a benefit to precut waste. For me I make a quilt from a layer cake and the waste goes into another project..like appliqué. It’s perfect for smaller pieces. I understand there is a lot of people only make quilt projects . Using smaller scraps that match works well for accented placemats/ appliqué/quilted door hangers etc. Love the opinion about good bad and ugly, because its all true. Sometimes you just want to make the quilt regardless and don’t care. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are right. Leftovers from piecing do make good pieces for applique and also for collage quilting. I do neither so my tiny scraps go into the dog bed pile.

[@angelikaimnaehglueck]

10:53 when i recognized fabric wasting on a youtube channel it was always from a person living on fabric selling

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

I agree with your opinion. Thank you.

[@amydement.]

Interesting content with some excellent points. I love the point you make about patterns not being designed for pre-cut efficiency - that is SO TRUE. I use mostly precut sizes (cut from my stash) as I make almost exclusively scrap quilts so leftovers in my studio don't become waste. Please in future videos don't film the cutting and assembly directions of for sale patterns thereby giving away designers' work for free.

[@phyllisg4405]

Loved this episode! What is the pattern name of the quilt shown at time marker 8:03? May I purchase the pattern from you? What is the fabric used? Do you have a kit for it? Do you have yardage I can purchase?

[@jennamakesbugs]

So MSQ or JF give away a lot of free patterns and walk you through how to do them and they happen to push their precuts sales in the process. This seems fair to me. I am a penny pincher and I am going to buy the fabric in the least expensive way possible even if that adds several additional steps for me. Other people prefer to pay more and have less work and hassle. To each their own. I don't think any fabric is ever wasted, though, unless you just throw it away. I accept peoples' scraps all of the time. The scraps are the best part to me.

[@caw3258]

Love your opinion pieces. I have not yet watched every video so you may have covered this before and I will watch it carefully. BUT, in case it's something you could plan to cover in the future, I would love to watch you attack your basket to cut 2.5" and 1.5" scraps as you mentioned. Sew Easy did a video on how to cut scraps efficiently a few years ago, but she wasted more fabric than I am comfortable doing. I do so like your "minginess" and I suspect you are careful to get the most out of your scrap collection. I wonder if you have a way of working that would get me through the pile quicker.than the way I am doing it. I have a Stripology and depend on it utterly, and I also use the palm-roller style rotary cutter that cuts through 8 layers like butter but I'd like to throw some science at it. You seem to be the ideal person to have already thought about it a lot. Your opinion, please!

[@sherimcgill5139]

Fabric manufacturers don’t care if you waste the fabric once you’ve already bought it. But we can’t resist those yummy precuts, can we?

[@mindyallen5946]

Love your attitude

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks.

[@ninapeters1919]

Thank you for your video. I have always thought pre-cuts were too expensive and get tired of every pattern maker using them in their patterns. What's wrong with making a quilt with yardage? Why do I have to have 40 different pieces of fabric in my quilt? But they don't always give you the option to make with yardage or pre-cut, probably because then you would know how much you waste with pre-cuts. Thank you for your opinion!

[@jackietucker8942]

Which thread cones do you use for the two needle surging of batting? Do I thread and needles one and three or two and four?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I like the Seracor thread from Mettler. For the flatlock, you thread the lower looper and either the left needle for wide or right needle for narrow.

[@marilynbook4211]

I have never bought precuts, they look like too much of a waste especially when I hear they are not all cut the same width due to how they measure from the pinked edge. Also what would I do with the fabrics that I don't like? As you say I want to make my quilt not the one someone made. Thank you for validating my thoughts.

[@BonnieWaldrup]

Ignore the comment about greed. I'm clueless about the workings of a quilt shop. Although, there are online shops that offer small cuts of fabric. A very few, that I've found. And what's up with putting fabric on sale, then requiring a yard cut. That practice doesn't help waste or my pocketbook either.

[@Julietaescasan]

Can you please put the links where we can get the patterns that you showed?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Check at your local quilt shop, if they don’t have them they can be found on Amazon. Both Tiffany and Kea Bee can be found by putting them into the search bar on you tube.

[@robinmarie5180]

I absolutely love that quilt behind you. Is there a instruction video on that?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

No video from me. It is Diamond Lites by Derreck Lockwood.

[@tonitoland846]

I’ve enjoyed the 2 episodes I’ve watched so far, and I’m certain that you could make your points without bashing other creative quilt makers. “The ladies from Missouri” have taught me a lot about quilting - more than you have at this point. Seems like the only thing you really want to emphasize is creating quilts with less waste. Quite noble, but leave the personal “attacks” out of it, please. We really need more kindness in our lives, and you have an audience; you can use your voice gently to make the same points.

[@bklynwn]

I love pre-cuts and hate yardage. My costs are mitigated by purchasing from sites who have great sales etc. I love your you tube channel nevertheless. You also forgot to mention fat eights and honey buns. I don’t use patterns that create waste.

[@loriar1027]

Plus there are patterns out there that are made for pre-cuts!

[@minianowottnick-lynch7692]

I LOVE that quilt behind you. Is there a pattern I can get?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

That quilt is Diamond Lites from Derreck Lockwood. Hi is a poor pattern writer but the quilt design is fantastic. I also had the help of my employee who is really great with color.

[@beckytrella5147]

I'm still catching up on your videos but I agree about waste or some kindly refer to them as leftovers. Very early I decided I wanted to make my quilt(s). Only twice have I made a quilt according to the original pattern. In most cases I find it boring to duplicate someone else's design. Sure that has resulted in some not so pretty quilts but at least they are all originals.

[@jenmckitrick]

I really like to hear what you have to say in your videos, and to see what you have to show. I just wish the camera work were a little better so that what you are showing is always fully in the frame. Thanks!

[@cevettetuller3968]

What is the name of the pattern in the background?

[@melanienicholson2834]

fantastic video thaks

[@sandrasciotto1646]

I love the quilt behind you. What is the name of this pattern?

[@nanascreations8120]

it's gorgeous. I'd love to see a video on making it..

[@theopinionatedquilter]

It’s Diamond Lites by Dereck Lockwood. Thanks.

[@malissiajones7761]

I've had two surgers. Never figured out how to thread either one.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

They used to be hard to thread. Now there are air threaders that thread the loopers and the needles thread like a regular sewing machine. Makes them fun to use instead of the pain they used to be.

[@lorraineadkins3743]

Very informative

[@evelynelliott4485]

I am new to your channel. I think the quilt behind you is absolutely gorgeous. Have you had a tutorial for this quilt? Love your work.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I don't have a tutorial. The pattern is Diamond Lites by Dereck Lockwood. I loved making it but his directions are a bit wordy.

[@nancyandrichannis2257]

I just found your channel and I love your thought processes and philosophy on waste. In earlier episodes you use Deb Tucker tools. I love her process with little waste too. One more "bad" about precuts is the expense per yard. check out Karen Brown "Just get it done" channel for her analysis on cost of precuts Thank you for a good channel

[@angelikaimnaehglueck]

20:45 In your particular case, you can sell it by weight

[@rosemaryhanderson6122]

I don’t like waste but is is there. I use waste pieces to make blankets for animal shelters, different size blankets for different size animal coming in the door. They never really go to waste. Also most sewing circles have women who can’t afford much fabric. I like to donate to them and know someone is smiling to get what they need.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Quilter's are most generous. It's always good to hear of quilters helping quilters.

[@gloriamcphail4589]

I too have a bee in my bonnet about pre cuts. I absolutely hate the pinked edge and I refuse to by pre cut background. And depending on the pattern they would not anyway. And they are a premium price. Do the math!

[@shadowlakeranch7521]

what's the quilt pattern behind you ?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Diamond Lites by Dereck Lockwood. Very fun to make despite his quite wordy pattern.

[@KayeMacc]

The quilt on the wall would be perfect for solid color 1.5 inch honey buns.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

The strips are cut in 1 1/2 inch strips. The key would be getting the correct number of each color.

[@variegatedyarns]

"Blowing out someone else's candle won't make yours shine brighter." Or as my grandma said, "If you can't say something nice..." I was hoping the other video of yours I watched was a one-off and not a theme for your channel. I'm disappointed. I get nothing but positivity from Jenny, Misty and Natalie Doan (apparently aka "the ladies in Missouri") and Donna Jordan. I never feel pressured to buy from them, but it sure is easy to do so when they are kind. I also get a lot of great positive information from Kimberly at the Fat Quarter Shop, Karen Brown-Just Get It Done Quilts, Laura-SewVeryEasy, Teresa Down Under and most recently Brita Nelson of the Questioning Quilter and Kris at Sew the Distance. All manage to give great quilting advice without snark. In fact they deliver content that is really a joy to watch and I come away smiling--even if I might never use that particular video's information. As far as patterns for pre-cuts, there are thousands: Daniela Stout of Cozy Quilts, Fat Quarter Shop, MSQC, Just Get It Done, Teresa Down Under, and so many more. There are great yardage patterns out there, too. Don't get me wrong. A quilter (with enough time and money) can have it all...yeah, I know, who has loads of either? If we are addressing waste, I always sew 1/4" on the other side of any HST and (QST), even if the resulting HST isn't the same size as the pattern required one I am after. But to do that or not is "an opinion" and my other opinion is crumb quilts are great. You have some information to share. Actually some good information, not new to me, but might be new to someone else. I wouldn't mind hearing how you go about your fabric cutting, but won't be back, not because you have opinions, but because of the negativity with which you express them. I'm sure you will find you KZbin niche and there are plenty of people who enjoy snark and put downs. But life is to short, the world is already mean enough and just I'll stick to pleasant people. Leaving you with prayers for many blessings and much joy to fill your heart and the other old Grandma adage, "You'll catch more flies with honey."

[@jennifermartin5974]

Amen! You know, the Opinionated Quilter sorta favors Mrs Doan. You reckon she’s her sister??? Maybe that’s why she jabs at her all the time. She mentions the ladies from Missouri in every video.

[@jylromain6439]

I don't like pre cuts. I had a pattern for 5'' squares that had to be cut into 5x 2.5''. Had a fair bit of waste because when I cut some 2.5'' pieces there wasn't enough left in the square to get a usable second piece. And on one layer cake, a piece was folded at the edge when it was cut. The only pre cuts I'll buy have to be cut by Matt Jordan of Jordan Fabrics. He does them by hand and they are perfect. But mostly, I'd rather pick out my own fabrics. It seems to me that if you can pick out your own clothes and dress yourself, you ought to be able to pick out fabrics that go together.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

When I have cut a precut in half, I used two rulers. I was cutting a 2 1/2 strip into two 1 1/4 so I took two rulers and butted them up to meet in the middle then removed the right ruler (I am right-handed a lefty would remove the left ruler) and then cut the strip, ensuring that I got enough for both sides. This method should work for cutting the 5" squares into two 2 1/2 pieces.

[@angelikaimnaehglueck]

8:28 i agree to 100 %

[@Peggybk]

There are precuts called Honey Buns…1 1/2” strips

[@notesfromleisa-land]

So much waste can be avoided using more inspired construction methods. I bristle seeing wasteful construction methods. I’m not interested in bonus anything. Agree with “Critically decide”.

[@debmitsch2397]

You didn't mention the nasty pinked edges and irregularities of this from brand to brand...

[@BonnieWaldrup]

I use precuts often because the quilt shops in my area, and online, require me to purchase a minimum of half yard cuts of each fabric. Talk about waste and greed.

[@gailcates2941]

I follow the MSQS and she like me also sew a half inch away on bigger " waste " squares and make another smaller half triangle for a matching pillow or another project. It's called leftovers, not waste. We just use them elsewhere. Any 10" squares I don't use in a layer cake are used for microwave cozies. No waste there. I understand your view, just make a different pattern if you don't have precuts, or do, depending on your stash and leftovers. When I get enough leftovers I make charity quilts with them, or potholders, ect. Why are you picking only on the ladies from Missouri, they are not the only ones who like precuts. I use both, depending on finding sales and what I want to do. Sorry if I'm long winded. This is just my opinion.