How about you? do you love the look of scrappy quilts with lots of prints and variety mashed up together…but sometimes find it hard to decide what to put together for a harmonious finished quilt?
THAT is why I love pre-cut fabrics! Other reasons too. Read on.
I’ll share a secret: when pre-cut bundles of fabrics first came on the market, I kind of didn’t get it. We were used to buying just the prints and colors we chose off the bolts in larger quantities. Why buy a stack of 10″ squares?
Fast forward a bunch of years of quilting and I get it.
Let’s start at the beginning: “pre-cuts” are fabrics that you can buy in bundles rather than by-the-yard off bolts. They typically come in standard sizes: 5″ squares, 10″ squares, 2 1/2″ strips, fat eighths (9″ x 22″) and fat quarters (18″ x 22″). Each pack varies by manufacturer and by collection, but typically the square packs include 42 fabrics and the strip rolls include 40-42 strips. The Fat bundles include one fabric of each design in the collection. Mostly, pre-cuts are packaged by designer collection, but you can also get them in solid colors (like a stack of 10″ squares that are all the same color) or in color spectrums (like a fat quarter bundle of 20 different shades of blue). Some companies have curated bundles that include fabrics from different collections and designers that coordinate well or fit a theme (like holiday, rainbow blenders, etc).
These little packs are a great way to get some of each of a whole collection that you’ve fallen in love with – and cost less than buying yardage of a whole collection. They are also nice for giving you just the right amount – with minimal scraps – when you buy one for a specific pattern. So, more economical? yes, please. Few scraps and leftovers? good idea. Possessing that must-have collection from your favorite designer? of course!
So, how do I square a love of scrappy quilts with talking up pre-cuts? because any quilt pattern designed for scraps will also work with pre-cuts! Using a bundle is like an instant scrap basket – without guessing what to put together and also featuring your favorite colors and prints. The reverse is also true – patterns written for pre-cuts (there are tons, plus whole books!) are also perfect for your scraps – just cut them into the sizes required for the pattern (5″ squares, etc).
All of this is to get you excited for the release of my new pattern collection designed specifically for Stash, Scraps, & Pre-Cuts. These quilt patterns are for quick makes with what you have on hand (or a pre-cut pack) so you can start sewing and avoid analysis paralysis.
I’ve created these patterns as a new division of Color Girl Quilts patterns. They feature a fresh new look: minimalist, clean layout, fabric requirements include specifics for pre-cuts, scraps, and yardage, so you can choose your strategy with minimal ‘figuring out’. The cutting and sewing instructions are also written with scraps and pre-cuts in mind. These modern designs are easy enough for beginners and unique enough for experienced quilters. Not your grandma’s scrap quilts!
Some of you have had a little taste of the new concept with the Blessed Heart quilt, which is an ongoing sew along through the CGQ email list. If you want to make your own and sample the new Stash, Scrap, & Pre-Cut patterns, <<click here>> to sign up and join the sew along for free. Or, buy the pattern and make it on your own time: <<here>>
If you don’t yet have a great stash or haven’t been sewing long enough to have a collection of scraps on hand, pre-cut packs make it easy to start a cute project RIGHT NOW. No decisions to make or wondering if you’re putting colors and prints together that will look great.
Shop the fabulous selection of pre-cut bundles and stacks <<right here>> at Color Girl Quilts.
A few of my favorite quilt patterns for pre-cuts:
Reflections – super quickie for 5″ charm squares with a design that will make you take a second look for the ‘hidden’ block
Spin – not your typical Layer Cake quilt – believe it or not, those star fabrics started life as 10″ squares
Archer – collect a few fat quarters and a solid color or blender and you’re good to go
Stay tuned for new pattern announcements! the next one releases Monday.
