There are so many reasons that fabric precuts are useful in machine embroidery. Here are just a few!
Why Precuts are Convenient in Machine Embroidery
Do you dislike having to cut fabric yardage for applique and ITH projects? How about cutting out strips of fabric for quilt block sashing? Maybe you are overwhelmed by having to choose fabrics that go together? All of these challenges can be solved by using precuts.
What are Precuts?
One of the delights of sewing, quilting, and in-the-hoop (ITH) embroidery projects is the availability of precut fabrics. While we are used to buying our fabric by the yard, you will find that precuts are extremely convenient. Basically, precut fabrics are just that, a lovely sampling of a coordinating fabric line from one designer that are cut into pre-determined sizes.
Precut Vocabulary
Precuts come in a variety of shapes and sizes in both prints and solid colors. These images feature Sophie by Brenda Riddle Acorn Quilts for Moda Fabrics. Other fabric manufacturers have similar names for their line of precuts.
Honey Buns and Jelly Rolls
Honey Buns are a roll of 40 1.5-inch strips of fabric that are 44 inches long (the width of fabric). Jelly Rolls are made of 42 strips of 2.5 inches wide by 44 inches in length. These are useful for strip piecing, quilt borders, and sashing. Great for ITH crazy quilt blocks or flip and sew quilt blocks.
Layer Cakes and Charm Packs
Layer Cakes come in 10 x 10-inch square cuts, Charm Packs are 5 x 5 inches square and Mini Charm Packs are 2.5 x 2.5 inches. All have 42 pieces to a bundle. These are useful for both traditional and machine embroidered quilt blocks, appliques, and projects that include half-square triangles.
Fat Quarters and Fat Eighths
If you buy a quarter-yard of fabric off of the bolt, you get a piece that is 9 inches tall by the width of fabric (44 inches). With a fat quarter, shops cut a half-yard of fabric (18 x 44) and then cut it in half along the fold for a much more usable 18 x 22 piece. The fat eighth is cut the same way.
Whether you are making quilt blocks or zip bags in the hoop, precut fabrics save you so much time and provide a professional look without the stress of trying to match up fabrics.
Do you use precuts? If so, what's your favorite use and size?
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
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