HOW DO YOU MAKE A QUILT LESS EXPENSIVE?
By saving on fabric, of course! If you are looking for affordable quilting fabric for your next project, you might find it challenging to stay within your budget without compromising quality. Our suggestion? Save on costs by opting for precut quilting fabric instead of fabric by the yard! This post will help you understand the different types of precut fabric and how to find cheap options for your quilting needs!
WHAT ARE THE SIZES OF PRECUT FABRIC?
There are various shapes and sizes when it comes to precut quilting fabric, and each has its specific functions and benefits. However, the most common types of precut quilting fabric are:
- Fat Quarter Bundles: These are 1/4 yard cuts of fabric that typically measure 18"x22". They are the most popular precut option among quilters because they offer a decent amount of material for smaller projects, such as mug rugs, bags, and table runners, without requiring the purchase of whole yards.
- Charm Packs: A charm pack is a coordinating collection of 5"x5" squares, typically cut with a pinked edge to avoid fraying. They are excellent for small projects, adding pops of color, beginner sewers, and half-square triangles. What's terrific about charm packs is they significantly reduce your cutting time if you do patchwork with small pieces.
- Jelly Rolls: Jelly Rolls are packs of coordinating 2.5"x44". They are a convenient option for quilters looking to add strips to their projects or do the quilt-as-you-go technique without doing any cutting. Similar to charm packs, the edges are also often pinked. Many sewers use this form of precut fabric to make Jelly Roll Rugs.
- Layer Cakes: Sometimes also called charm packs, layer cakes are 10"x10" square cuts of coordinating fabric. Because of their size, they are more versatile than charm squares. When cutting out tiny pieces for patchwork, it is also easier to handle a layer cake square than a whole yard.
HOW TO SAVE BY PURCHASING PRECUT QUILTING FABRIC
Now that we've addressed the different types of precut quilt fabric, you may be wondering how to find inexpensive options. Here are a few tips:
- Shop small businesses: independent quilt shops often offer sales, promotions, and bundles on precut quilt fabric. By finding a local shop and signing up for their mailing list, you may periodically receive coupons or find out about sales before the general public.
- Be a clearance fabric hunter: always look for the clearance section of a shop or website. New fabrics are produced regularly, so there should always be various items on clearance. Fortunately, precut fabric tends to be priced for clearance out quicker than fabric by the yard.
- Buy in bulk: many retailers and shops offer volume pricing. The more you buy, the lower the price. Consider making fewer trips to the quilt shop to maximize your value when you actually go.
- Buy secondhand: there are always people selling fabric on online markets. It can be challenging to trust secondhand sellers online, so we recommend joining a private Facebook group where sewing supplies are sold. Often, users will report dishonest sellers, and they will be removed from the group, ensuring member safety.
Following these tips, you can easily find affordable precut quilting fabric for your next project. Happy quilting!
