For this years quilt along, we have designed 4 quilts using precuts! We love being able to get an entire line, or simply have less prep work before we start sewing, and pre cuts are a perfect way to accomplish both!
What is pre cut fabric?
When we are referring to pre cuts, we simply mean a group of fabric that has already been cut to a specific size. They go by different names depending on the manufacturer, but there are standard sizes throughout the industry.
Charm Packs refer to 5" squares
Layer Cakes are 10" squares
Jelly rolls are 2 1/2" strips x WOF
These are the three most common sizes, you can also find skinnier jelly rolls that are 1 1/2" strips and mini charm packs that are 2 1/2" squares.
The benefit of pre cuts is that you can get right to sewing and also that you can easily buy an entire line of fabric at an affordable rate. Not all fabric collections will come in pre cuts, but enough do that you should easily be able to find one that is perfect for you!
Fabric requirements
Finished size: 54" x 66 1/2"
For this quilt we are going to need 1 full layer cake (10" squares) with at least 42 fabrics in it. Some may have more or less, so double check the description.
You'll also need a half layer cake of your heart fabric (21 squares). If you prefer to cut your background from yardage, you'll need 1 1/2 yards to get 21 - 10" squares.
Backing and Binding:
You will need 3 1/2 yards for backing and 1/2 yard for binding (assuming 2 1/4" strips for binding).
Help! My pre cut has pinked edges!
This is very common and helps to minimize fraying. Don't stress it. Just line them up and sew as normal. To determine if you should count your 1/4" seam from the outside point or inside point of the pinked edge, simply measure your specific layer cake to know where the 10" lies.
Making the Quilt
First, we are going to cut each of the heart squares in half, so you will now have 42 - 5 x 10" Strips of your heart fabric (ours is the white)
For the background squares cut each 10" square into:
1 - 5 x 10" strip
1 - 5" square
2 - 2 1/2" squares
You will have one leftover 2 1/2 x 5" strip. I'm going to show you a fun matching pillow design you can use these for in a few weeks, so hang on to them.
We will be making two different blocks. They will follow the same pattern, they will simply mirror each other. If your layer cake has duplicate prints, you can make one of each block from each print.
Fold the 5" and 2 1/2" squares in half on the diagonal and crease, either with your finger or iron.
Block 1:
Take 1 - 5x10" heart fabric strip. Using matching fabrics, Place 1 - 5x5" square on the bottom with the crease going from the bottom left corner up to the middle of the right side, and 2 - 2 1/2" squares on either top corner, with the creases matching in the middle top.
Sew a seam directly on all crease lines.
Trim the blocks, 1/4" from the seam on the outside of the seams.
Press block open.
Sew 1 - 5x10" strip in the matching fabric to the right side of your heart block. Press.
Block 2: Repeat with the same steps with the following changes - Place 1 5x5" square on the bottom with the crease going from the bottom right corner up to the middle of the left side and sew the 5x10" strip to the left side of the block.
Putting the Quilt Together
Layout your heart halves following the layout below, mixing up your prints so you have a good mixture of light and dark prints throughout the quilt top.
Sew the blocks together to create 7 rows, sew the rows together. Press well.
When is the Next Pattern Coming?
We will have 4 pre cut quilt patterns to make throughout the year, one each quarter, so you can plan on the next pattern to be out in Aug! In the meantime we'll have other tutorials and projects to keep you busy.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
Happy Quilting,
Kimie and Missy
