Schmidt - Patchwork Bags from Precuts

Most quilting-weight cotton fabrics are about 44" (111.8 cm) wide. A yard of fabric will measure 36" 44" (91.4 111.8 cm). A quarter yard will measure 9" 44" (22.9 111.8 cm), which is a long skinny size that is not always very useful. A fat quarter is also a quarter yard of fabric, but it is cut in a different way. To make a fat quarter, the fabric is first cut into a /-yard (0.5 m) piece, measuring 18" 44" (45.7 111.8 cm). Then it is cut again along the centerfold to make two fat quarters, each 18" 22" (45.7 55.9 cm).

Stores sell fat quarters individually as well as in coordinating bundles wrapped together for a pretty presentation.

Using fat quarters versus quarter-yard cuts of fabric offers several advantages. Fat quarters are good for projects that require larger pieces of fabric; e.g., pillows, placemats and napkins. And fat quarters of larger-scale designs will include more of the entire printed pattern.

fat quarters

Fat eighths are half the size of fat quarters. They are cut to measure approximately 11" 18" (27.9 45.7 cm) or 9" 22" (22.9 55.9 cm). They are the same amount of fabric as an eighth of a yard that has been cut across the finished width. But like a fat quarter, they are a much more useful size. Fat eighths are also sold individually or in coordinated bundles. Fat eighths are not as commonly found in stores as fat quarters. Although I did not use this size of precuts in any of the projects in this book, you may find them useful for your own designs.

Strips

Precut strips are narrow cuts across the full width of the fabric, usually 2 /" 44" (6.4 111.8 cm). Strips are generally sold in groups of 20, 30, or 40 pieces. Sometimes the collections will include duplicates of the fabric prints. Different manufacturers have different names for their precut strip collections. You will hear them referred to as designer rolls or jelly rolls or other clever names. Each roll should have a tag giving information about the fabrics, including the number of duplicates and the number of strips that the bundle includes.

Precut strips give you the most variety of colors and prints in a collection, and you can piece them together in many interesting ways.

strips

Squares

Precut fabric squares are typically 5" 5" (12.7 12.7 cm) or 6" 6" (15.2 15.2 cm). Manufacturers refer to the coordinating bundles as charm packs or charms. They get their name from traditionally made charm quilts that had no two fabrics with the same pattern. Like precut strips, manufacturers sell charm squares in packs of 20, 30, or 40 coordinating fabric squares. Check the label for the specifics.

Larger 10" 10" (25.4 25.4 cm) squares are also available in precut bundles. Different manufacturers call them different names, and you will hear them referred to as layer cakes, stackers, or other clever names.

squares

Working with Precut Fabrics

Precut fabrics are ready to use in your projects. Check the label for any care instructions. Generally speaking, I do not prewash precut fabrics. Since all of the fabrics are coming from the same collection and are printed on the same type of base fabric, any shrinkage will be equal for all the fabrics when you wash them. If you are concerned about shrinkage or colors running when washed, you can hand wash the precuts, taking care not to over-handle them. Although the cut edges of some precuts may be pinked, they will begin to unravel when agitated. Do not wash precut fabrics in the washing machine and do not put them in the dryer.

To wash fat quarters, strips, and squares by hand, separate the pieces by similar colors. Fill a large sink with cold water. Add a mild detergent and swish the water around to get the soap evenly distributed. Place the precuts in the water and very gently swirl them until they are all wet. Let the fabrics soak for 1520 minutes. Drain the soapy water and rinse the fabrics completely under cool running water. Make sure all the soap residue is out of the fabrics. Squeeze excess water out of fabrics with a thirsty towel and lay the pieces flat to air dry a bit. Press the pieces while still damp and lightly spray with sizing to restore crispness, if desired.

Once you have completed your project and have properly finished or hidden the seam allowances, you can wash and dry the fabrics as the manufacturer instructs.