When I first started quilting the fat quarters were a great way to get variety. Now I prefer to buy at least half yards. It seems to be more usable for me. The only precuts I would buy now are the shapes, such as hearts, bears, butterflies etc. The extra cost is worth the saving of time cutting out. Someday I may feel it is worth the expense of getting the dye cutting machine. Right now it is to expensive for the few I need.