Depends on the pattern. I wanted to make a pattern using 2 1/2" strips of 40 fabrics. Just the thought of choosing 40 different fabrics gave me a headache. I bought a 2 1/2" strip pack from Keepsake and was delighted with all the different fabric/colors in it. I probably never would have found or choosen the fabric let alone asked the clerk to cut 1/8 yd. Each different package cut has its own use. Just beware to check to see how many pieces are in the package. also be mindful that "jelly rolls" may contain 40 different but charm packs may only have 5-6 different patterns with the pattern being in different colors (as I found out when I bought a charm pack).