I do both, cut my own and use layer cakes. The last two layer cakes I bought didn't contain as many fabrics that I liked as I had hoped they would. When I cut my own, I can use fabric I like, even fewer fabrics, if I want. I am making one right now from a pattern that called for a layer cake, but I am only using 5 fabrics. I like the results a lot.

Dina

The off cuts I've had have been from Riley Blake and Moda. I have had 2 layer cakes that weren't exactly square, at least 2 or 3 charm packs that weren't exactly square, and one jelly roll with a big angle in the middle of almost every strip. I had to adjust my plans for the jelly roll because of it.

I usually cut my own. Its' so much cheaper. I also check out the thrift stores. I purchased 4 Yards of a batik for $1.00, it had been washed and needed ironing but it is a beautiful piece of material. I also check out all estate sales or yard sales, a lady here passed and had over $40,000 worth of fabric!! All was being sold for 1/2 price so I spent $100 for beautiful fabric that was $5.00 a yard from a local lqs, still had tags on it

Watch missouri star daily deals. I garb gotten some there for a pretty good price. Unless it is something specific I don't usually pay the 39$

I use MSQC for precuts, can't beat their price. I buy either charm packs or layer cakes but they have other precuts

We are fortunate in our area to have a Fabric shop (not a quilt shop) that has just about every type of fabric you can imagine. Fleece, silks, satins, lace and all trims, quilting fabric, backing up to 120" wide, batting, minkie, upholstery fabric. I believe the store is about 40 ft x 125 ft in size. On Tuesdays they have senior citizen days and you get 10% off. It is called Wilson Fabrics and I just love to go there. Their prices range from $2.99 a yard for flat folds and discontinued fabrics up to $11.99 for some collegiate fabrics ($14.99 for 60" wide). Average is about $6.99 to $8.99 per yard. That is the only way I can afford fabric for quilting. I think $39 for a layer cake. For that price I think I would cut my own.

This is a great store. I have only used them online but their customer service is impeccable.

If you are a fan of MSQC you should take advantage of their deals which they offer almost daily. I have gotten FQ's, charm packs and jelly rolls from them, which I usually buy whenever I see a set that I like.

Myself, I like buying layer cakes. You get 40 different coordinating fabrics and the ones you don't really care for you can put aside for a scrap quilt. Imagine having to pick out 40 different bolts of fabric!!

Pre cuts are pricy but, you do get benefits. You can get an entire line, if your fabric shop doesn't purchase the entire line. Also, I have found that precuts used entirely are too busy for me. So I like to add a solid white, cream or other color to stretch the line. Most precut patterns use all the precuts so there is no over spending on fabric.