Personally, pre cuts are way over priced. However, I believe they were originally meant to make fabrics selection easier. For those who are color matching challanged, these are a dream.

Charleen, I have bins of fabric scraps that have been cut into standard sizes and I use them frequently. But I do purchase some jelly rolls and layer cakes when they are on sale. My favorite source of patterns is "Scrap-Basket Surprises 18 quilts from 2 1/5 strips" by Kim Brackett. Now, you can cut your own strips or like me use jelly rolls. I like the good full page photos and colored drawings of the step by step direction. Kim Brackett has other books to but I have been so happy with this book, used one of the patterns twice, that I have not bought any of her others.

Yes, BJ that is hat I was getting at. If a book says it uses charms it would be nice if you did not have to re-cut them. Rather start with your stash but of course, we know you get the whole collection,etc and yes, there are lots of patterns to google.
Sherry mcd, I don't understand your comment regarding your library. Could you explain, please?
Thanks. Many of your comments were helpful.

Thanks Battle Axe. That was nice suggestion.

Thats is a beautiful quilt.

This is one of my favorite patterns for charms.

Hi Battle Axe please can you let me know where I can find the pattern for you quilt ... it's gorgeous!
Hugs, Jen

Were you and friends concerned about having "waste" when you cut into a precut? In my thinking, if a pattern calls for 40 - 4 1/2" squares in a variety of colors (for example), I would rather cut into a pack of charms, then cut from 40 different pieces of yardage. Each offering of fabric, be it yardage or precut, is great to have.