The bad thing about precuts is that there is always one or two patterns that you do not care for.

Thanks for the great info.

It is cheaper to cut your own but faster to buy it already cut..Depends on what you are making and how fast you want it done. I buy it on sale at times but not often.

I find the cost to be prohibitive unless they are on sale. I just bought my first pre-cuts - bali pops. There are 40 strips in the bali pop - no repeat. When not on sale they run about $40 - which works out to be about 14.40 per yard - much more than just a yard of fabric. I was lucky enough to get mine on sale for 29.99 - which works out to be about 10.80 per yard.

Calculation for cost per yard:
40 strips X 2.5 inches = 100 inches
100 inches divided by 36 inches = 2.77777 yards
$40 divided by 2.77777 yards = 14.40 per yard

Based on the price, the only reason I would buy a precut when it is NOT on sale, is if I needed the variety of prints AND I only needed 1 or 2. I was buying to make a couple of bags - which only needed 1 pack each.

Not sure the question has been answered: Jelly Roll is 2.5"xWOF (42-44") . Charms are 5" square and Layer Cakes are 10" square. You generally get one (or two) pieces from an entire fabric collection depending on how they are bundled. If you want to have the selection of the entire collection, then these precuts are a good choice because buying yardage of each print in the collection would be more expensive. Yes, you pay more if you review yardage price but it may be worth it in the selection.

I have bought Jelly Rolls for the Jelly Roll Race and for the Summer Fun quilt from Jenny Doan's pattern. I have used charms to make Apple Core cuts (little waste) and I also use them for DP9 kid quilts.

Precuts are a great selection when you don't want to (or don't have time to) cut your own yardage.

Tnx Becca, for that Link b/c everyone should go there for those cuts/measurements....

jodiemarlin, thanks for the link. Great information! I've not purchases the pre-cuts, but will be able to make my own.

I do both, but like the jelly rolls because of the variety in coordinated colors Of course, I also am a sucker for gadgets too.

THese precuts are coordinated colors that make it easier for those quilters who have difficulty selecting colors...I work part time in a quilt shop and many times customers simply do not want to decide on colors and the precuts are perfect for them..If you are good with color matching and have a certain color or theme, then it might be you would prefer to cut your own. Many patterns help new quilters use these precuts and helps you learn the quilting process...I suggest you try one and find a simple pattern, like those of Missouri Star Quilt Co. videos and see for yourself what you like best...Good luck with your quilting journey! Layer cakes are 10" squares, charm packs are 5" squares and jelly rolls are 2 1/2" x width of fabric (usually 43" to 44"). There are other sizes as well..go to Moda Bake Shop and select the tab for Measurements..wonderful site for free patterns as well...Sorry this is so long!

I like precuts too. I live so far away from a fabric store and ordering 10" layer cakes or charm 5" packs is a good way to get a variety of different coordinated fabric.