I get the most use out of jelly rolls and charm packs. However, it is all personal preference.

I buy the charm packs to see all the fabric... I know the colors I like and don't have a LQS so I rely on them to see what I want to order online. I don't see it as a waste because they are great quality and my youngest daughter makes small quilts with some of them or I use them to try new blocks or for a small project. I just got the jelly roll and layer cake of cattails and clover by moda to do a bear claw quilt I would have spent alot more trying to get the variety buying fabric individually. Sometimes it's practical and sometimes not. I generally buy 1/2 yards and cut in half and you have two fat quarters and that is deff. cheaper for fat quarter projects. I do love variety tho I hand it to people who can buy one or two prints!!!

I like charm packs (5 inch) because I make table runners to have on hand for presents. I use the "broken nine patch" pattern for them. I know that pattern has other names but can't think right now just having my first cup of coffee!

Thanks, November Bravo, just what I needed. Now I will have to remember where I got the information when I start wondering about jelly rolls, honey buns and so on.

Boy Howdy did I learn a lot!!! Thanks Ladys!! :D

I agree, many times, more than I can count, I have bought pieces that are cut wrong, mostly not wide enough on one side.

I rarely buy precuts...only if on sale..and then only fat quarters.

OK, but what about shrinkage???? If it is important to pre-wash / pre-shrink the fabric before cutting, what about all these pre-cuts pieces?? Since they are not pre-shrunk, what if you use them together with pieces that are??? Will that make a difference in the overall quilt later on?

I don't use the precuts... I like to wash my fabric before using.. I ran into problems with fabric I bought for a scrap quilt.. I always check to make sure the fabric won't run.. and if it's going to shrink, let it shrink before I sew..
Barri

I've bought a few precuts and have been disappointed when my 9 patches turn out to be strange sizes. LOL! I think you are better off to purchase a couple of yards of fabrics that you love and make your own. Sometimes in the precuts there are fabrics that you just aren't crazy about!