Quilters, the best thing about precuts is right there in the name: a lot of the cutting is done before you even bring that lovely collection of fabrics home! If the thought of spending your sewing time cutting 2-1/2″ strips sends you up the wall, then these strip sets are a dream come true!
The strips measure 2-1/2” x 42-44”, depending on the WOF. Like charm squares and layer cakes, strip sets contain all 42 fabrics in a particular line, more bolts than your average quilt shop can stock. With coordinating yardage, a strip set gives you a convenient and colorful palette of fabrics to sew into everything from table runners to purses.
We get a kick out of the tempting names the fabric companies gave to their sets: Moda’s Jelly Rolls, Timeless Treasure’s batik Tonga Treats, Hoffman’s Bali Pops, or Wilmington Prints Essential Gems, to name just a few of the choices available.
Not only are these strip sets fun right out of the box, there are a large number of patterns, rulers, and books just for them. If you bought that beautiful Jelly Roll just because you loved it, you can easily find a project designed for it.
Here are a few suggestions:
Cozy Quilt Designs has several patterns for strips; Butterfly Blooms and Galaxy are two of our favorites.
Sassafras Lane Designs Main Street quilt pattern is a fun mix of traditional and modern quilting.
The Hopscotch pattern by Cut Loose Press is another great quilt pattern for strips that combines the modern and traditional together in an awesome project. It uses the Creative Grids 8″ Curvy Log Cabin Trim Tool to achieve this effect.
Two fantastic purse patterns that call for strips are Aunties Two Patterns The Danforth, and Travel Treats by Wing and a Prayer Design, which gives you instructions for 4 great travel accessories out of one strip set.
Kathy Brown’s books, Strip-Smart Quilts I & II, provide tons of strip inspiration!
If you’re looking for a smaller project, try the Rock n’ Jelly Roll table runner, by Tiger Lily Press.
Here is a fun free project using strips, courtesy of Heirloom Creations!
Put these versatile precuts to work for you, quilters, and as always,
Happy Stitching!
Your Needle & Me 