So, you want to know how many 10×10 squares you can get from a yard of fabric. That’s a great question for quilters! You can usually get 12 of these 10-inch fabric squares per yard from standard quilting fabric. This is because quilting fabric is typically 44 inches wide. You can cut four 10-inch squares across the width. A yard of fabric is 36 inches long. You can cut three sets of squares down the length (3 x 10 inches = 30 inches). So, 4 squares wide times 3 sets long gives you 12 squares in total from one yard. This calculation helps with fabric yardage calculation for your projects.
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What Is A Layer Cake?
Let’s talk about fabric before we cut it up. In the world of quilting, we often use special packs of pre-cut fabric. These are called Fabric pre-cuts. They save you time because the cutting is already done.
One popular pre-cut size is called a Layer Cake.
What exactly is a Layer Cake?
It is a bundle of 10-inch squares.
These squares usually come from one fabric line.
This means all the fabrics in the pack go together well.
A standard Layer Cake has about 40 to 42 squares.
Each square measures 10 inches by 10 inches.
This includes the little bit extra needed for sewing seams.
People love Layer Cakes for making quilts quickly.
They are also great for other sewing projects.
What Is A Yard Of Fabric?
Now, let’s think about buying fabric by the yard. When you go to a fabric shop, fabric is often sold by the yard.
What does ‘a yard’ mean?
A yard is a measure of length.
It is 36 inches long.
This is the same as 3 feet.
Or about 91.4 centimeters.
But fabric also has a width. This width can be different depending on the fabric type.
Quilting fabric has a standard width.
This width is usually 44 inches.
Sometimes it can be 45 inches.
We often say 44/45 inches wide.
So, when we talk about a yard of fabric for quilting, we mean a piece that is 36 inches long and about 44 inches wide.
This is the size we will use to figure out our Layer Cake squares.
Knowing this size helps us with Quilting fabric yield. It tells us how much usable fabric we have.
Figuring Squares From Fabric
Now, let’s get to the main question: How many 10×10 squares can we get from one yard (36 inches long by 44 inches wide) of quilting fabric?
We need squares that are 10 inches on each side.
Our fabric is 44 inches wide.
How many 10-inch squares fit across 44 inches?
We divide the width by the size of the square:
44 inches / 10 inches per square = 4.4 squares
We can’t cut a piece of a square if we want full 10-inch squares.
So, we can fit 4 full 10-inch squares across the width.
There will be a little bit of fabric left over on the side (44 – 4*10 = 4 inches). This is part of the selvage or just extra.
Now, let’s look at the length.
Our fabric is 36 inches long (that’s one yard).
How many 10-inch squares fit down the length?
We divide the length by the size of the square:
36 inches / 10 inches per square = 3.6 squares
Again, we can’t cut part of a square if we want full ones.
So, we can fit 3 full sets of squares down the length.
There will be fabric left over at the end (36 – 3*10 = 6 inches).
To find the total number of squares, we multiply the number we fit across the width by the number we fit down the length:
4 squares (across the width) * 3 squares (down the length) = 12 squares
So, in most cases, you can get 12 of these 10 inch fabric squares per yard from standard 44-inch wide quilting fabric. This is your basic Fabric yardage calculation for Layer Cakes.
Getting The Most From Your Fabric
While the math says 12 squares, you need to think about a few things. This affects your Quilting fabric yield.
Selvage Edges:
Fabric comes with edges that don’t fray. These are called selvages.
They usually have writing or little dots on them.
These edges are often not used in quilting projects.
You need to trim them off before cutting your squares.
The selvage area can be about 0.5 to 1 inch on each side.
So, the usable width of your fabric might be less than 44 inches.
If you lose an inch or two to selvages, it might slightly change things.
But usually, you can still fit 4 squares across, as you only need 40 inches of width (4 squares * 10 inches). 44 inches minus 1-2 inches for selvages usually leaves enough.
Straightening Your Fabric:
Fabric is often cut off the bolt at the store.
This cut might not be perfectly straight.
You need to straighten one edge before you start cutting.
This helps make sure all your squares are true squares (perfect 90-degree corners).
Straightening might mean trimming a little bit off one end.
Fabric Shrinkage:
Most quilters wash their fabric before cutting.
This is called pre-washing.
Pre-washing helps remove extra dye and makes the fabric softer.
It also shrinks the fabric.
Cotton fabric can shrink a bit when washed and dried.
This shrinkage means your 36-inch yard might become slightly shorter.
It might also become slightly narrower.
This small change could affect how many squares you get.
If your yard shrinks by more than 6 inches in length, you might not get 3 full sets of 10-inch squares down the length.
It is usually okay, but it is something to remember.
Pattern Direction:
If your fabric has a design that goes only one way (directional print), you need to be careful when cutting.
You might need to cut all your squares so the pattern faces the same way.
This can sometimes mean you waste a little more fabric.
It can slightly change your Fabric yardage calculation.
Because of these points (selvages, straightening, potential shrinkage), getting exactly 12 perfect 10-inch squares is the goal. But always be ready for small variations in Quilting fabric yield.
Cutting Fabric Squares From Yardage
Okay, you have your yard of fabric. You want to turn it into 10-inch squares. How do you do this neatly and correctly?
You will need a few tools:
1. A rotary cutter: This is a very sharp tool with a round blade that rolls. It cuts through fabric easily.
2. A self-healing cutting mat: This mat protects your table and your rotary blade. The cuts seem to disappear into the mat.
3. Quilting rulers: These are clear, thick plastic rulers with lines marked on them. They help you cut straight lines and measure accurately. You’ll need a ruler that is at least 10 inches long. A longer one, like 24 inches, is very helpful.
Here are the basic steps for Cutting fabric squares from yardage:
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Wash and press your fabric if you plan to pre-wash.
Lay the fabric flat on your cutting mat.
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, matching the selvage edges.
Make sure the fabric is smooth with no wrinkles.
Line up the folded edge neatly.
Step 2: Straighten One Edge
Find one cut edge of your fabric (the end cut from the bolt).
Place your ruler on the fabric so one of its lines (like a 90-degree angle line) lines up perfectly with the folded edge.
The cut edge of the fabric will be under the ruler, likely not straight.
Use your rotary cutter to cut along the straight edge of the ruler. This cuts off the uneven part and gives you a perfectly straight edge to start from.
Step 3: Cut Strips
Now you have one straight edge.
Turn your fabric or mat so this straight edge is towards you or on your cutting side.
We want 10-inch squares. So, we first cut 10-inch wide strips.
Place your ruler so the ’10 inch’ mark is on the straight edge you just cut.
Make sure the ruler is straight using the lines on your cutting mat or the folded edge of the fabric.
Use your rotary cutter to cut along the ruler. You have just cut a 10-inch wide strip of fabric.
Keep cutting 10-inch strips until you run out of fabric length.
From a 36-inch yard, you will cut three 10-inch strips (3 * 10 = 30 inches). You will have about 6 inches of fabric left.
Step 4: Cut Squares from Strips
Now you have 10-inch wide strips.
Keep the strip folded if you cut it that way (it’s often folded when cut from the yard).
Lay one 10-inch strip flat on your mat. The folded edge is usually on one side, and two selvage edges are together on the other side.
Make sure one end of the strip is straight. You might need to trim a tiny bit off if it’s not. Use your ruler and rotary cutter to make a straight edge at one end of the strip. Line the ruler up with the side edge of the strip (the folded side or the selvage side).
Now, measure 10 inches from this straight end along the strip.
Place your ruler at the 10-inch mark.
Use your rotary cutter to cut across the strip. This cuts off a 10-inch piece.
Since your strip was likely folded (from the original fabric width), cutting once gets you two 10×10 squares at once!
Keep cutting 10-inch sections from the strip.
Remember, your strip is 10 inches wide and about 44 inches long (the width of the original fabric).
From a 44-inch length, you can cut four 10-inch sections (4 * 10 = 40 inches).
You will get 4 sections from each 10-inch strip.
If the strip was folded, each section gives you 2 squares. So, 4 sections * 2 squares/section = 8 squares from one strip.
Let’s re-think the cutting from the width perspective to match our earlier calculation.
You have a 36-inch long piece of fabric, 44 inches wide.
Cut it into three 10-inch sections along the 36-inch length. This gives you three pieces, each 10 inches long and 44 inches wide.
Piece 1: 10″ x 44″
Piece 2: 10″ x 44″
Piece 3: 10″ x 44″
Now, from each 10″ x 44″ piece, you can cut 10-inch squares across the 44-inch width.
44 inches / 10 inches per square = 4.4. You get 4 squares across.
So, from the first 10″ x 44″ piece, you get 4 squares.
From the second 10″ x 44″ piece, you get 4 squares.
From the third 10″ x 44″ piece, you get 4 squares.
Total squares: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 squares.
This confirms the 12 squares per yard number when Cutting fabric squares from yardage. This is a simple way to figure out How many 10×10 squares in a yard.
Buying Fabric: Pieces Or Yards?
So, why would you buy yardage and cut your own Layer Cake squares? Fabric pre-cuts like Layer Cakes are very handy. But sometimes, buying yardage is better.
Reasons to cut your own:
* You need a specific fabric not sold as a Layer Cake. Maybe it’s an older fabric line, a basic fabric, or a special print.
* You need more squares of one fabric than come in a standard Layer Cake bundle. Bundles usually have one square of each fabric design in the line. If you need many squares of just one fabric, yardage is the way to go.
* It can sometimes be cheaper to buy fabric by the yard, especially if you find it on sale.
* You might need different sizes of squares, not just 10-inch. Buying yardage gives you flexibility.
Reasons to buy Layer Cakes:
* They save you a lot of cutting time. The squares are already cut and ready to sew.
* You get a nice variety of fabrics from one collection without buying a lot of different yards. This is perfect if you only need one or two squares of many different fabrics.
* Fabric companies often sell Layer Cakes as part of a new fabric line launch. It’s an easy way to get a taste of the whole collection.
* The squares are usually cut precisely by machines. This gives you very accurate 10×10 squares per yard (or per bundle, in this case).
Both options are good. It depends on your project needs and what fabric you want to use. Standard fabric pre-cut sizes like Layer Cakes are very popular for a reason.
Other Standard Fabric Pre-Cut Sizes
Layer Cakes are just one type of fabric pre-cut. There are many others! Knowing about them helps you understand Fabric pre-cuts better and compare them to buying yardage.
Here are some other common Standard fabric pre-cut sizes:
- Charm Packs: These are bundles of 5-inch squares. A typical Charm Pack has about 40-42 squares, just like a Layer Cake. They are great for smaller projects, borders, or scrappy quilts.
- Jelly Rolls: These are bundles of 2.5-inch wide strips. The strips are the full width of the fabric (about 44 inches). A Jelly Roll usually has about 40-42 strips. They are perfect for projects that use strips, like many modern quilt patterns.
- Mini Charm Packs: These are bundles of 2.5-inch squares. A standard pack has about 40-42 squares.
- Nickels: Some companies offer 5-inch hexagons or other shapes, but 5-inch squares are most common.
- Fat Quarters: This is a piece of fabric cut differently than a standard quarter yard. A regular quarter yard is 9 inches by the fabric width (44″). A fat quarter is 18 inches by half the fabric width (22″). This shape is more like a square (18×22) which makes it easier to cut larger shapes from.
- Fat Eighths: Similar to a fat quarter, but half the size. It’s usually 9 inches by 22 inches.
These different sizes of Fabric pre-cuts give quilters many options. They help make Fabric needed for layer cake projects (or other projects) simpler. Knowing how many 10 inch fabric squares per yard you get helps you decide if buying yardage and cutting your own Layer Cakes makes sense compared to buying a pre-cut bundle.
Fabric Conversion Chart: Yard to Squares
Let’s make a simple chart. This chart shows how many squares you can cut from one yard of standard 44-inch wide fabric for different common pre-cut sizes. This is a Fabric conversion chart yard to squares.
Remember, these numbers are for 44-inch wide fabric and don’t fully account for selvages or shrinkage, but they are good estimates for Quilting fabric yield.
| Square Size (Inches) | Length per Square (Inches) | Width per Square (Inches) | How Many Across 44″ Width | How Many Down 36″ Length | Total Squares per Yard | Common Pre-cut Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 10 | 10 | 4 (44 / 10 = 4.4) | 3 (36 / 10 = 3.6) | 12 (4 * 3) | Layer Cake |
| 5×5 | 5 | 5 | 8 (44 / 5 = 8.8) | 7 (36 / 5 = 7.2) | 56 (8 * 7) | Charm Pack |
| 2.5×2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 17 (44 / 2.5 = 17.6) | 14 (36 / 2.5 = 14.4) | 238 (17 * 14) | Mini Charm Pack |
This table shows clearly that for 10 inch fabric squares per yard, you get 12 squares. For smaller squares, you get many more from the same yard of fabric. This table helps visualize the Fabric yardage calculation.
Fabric Needed For Layer Cake Projects
Layer Cakes are popular for making quilts. People also use them for bags, placemats, and other items. The number of squares you need depends on your project size and design.
Quilt Layer Cake Dimensions:
A 10-inch square is a good size to work with.
You can use the squares whole.
Or you can cut them into smaller shapes.
Many quilt patterns are designed specifically for Layer Cakes.
If you use the squares whole, with a quarter-inch seam allowance all around, each square will finish at 9.5 inches after sewing.
How many squares for a quilt?
This varies a lot!
Here are some rough ideas for common Quilt layer cake dimensions using whole squares:
- Small Baby Quilt (approx. 30″ x 40″): You might use about 12 squares laid out 3 squares across by 4 squares down (3 * 9.5″ = 28.5″, 4 * 9.5″ = 38″). This is about the same as one yard of fabric if you cut the squares yourself (since one yard gives you 12 squares).
- Larger Baby or Lap Quilt (approx. 40″ x 50″): You might use about 20 squares laid out 4 squares across by 5 squares down (4 * 9.5″ = 38″, 5 * 9.5″ = 47.5″). This would need a bit less than two standard Layer Cake bundles (40-42 squares each). Or about 1.5 to 2 yards of fabric if cutting your own squares (12 squares per yard).
- Throw Quilt (approx. 50″ x 60″): You might use about 30 squares laid out 5 squares across by 6 squares down (5 * 9.5″ = 47.5″, 6 * 9.5″ = 57″). This is a bit less than one standard Layer Cake bundle. Or about 2.5 yards of fabric if cutting your own.
- Twin Quilt (approx. 60″ x 80″): You might need 48 squares laid out 6 squares across by 8 squares down (6 * 9.5″ = 57″, 8 * 9.5″ = 76″). This is a bit more than one standard Layer Cake bundle. Or about 4 yards of fabric if cutting your own.
Keep in mind:
These numbers are for the quilt top only.
You will also need fabric for the back of the quilt.
You will need fabric for the binding around the edges.
You will need batting in the middle.
The Fabric needed for layer cake projects includes these parts too.
Using part of squares:
Many patterns cut Layer Cake squares into smaller pieces (like half-square triangles, four-patch blocks, etc.).
This means one 10-inch square can make several smaller units.
A pattern will tell you how many Layer Cake squares you need.
You can then use our number (12 squares per yard) and the Fabric conversion chart yard to squares to figure out how much yardage you need if you are cutting your own.
Example: A pattern needs 30 Layer Cake squares.
You know you get 12 squares from 1 yard.
To find out how many yards you need:
30 squares needed / 12 squares per yard = 2.5 yards
So, you would need to buy 2.5 yards of fabric to cut those 30 squares yourself. This is part of Fabric yardage calculation for a project.
Factors Affecting The Number Of Squares
We have used the standard 44-inch wide quilting fabric for our calculations (12 squares per yard). But sometimes fabric is different.
Fabric Width:
Not all fabric is 44 inches wide.
Home décor fabric or apparel fabric can be wider.
It might be 54 inches or even 60 inches wide.
If your fabric is wider, you can get more 10-inch squares across the width.
Let’s say you have fabric that is 54 inches wide.
54 inches / 10 inches per square = 5.4. You can fit 5 squares across the width.
If it’s still 36 inches long (one yard):
5 squares across * 3 squares down = 15 squares per yard.
So, wider fabric gives you more squares per yard. This changes the 10 inch fabric squares per yard count.
If your fabric is narrower (which is less common for quilting cotton but can happen with other types):
Say it is only 36 inches wide.
36 inches / 10 inches per square = 3.6. You can fit 3 squares across the width.
If it’s 36 inches long:
3 squares across * 3 squares down = 9 squares per yard.
Narrower fabric gives you fewer squares per yard.
Pattern Repeat and Direction:
As mentioned earlier, if the fabric has a large pattern repeat or a clear direction, you might need extra fabric to make sure your squares all look right.
For example, if a large flower design repeats every 15 inches, you might not be able to just cut a 10-inch strip. You might need to cut strips based on the repeat, which could mean you get fewer usable 10-inch pieces.
This is a factor that affects the true Quilting fabric yield you get for your specific project and fabric choice. It’s part of advanced Fabric yardage calculation.
Always check the fabric width before you calculate! The 12 squares per yard number is a good rule for standard quilting cotton, but it changes with different fabric types.
Why Layer Cakes Are So Loved
Layer Cakes are one of the most popular Fabric pre-cuts for many good reasons:
- Speed: Cutting perfect 10-inch squares takes time and practice. Pre-cuts save you hours of work. This lets you start sewing sooner.
- Variety: Layer Cake bundles showcase an entire fabric collection. You get one or two of each design. This makes it easy to create scrappy-looking quilts with a cohesive feel.
- Ease of Use: Many Quilt layer cake dimensions and patterns are designed to use the 10-inch squares whole or with simple cuts. This makes them great for beginners and quick projects.
- Less Waste (in some cases): If you need a lot of different fabrics for a project, buying a small amount of each (like you get in a Layer Cake bundle) might create less waste than buying a quarter yard or fat quarter of many different fabrics.
- Inspiration: Seeing all the fabrics from a collection together in a Layer Cake can spark ideas for new projects.
Whether you buy Layer Cakes or cut your own 10 inch fabric squares per yard, these 10×10 squares are a fantastic starting point for many sewing and quilting projects. Knowing how many 10×10 squares in a yard helps you plan and choose the best way to get the fabric you need for your Fabric needed for layer cake projects.
Maximizing Quilting Fabric Yield
Getting the most usable fabric from your purchase is important. Here are some tips for maximizing Quilting fabric yield when cutting 10-inch squares from yardage:
- Press your fabric well: Remove all wrinkles. Wrinkles can lead to inaccurate cuts.
- Fold neatly: When folding fabric to cut, make sure the edges are lined up straight and smooth. Any wobbles in the fold can cause your squares to be off.
- Use sharp tools: A dull rotary blade can make it hard to cut cleanly and accurately. Change your blade when it gets dull.
- Measure twice, cut once: Double-check your ruler placement before cutting.
- Trim selvages carefully: Cut off only the selvage part. Don’t cut into the usable fabric design area more than needed.
- Consider non-directional prints: If your project allows, choose fabrics without a clear direction. This lets you cut more freely and often gives better yield.
- Save the scraps: The leftover fabric after cutting your 10-inch squares (the 4 inches from the width and 6 inches from the length, plus selvages) can be used for smaller projects, scrap quilts, or practice. Don’t throw them away!
By paying attention to these details, you can make sure you get the full 12 (or possibly more, if your fabric is wider) 10 inch fabric squares per yard that your Fabric yardage calculation predicts.
Using Fabric Conversion Chart Yard to Squares
Let’s look at the Fabric conversion chart yard to squares again and talk about how it helps you plan.
| Square Size (Inches) | Total Squares per Yard (44″ wide) |
|---|---|
| 10×10 | 12 |
| 5×5 | 56 |
| 2.5×2.5 | 238 |
Why is this chart useful?
Imagine a quilt pattern asks for 100 Charm Pack squares (5×5 inches).
You see a fabric you love, but it is only sold by the yard, not as Charm Packs.
Look at the chart. It says you get 56 Charm squares (5×5) from one yard.
You need 100 squares.
Divide the squares needed by squares per yard:
100 squares / 56 squares per yard = about 1.78 yards.
You would need to buy about 1.78 yards of that fabric. Fabric stores usually sell in quarter-yard increments (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, etc.). So you would likely buy 2 yards to be safe, or maybe 1.75 yards if you are feeling lucky or the pattern has some wiggle room.
Now, let’s use the Layer Cake line.
Suppose a pattern needs 30 Layer Cake squares (10×10).
The chart says you get 12 Layer Cake squares from one yard.
30 squares / 12 squares per yard = 2.5 yards.
You would need to buy 2.5 yards of fabric.
This chart is a quick guide for Fabric yardage calculation when you want to substitute yardage for pre-cut squares. It helps you figure out Fabric needed for layer cake projects (or Charm, or Mini Charm) even if you are cutting the squares yourself.
Cutting Fabric Squares From Yardage vs. Pre-cuts: A Closer Look
Choosing between Cutting fabric squares from yardage and using Fabric pre-cuts comes down to a few things: cost, time, fabric choice, and accuracy.
Cost:
Sometimes, buying fabric by the yard on sale is cheaper per square inch than buying pre-cuts. Other times, pre-cuts offer a great way to get small amounts of many expensive fabrics without buying a lot. Do the math based on current prices.
Time:
Pre-cuts are big time-savers. If you are short on time, pre-cuts are a good choice. Cutting your own takes time to measure, cut, and be precise.
Fabric Choice:
Pre-cuts are limited to what the fabric companies bundle. If you need specific fabrics that aren’t in bundles, or you want older fabrics, buying yardage is your only option for Cutting fabric squares from yardage.
Accuracy:
High-quality pre-cuts are cut with very accurate machines. This means your squares are usually very precise. When you cut your own, the accuracy depends on your cutting skills and tools. Good tools and careful cutting can give you very accurate squares too. For beginners, pre-cuts might offer more consistent accuracy.
Project Needs:
If your project uses many different fabrics from one line, a Layer Cake bundle is perfect. If your project uses just a few fabrics, or a lot of one specific fabric, buying yardage and cutting your own 10 inch fabric squares per yard might be better.
Consider your skill level, your budget, and what fabrics you want to use. Both methods are valid ways to get the fabric you need for your projects.
Quilt Layer Cake Dimensions And Designs
We mentioned Quilt layer cake dimensions earlier when talking about needed fabric. Let’s think more about how Layer Cake squares are used in quilt design.
Using Whole Squares:
The simplest way is to sew 10-inch squares together.
With a 1/4 inch seam, they finish at 9.5 inches.
A simple quilt top might be made by just arranging these 9.5-inch finished squares in rows and columns.
Example: A 6×7 layout of finished squares would make a quilt about (6 * 9.5) inches by (7 * 9.5) inches, which is 57 inches by 66.5 inches. This is a nice throw size. You would need 6 * 7 = 42 Layer Cake squares for this top. This is about the number in one standard Layer Cake bundle.
Cutting Squares:
Layer Cake squares are often cut down.
A 10-inch square can be cut in half to make two 10×5 inch rectangles.
Cut in quarters, it makes four 5×5 inch squares (Charm Pack size).
Cut diagonally, it can make triangles for Half-Square Triangles (HSTs). A 10-inch square is perfect for making two 9.5-inch finished HSTs.
Quilt patterns using Layer Cakes will tell you exactly how to cut the squares.
Because you can cut several smaller pieces from one 10-inch square, one Layer Cake bundle or one yard of fabric (giving 12 squares) can go a long way in a pieced quilt pattern.
The Fabric needed for layer cake projects depends heavily on the specific pattern design, not just the final quilt size.
Understanding that one yard yields 12 squares helps you decide if a pattern that calls for, say, 24 Layer Cake squares means you need 2 yards of fabric if you cut it yourself. It makes the Fabric yardage calculation clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about Layer Cakes and fabric yardage.
How accurate are Layer Cake pre-cuts usually?
Machine-cut Layer Cakes from reputable fabric companies are usually very accurate. They are cut in layers using precise machines. There might be tiny variations, but they are generally very consistent 10×10 squares.
Can I mix squares from different Layer Cake bundles?
Yes! This is a great way to get a lot of variety. Just make sure the fabric types are similar (like all quilting cotton) so they behave the same when you sew them.
What should I do with the leftover fabric from cutting squares?
Don’t waste it! The leftover strips (4 inches wide and 36 inches long, and 6 inches wide and 44 inches long) can be used for smaller projects, testing stitches, making scrappy binding, or cutting smaller shapes like 2.5-inch strips or squares for other projects. This is part of good Quilting fabric yield practice.
Is there any fabric I should not cut into a Layer Cake?
Fabrics that stretch a lot (like knits) or very slippery fabrics are harder to cut accurately into 10-inch squares using standard quilting tools. Layer Cakes are best for stable woven fabrics, like quilting cotton.
Do I need a special ruler to cut 10-inch squares?
You need a ruler that is at least 10 inches long and has clear measurement marks. A square ruler that is 10.5 inches or larger is very helpful for squaring up the cut squares or cutting 10-inch sections. A long ruler (24 inches) is essential for cutting the initial 10-inch strips accurately across the width of the fabric.
Can I use my sewing machine’s measurements instead of a ruler?
Sewing machine beds have measurements, but they are not accurate enough for precise fabric cutting for quilting. Always use proper quilting rulers and a cutting mat with a rotary cutter for best results when Cutting fabric squares from yardage.
Why do some patterns use Layer Cakes instead of yardage?
Patterns written for Layer Cakes assume you have the variety and convenience of the pre-cut bundle. They might use many different fabrics from the collection. While you can substitute yardage (using the 12 squares per yard rule), you would need to buy yardage of each fabric you wanted to include, which might be expensive or impractical. It often makes sense to use the pre-cut if the pattern is written for it.
Understanding how many 10 inch fabric squares per yard you get from yardage gives you flexibility. You can choose to buy the convenient Fabric pre-cuts or buy yardage to cut your own, based on your needs and budget. With this knowledge, you are ready for many great sewing projects!