Novelty precut fabric – a 10 inch square pack with dragonfly and night sky prints

Novelty Precut Fabric – Fun Print Fat Quarter Bundles, Layer Cakes & More

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Novelty precut fabric – fat quarter bundles, 10" squares, charm packs and 2.5" strips in fun conversation prints, from honeybees and dragonflies to cats, hobbies and hometown themes. Looking for more? Browse all precut fabrics. read more

Novelty Precut Fabric – Fun Print Fat Quarter Bundles, Layer Cakes & More

What Makes a Fabric "Novelty"?

Novelty fabrics, sometimes called conversation prints, show recognizable objects or scenes instead of abstract patterns: honeybees, owls, cats, dinosaurs, Route 66 road signs, state fair scenes and more. They're what make a quilt personal, whether it's for a gardener, a cat lover or a kid who loves bugs.

Which Novelty Precut Should I Choose?

  • Fat quarter bundles – the most popular size for novelty prints, with room to fussy cut the best motifs.
  • 10" squares (layer cakes) – large enough to show a full scene in a simple patchwork quilt.
  • 5" squares (charm packs) – perfect for I-spy quilts and small projects.
  • 2.5" strips (jelly rolls) – add a themed border or binding to any quilt.

Shop every size across all collections: 2.5" strips, 5" squares, 10" squares and fat quarter bundles.

Designing with Novelty Prints

Because novelty prints are busy, they shine in simple layouts. Big squares, a basic nine-patch, or alternating a print block with a solid block will keep the motifs readable. Directional prints (animals walking one way, trucks on a road) need a little care when you sew, so lay the blocks out before stitching. Novelty prints are also a go-to for kids' quilts – browse our kids and baby precuts and animal precuts too.

Why Do the Names Change?

Every manufacturer names its precuts differently. "Layer cake" and "charm pack" started with Moda. Here you'll also find Tiles (Northcott 10" squares), Double Scoops (Andover 2.5" strips) and Rolls (a Northcott fat quarter bundle). The size is always on the label.

Want a large print for a backing? Shop novelty fabric by the yard, or find a project in our precut quilt patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is novelty fabric?+

Novelty fabric features recognizable pictures – animals, food, hobbies, holidays, places – rather than florals, geometrics or solids. It's also called conversation print fabric.

What is the best quilt pattern for novelty prints?+

Simple is best. Large squares, a rail fence or a basic nine-patch lets the prints do the talking. Avoid tiny pieces that cut the motifs apart.

Can I use novelty precuts for an I-spy quilt?+

Yes. Charm packs and 10" squares from a few different novelty collections make a great I-spy quilt. Alternate them with a solid so each picture stands on its own.

How do I handle directional prints in precuts?+

Before you sew, lay out every block and check which way is up. For blocks like half-square triangles, cut a few extra so you can keep the motifs upright.

Do you carry novelty prints by the yard?+

Yes – see our novelty fabric by the yard for matching backings, borders and bigger cuts of your favorite prints.