Cake Layer pre cuts......haven't heard much about them...

I got a great bargain at CT on 2 sets of cake layers...24 prints for $9. So I got 2 of the same line. But I haven't heard much talk about cake layers. Everyone chime in with your experience on using cake layers...10x10"..

1... what do you do with them? What pattern or block or ...... works well with a cake layer? Do you have a fav block/pattern you like to use?

2....Do you prewash? I know that goes around often, but my concern is that everything shrinks some. If a small piece is used not prewashed...and then shrinks some when the finished quilt is washed...what does the cake layer portion look like? What does that bit of shrinkage make the quilt look like? Have you even noticed shrinkage?

3...How do you store them!!?? And for that matter...charms. They are to small to fold like a fat quarter and yardage and to just stack them...that is hard to see what colors/prints you have...so how do you store these smaller pre cuts for viewing to choose what you want?

4...Since the bundles come in for instance, 24 pieces....you have 24 DIFFERENT pieces...some are the same print but in different colors and other in different prints in the same color... how do you use them together with literally 24 different prints? A cake layer can be cut to 4 charms...and then HST's from there, but other than that... you get one chance at the print per cake layer piece... how do you use this to your advantage?

5... I am thinking pinwheel blocks at the moment, and probably the same print in different colors will work well with that, but what if you want more of one print color than the one cake layer piece there is in the bundle?

This is one of the things on my "to do " list for next year. I have to have several things going at once for several reasons...and these packs are awesome.

Thanks everyone!

This is the only time I used a layer cake.
http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/p...pse7ef3511.jpg

2. I didn't prewash, and after it was quilted it shrunk just enough to turn out beautifully. Most of my pieces were the same size though. This picture was taken before the quilting was done. I don't have one after.

3. I didn't have to store these, used them right after they came home with me. :) I normally just buy yardage, so can't give you ideas on storing precuts.

4. The layer cakes are from the same line of fabric, so all the colors should go together.

5. I think pinwheels will be beautiful with a layer cake. :)

The nice thing about layer cakes is that you can cut them in half and then cut them in half again and you will get four 5" squares from each piece!!!

Check out Moda Bake Shop: Recipes for layer cake and charm pack patterns

heres a nice one. http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/09/...uilt.html#more

I found another layer cake picture. A friend did this one at our retreat...

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps0c59ff63.jpg

Jenny did a tutorial called the big star quilt. Layer cakes work well for that quilt.

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Originally Posted by starlover

This is the only time I used a layer cake.
http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/p...pse7ef3511.jpg

2. I didn't prewash, and after it was quilted it shrunk just enough to turn out beautifully. Most of my pieces were the same size though. This picture was taken before the quilting was done. I don't have one after.

3. I didn't have to store these, used them right after they came home with me. :) I normally just buy yardage, so can't give you ideas on storing precuts.

4. The layer cakes are from the same line of fabric, so all the colors should go together.

5. I think pinwheels will be beautiful with a layer cake. :)

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That's really pretty! Stained Glass look! I might go with that! I usually always buy yardage to and just cut my own, but these were like 65% off and prints/colors I really like so I took the plunge. The FQ's I have learned are a perfect size for so many other crafts...and no scraps.

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Originally Posted by Auntpiggylpn

The nice thing about layer cakes is that you can cut them in half and then cut them in half again and you will get four 5" squares from each piece!!!

Check out Moda Bake Shop: Recipes for layer cake and charm pack patterns

heres a nice one. Moda Bake Shop: 'Simply-a-Bloom' Quilt

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Other than the colors/prints were really cool, this is what I had thought too. I can cut them in a variety of ways to get more of the same prints/colors in stead of just one 10x10 squares. I can get 4, 5" and out of those....and a contrasting fabric.. I can get 8 HST (if I've done the math right!) or strips or 10, 2x5" pieces..etc. I have an organizational issue... I have to be organized and structured. But I am trying to get out of that box and do more "scrappy" and all!

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Originally Posted by Lilbitsofthread

Jenny did a tutorial called the big star quilt. Layer cakes work well for that quilt.

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I saw something like that and had that idea...a cake layer for each star and then a solid background all the same. I am trying to get over a problem of over organizing and structure and tailored addicted! It annoys me that the cake layers have one of each print/color. Yes they all match but they are all different colors. I need to have at least several of the same prints/colors or I feel disorganized...and I am trying to get over this!!!

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Originally Posted by starlover

I found another layer cake picture. A friend did this one at our retreat...

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps0c59ff63.jpg

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It is pretty but to me...that is to scrappy and disorganized...to busy for me. I am a structured and tailored designer! But I am trying to get out of that and do more with colors and prints. If this were broken up with sashings a bit, I could live with it...and hopefully get out of this box and into more options! Thanks for sharing it!

Look at my icon.. that's what I did with a charm pack!

This is a layer cake quilt.... Twice Sliced.... Jenny has a good tutorial on it.... It was very easy, fun, and is love the way it turned out. Sorry the light is do bad....I just took the picture, and it I'd late,,, the bulb in my really good light just burned out.

Nothing was pre-washed, including the yardage and heavy LQS flannel on the back.

I ordered this layer cake from M* just for my husband 's comfort quilt, so it really wasn't stored. But, I have a couple of others that I just stack on a shelf. I store my jelly rolls on the same shelf.... Charm packs are there, too, but most of them are in a plastic box.. The others are stacked. I need to get a box large enough for all of them.

You really don 'to have to worry too much about placement, because the squares are all from the same line. All you really need to think about is getting good contrast.

Good luck to you.... Of you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask them...

I did some double slice table runners with layer cakes - I like all precuts, due to the variety within. You could always mix in a "solid" with the layer cake or do sashing to give you more structure and less busyness. I am also a very organized quilter and using the precuts makes me get out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing! Sometimes, I end up organizing by color when using a precut and that helps. Here is an example with the falling charms pattern - scrappy, yet organized. :)

Attachment 63737

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Originally Posted by easyquilts

This is a layer cake quilt.... Twice Sliced.... Jenny has a good tutorial on it.... It was very easy, fun, and is love the way it turned out. Sorry the light is do bad....I just took the picture, and it I'd late,,, the bulb in my really good light just burned out.

Nothing was pre-washed, including the yardage and heavy LQS flannel on the back.

I ordered this layer cake from M* just for my husband 's comfort quilt, so it really wasn't stored. But, I have a couple of others that I just stack on a shelf. I store my jelly rolls on the same shelf.... Charm packs are there, too, but most of them are in a plastic box.. The others are stacked. I need to get a box large enough for all of them.

You really don 'to have to worry too much about placement, because the squares are all from the same line. All you really need to think about is getting good contrast.

Good luck to you.... Of you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask them...

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Sandy, that is beautiful - is that Swirl? I think I have a jelly roll and maybe a couple of charms of it - I just loved it. I really need to go shopping in my stash..... :)

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Originally Posted by ilive2craft2

I did some double slice table runners with layer cakes - I like all precuts, due to the variety within. You could always mix in a "solid" with the layer cake or do sashing to give you more structure and less busyness. I am also a very organized quilter and using the precuts makes me get out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing! Sometimes, I end up organizing by color when using a precut and that helps. Here is an example with the falling charms pattern - scrappy, yet organized. :)

Attachment 63737

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Now that I do like. I woudln't even consider that "scrappy" and I can see how a cake layer or charms would work with the color progression. Thanks for sharing.

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Originally Posted by starlover

I found another layer cake picture. A friend did this one at our retreat...

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps0c59ff63.jpg

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I really like that quilt. I only started in July and increasingly that is the style of quilt that appeals to me most. I don't get the slightest 'tingle' from 'art' quilts which seem to be filling up the magazines these days - they seem to have lost the meaning of 'patchwork'.

I made this quilt called Piece of Cake 3. There are several others by the same designer.

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Originally Posted by coffeebreak

Other than the colors/prints were really cool, this is what I had thought too. I can cut them in a variety of ways to get more of the same prints/colors in stead of just one 10x10 squares. I can get 4, 5" and out of those....and a contrasting fabric.. I can get 8 HST (if I've done the math right!) or strips or 10, 2x5" pieces..etc. I have an organizational issue... I have to be organized and structured. But I am trying to get out of that box and do more "scrappy" and all!

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Here is a chart that illustrates how to cut a layer cake square into multiple pieces. http://www.unitednotions.com/measure...ke-cutting.pdf

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Originally Posted by Dalronix

I really like that quilt. I only started in July and increasingly that is the style of quilt that appeals to me most. I don't get the slightest 'tingle' from 'art' quilts which seem to be filling up the magazines these days - they seem to have lost the meaning of 'patchwork'.

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Exactly how I feel about it. This is also why I love Jenny's tutorials...not only are the designs more to my tastes, she also makes quilting more fun and less fuss.

Jenny has a tutorial using layer cakes: Double Slice Layer Cake. I've made one quilt, which was quick & easy. However, I used some of my fat qtrs. & made the squares 9". LCs also can be cut 4 ways to make 5" charms. I have not purchased any layer cakes since I have a large fabric stash already. I'm sure the possibilities are endless. Do NOT pre-wash them! JCY

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Originally Posted by Auntpiggylpn

Here is a chart that illustrates how to cut a layer cake square into multiple pieces. http://www.unitednotions.com/measure...ke-cutting.pdf

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Haven't seen that one! Gotta print that out. I know you can do alot of cuts with a cake layer, but seeing is better than just knowing! I like the one with 2 large sqs and 8 small ones. Might figure something with that!

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Originally Posted by ilive2craft2

Sandy, that is beautiful - is that Swirl? I think I have a jelly roll and maybe a couple of charms of it - I just loved it. I really need to go shopping in my stash..... :)

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Yes! I love Swirl, too... I have two charm packs, and a jelly roll...

I'm glad you like this quilt... It is a fav of mine... I hate it that the light was so bad.... Here us the only other picture I have of it.

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Originally Posted by ilive2craft2

Sandy, that is beautiful - is that Swirl? I think I have a jelly roll and maybe a couple of charms of it - I just loved it. I really need to go shopping in my stash..... :)

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Well... I replied, but I must have done something wrong, because it isn't here!

So..... Yes.... This is Swirl...one of my very favorite lines... So sorry about the terrible color.... I still have one jelly roll and two charm packs..... Here is the only other picture I have of it.... The lighting was a little better.... I'm happy that you liked my quilt...

Oh.... The beautiful quilting was done by a member if my quilting group, on her longarm..

I thought the whole point of buying pre-cuts was avoid too much cutting - If I want 5" squares I buy charms rather than slice up a layer cake.

Having said that, I'm rather fond of HST or hourglass blocks and love the scrappy look of these collections of fabrics rather than a limited palette or number of fabrics and a formal repeat design.

This was the first quilt I made with a layercake (+ JR) and its still my favourite.
Attachment 63789

These two quilts also use a layer cake + yardage and/or Jelly Roll)
Attachment 63790
This one uses a layer cake cut in half - one half makes the border and semi circles are cut from the other and appliqued on (+JR)
Attachment 63791
In this one the Layer Cake has again been cut in half and yardage used for the small squares

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Originally Posted by Poppytree

I thought the whole point of buying pre-cuts was avoid too much cutting - If I want 5" squares I buy charms rather than slice up a layer cake.

Having said that, I'm rather fond of HST or hourglass blocks and love the scrappy look of these collections of fabrics rather than a limited palette or number of fabrics and a formal repeat design.

This was the first quilt I made with a layercake (+ JR) and its still my favourite.
Attachment 63789

These two quilts also use a layer cake + yardage and/or Jelly Roll)
Attachment 63790
This one uses a layer cake cut in half - one half makes the border and semi circles are cut from the other and appliqued on (+JR)
Attachment 63791
In this one the Layer Cake has again been cut in half and yardage used for the small squares

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You are right as far as the cutting, but my problem is...I don't like just ONE block or square of ONE print on the quilt. I am an over organizer and I want more of the same print in the quilt than charms offer so make the quilt rows "even" and organized! I know! I need to get out of the organizational box...I am trying!!! Really I am! A 10x10 cake layer squares can give me 4 of the same print
4 is an even number so I can work with that!

If you are a fan of HST quilts, you might enjoy this trick I picked up for turning layer cake squares into 8 HSTs at one time while still maintaining a straight edge (not bias edges):

Half Square Triangles (HSTs): 8 at a Time! | Sew Mama Sew |

Not all layer cakes are 24 pieces. The ones I have contain 42 pieces of fabric and they are often duplicates or even triples of the fabric. So that might help your problem of wanting more matching going on in your quilt. Buy the layer cakes with 42 pieces!

What if you bought two packs of your 24-piece layer cake? That would give you duplicates and it would make a larger quilt too. You could buy 2 layer cakes and split the fabrics in two, thus giving you duplicates AND another layer cake pack to make another quilt.

For storage, I simply stack my layer cakes and charm packs and mini charms (candies?) one on top of the other. I leave them nice and tidy in their little paper wrap. They look happy and I'm happy with them like that.

Don't wash precuts! I don't wash any of my fabrics until after they've been put together, sandwiched, quilted and bound. The quilts allo look wonderful, not any shrinkage to notice.

There are tons of patterns for layer cakes. You could cut them into charm squares, and that would give you multiples of the fabrics, but I would rather buy charm packs than cut up a layer cake. It's just easier to me :)

I did a sawblade quilt (not yet done) from a craftsy class and it was with a layer cake and jelly roll. Its pretty cool.

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Originally Posted by coffeebreak

It is pretty but to me...that is to scrappy and disorganized...to busy for me. I am a structured and tailored designer! But I am trying to get out of that and do more with colors and prints. If this were broken up with sashings a bit, I could live with it...and hopefully get out of this box and into more options! Thanks for sharing it!

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you sound like me... I bought the jelly roll swirls- there are 5 diff designs in it.. I am making paper foundation piecing and just cant make myself mix the diff designs, although some of the designs have 2 of each color some only have ONE of each color which makes my 10" blocks be in need of me "borrowing" from a diff.design in the roll... I have to squench my eyes and grit my teeth and choose another strip to even out my blocks... so I TOO am trying to climb out of that box with REALLY HIGH SIDES and be more scrappy.

Nana B, in Texas

Generally, layer cakes, charm pack, jelly rolls, and other precuts, are sold as one unit because they are all different cuts from the same line, so they all go together. A really good pattern for layer cakes is the 10 minute square pattern. One block takes five pieces, but you only make three seams and you have a diamond laying on top of four adjoining squares with what looks like a cathedral window. You an look up the tutorial on you tube and purchase the patterns from your LQS. You can also use a template and cut your layer cake into other shapes like apple cores, hexigons, etc. Jenny has several tutorials on using layer cakes and cutting them using templates.

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Originally Posted by snippet

Not all layer cakes are 24 pieces. The ones I have contain 42 pieces of fabric and they are often duplicates or even triples of the fabric. So that might help your problem of wanting more matching going on in your quilt. Buy the layer cakes with 42 pieces! It's just easier to me :)

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THanks for the suggestions. I dont remember if there is 24 or 42 in the pack, now that you mention it. But I will definately be cutting them in at least half. I like doing HST's so I can get 4 of them out of one layer piece. It is just a "structured,tailored" look thing...everything has to be even and organized! I am trying to use the cake layer set to get out of this box and more into the world of color and endless options in quilting! Storage, by problem there is "Out of sight, out of mind". I f I just stack them.. I can't see the colors so I forget they are there! Another issue I have to deal with!!! Hopefully this new year will bring some new visions!!

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Originally Posted by Kgrammiecaz

I did a sawblade quilt (not yet done) from a craftsy class and it was with a layer cake and jelly roll. Its pretty cool.

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I'll check that pattern out. Thanks. That's another problem I have...finding a pattern/block I like! I didn't think I was that pickey but I guess I am...I can scroll through literally 100's of pictures and not find anything that strikes me with "I want to make that one!".

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Originally Posted by c21cg

you sound like me... I bought the jelly roll swirls- there are 5 diff designs in it.. I am making paper foundation piecing and just cant make myself mix the diff designs, although some of the designs have 2 of each color some only have ONE of each color which makes my 10" blocks be in need of me "borrowing" from a diff.design in the roll... I have to squench my eyes and grit my teeth and choose another strip to even out my blocks... so I TOO am trying to climb out of that box with REALLY HIGH SIDES and be more scrappy.

Nana B, in Texas

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Nana, we need to stay in touch then and share our progress! Sounds so stupid that we are having trouble putting brilliant, beautiful colors and prints together!!!!! LOL!! I love looking at them in the bundles or stacked on shelves...but putting them together...one of the hardest things in the world for me to do!!!

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Originally Posted by Annav

Generally, layer cakes, charm pack, jelly rolls, and other precuts, are sold as one unit because they are all different cuts from the same line, so they all go together. A really good pattern for layer cakes is the 10 minute square pattern. One block takes five pieces, but you only make three seams and you have a diamond laying on top of four adjoining squares with what looks like a cathedral window. You an look up the tutorial on you tube and purchase the patterns from your LQS. You can also use a template and cut your layer cake into other shapes like apple cores, hexigons, etc. Jenny has several tutorials on using layer cakes and cutting them using templates.

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I remember seeing that video. It was interesting that that can be done. I dont' like buying the pre cuts simply cause I am a structured, tailored color person. The pack have like 1 of each of 24/42 different colors/patterns...that is to much for me!!! I only buy charms if they are a fantastic price and save them for my grand daughter. She is 7 and I have been working with her to sew and make quilts...she has made 2 so far and a pillowcase. We dont' live to close to each other but I get her about 3 times a year for a day or so. THat is why I thought the cake layer. CT had 2 packs on sale for so cheap, I couldn't resist and I thought at least I can get 4 HST's out of one layer and I love making HST's as the options are seemingly limitless as to the designs you can make with them with just a simple rotation of the HST piece.

I have used a few layer cakes and have made a very easy top by sewing the squares together randomly and used the left over ones to make a sash and on the back as the backing fabric wasn't as wide as the top I had made. Attachment 63904Attachment 63905

If the squares look too large or you want to mix up the colours a bit more you can always do a D9P!

Hi! I have been a lurker here for quite awhile. I have been quilting only a few years, still consider myself to be a newbie because of the amount of time I have to spend quilting, but really enjoy all the wonderful info shared on this forum.

I have a question for Star Lover about the pattern you used for the layer cake pattern you posted. Hate to sound stupid here, but did you use a specific ruler to cut your wedges and a pattern or did you just simply create it. I love your quilt! Both the pattern and colors! Would love to know how you did it. Thanks in advance!!

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Originally Posted by JaniceR

Hi! I have been a lurker here for quite awhile. I have been quilting only a few years, still consider myself to be a newbie because of the amount of time I have to spend quilting, but really enjoy all the wonderful info shared on this forum.

I have a question for Star Lover about the pattern you used for the layer cake pattern you posted. Hate to sound stupid here, but did you use a specific ruler to cut your wedges and a pattern or did you just simply create it. I love your quilt! Both the pattern and colors! Would love to know how you did it. Thanks in advance!!

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Hi Janice. She may not see your question unless she comes back to this post. Why not click on her name and send her a private message. That way she will see it next time she visits the forum.

Personally I think the main advantage of the precuts is not so much that they are precut, but rather that you can get such a variety of coordinated fabrics without having to get a minimum amount of each one--so you are able to get more prints for less money.

(That being said, I currently have one layer cake and two charm packs that are all one fabric, LOL!)

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Originally Posted by JaniceR

Hi! I have been a lurker here for quite awhile. I have been quilting only a few years, still consider myself to be a newbie because of the amount of time I have to spend quilting, but really enjoy all the wonderful info shared on this forum.

I have a question for Star Lover about the pattern you used for the layer cake pattern you posted. Hate to sound stupid here, but did you use a specific ruler to cut your wedges and a pattern or did you just simply create it. I love your quilt! Both the pattern and colors! Would love to know how you did it. Thanks in advance!!

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Hi Janice. This was a simple quilt to make, I think you'll have fun with it. The pattern is called Against the Rail by Karly Alexander of Saginaw street quilt company.
Straight Out of Line ruler is what was used for this quilt. I found it in my local store, but when I tried to google this is the only place that showed up...
Creative Grids Straight Out Of Line 6in x 10in Ruler By Alexander, Karla
There's a product video that shows how to use the ruler.
I looked in the store listings here and didn't see it.
If you need any more help, let me know or send a message. :)