Jelly Roll vs Charm Pack: Which Pre-Cut Should You Buy?
By SewYeahQuilting | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: Comparisons
Compare jelly rolls and charm packs to see which pre-cut fits your quilting style. Learn how strip and square counts affect project size, fabric variety, and cost.
Quick Answer
Choose a jelly roll if you want long strips for borders, binding, or strip-pieced quilts; choose a charm pack if you prefer 5-inch squares for sampler blocks, small projects, or scrappy variety.
Strip Length vs Square Size
Jelly rolls contain 2.5-inch strips that are typically 44 inches long, making them ideal for strip-piecing, borders, and binding. Charm packs contain 5-inch squares, which are perfect for patchwork blocks and small motifs.
The strip format gives you continuous fabric for long seams, while squares let you mix many prints in a single block. Your project type should guide which shape is more convenient.
Fabric Variety and Cost
Both pre-cuts include a range of coordinating fabrics from a collection, but the number of pieces differs. A jelly roll typically has 40 strips, while a charm pack usually has 42 squares. This affects how many different prints you get and how much fabric you have to work with.
Cost per piece also varies. A charm pack is often less expensive upfront, but a jelly roll provides more total fabric. Consider your budget and how much you need for the project.
Project Size and Complexity
Jelly rolls are great for larger projects like lap quilts, table runners, and strip-pieced designs. Charm packs are better for smaller projects like mini quilts, pillows, or test blocks.
If you're new to quilting, charm packs are easier to handle because squares are less unwieldy than long strips. Jelly rolls require more careful handling to avoid stretching.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Fabric shape: Jelly rolls give long 2.5-inch strips for strip-piecing and borders; charm packs give 5-inch squares for block-based piecing.
- Project size: Jelly rolls suit larger quilts and runners; charm packs suit small projects and test blocks. Estimate the fabric area you need before choosing.
- Cost per piece: Charm packs are often cheaper upfront, but jelly rolls provide more total fabric for the price. Compare total fabric area, not just piece count.
- Skill level: Charm packs are easier for beginners; jelly rolls require careful handling to avoid stretching.
Product Facts
- Purrs and Boos - 2.5" Strips, 40 pcs - Jelly Roll: The Purrs and Boos Jelly Roll contains 40 strips of 2.5-inch fabric from Moda Fabrics, featuring playful Halloween-themed prints with kittens, pumpkins, and cheerful patterns. This gives you enough strips for a festive jelly roll quilt or a set of coordinating borders and binding without buying yardage.
Purrs and Boos - 2.5" Strips, 40 pcs - Jelly Roll - Wheatland Charm Pack: The Wheatland Charm Pack by Moda Fabrics includes 5-inch squares in warm earth tones, florals, and plaids from the Kansas Troubles Quilters collection. These squares are perfect for sampler blocks or small scrappy projects, letting you mix many prints without cutting yardage.
Wheatland Charm Pack
Which Should You Choose?
Best for
- Quilters who want long strips for borders, binding, or strip-pieced designs
- Those making larger projects like lap quilts or table runners
Not for
- Quilters who prefer working with small squares for sampler blocks or mini quilts
- Beginners who find long strips difficult to handle
