Make Layer Cakes from Scraps
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What is a Fabric Layer Cake?
Fabric layer cakes are a delightful treat for any quilting enthusiast. Just like their culinary counterparts, fabric layer cakes consist of a scrumptious collection of fabric slices neatly stacked together. They typically contain a generous amount of precut squares, measuring 10 inches by 10 inches, making them perfect for a variety of quilting projects. These delectable bundles offer a tempting assortment of coordinating prints, colors, and patterns, providing endless possibilities for creativity and design. Whether you're a quilter looking to add some flair to your patchwork or a crafty individual seeking inspiration for a homemade gift, fabric layer cakes are the perfect ingredient to spice up your sewing projects.
Although the term Layer Cake is used in quilting when we are talking about a bundle of 10” fabric squares consisting of between 40 - 44 squares in a bundle, the term "Layer Cake” is actually trademarked by Moda Fabrics. Other companies make similar products. For example, Riley Blake Fabrics calls their 10” square bundles 10” Stackers while Wilmington Prints calls them 10 Karat Crystals.
Let’s Make Our Own!
Step 1: Selecting Fabric Scraps
The first step in making your own layer cake is picking the fabrics. You can do this in different color ways. One great tool to use it a color wheel.
The color wheel is a fundamental tool in the world of quilting as it helps quilters create harmonious and visually striking designs. Comprised of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, the color wheel allows quilters to explore various color combinations and create beautiful contrasts. When working with quilting projects, understanding the color wheel's principles enables quilters to achieve balance and cohesion in their designs. Whether opting for complementary colors that lie opposite each other on the wheel, or using analogous colors found next to each other, the color wheel serves as a guide for quilters to select colors that harmonize and enhance the overall aesthetic of their quilts. By utilizing the versatility of the color wheel, quilters can infuse their creations with a sense of vibrancy, depth, and imaginative exploration.
For my latest layer cake, I used pink and purple scrap fabrics. I sorted through all of my scraps to find fabrics that went together. My first pass wasn’t successful, but I kept tweaking it until I finally found a palette I like.
Step 2: Pressing and Starching
Next, I pressed and starched my fabric selection before cutting it. This is a great advantage to making your own. As a general rule, a quilter shouldn’t starch layer cakes because the starch tightens the weave; therefore, changing the size. If you make your own, however, you can starch the fabric prior to cutting it.
Step 3: Cutting You Fabric
There are a few different ways to cut your fabric into 10” squares.
Method 1: The first way, and arguably the easiest method, is by using a 10” ruler. Simply line up the fabric and cut around the 10” ruler. Using a rotating mat can help with this process.
Method 2: The second way is by using the lines on your mat. Now, proceed with caution! Those lines can become distorted over time, so make sure your lines are accurate before using the lines on your mat.
Method 3 (My Favorite): The third way is by using an oversize ruler. This is my favorite because it is the most accurate, in my opinion. It allows you to line up the fabric on the lines on the ruler (much more accurate than a mat). Line up the sides and cut, making sure everything is straight.
I am sure there are other ways, but these are my top three.
Packaging Your Bundles
To keep your set together, I love the cardboard from used layer cakes as a backing for your scrappy layer cake. It allows for a nice sturdy foundation and stores really well.
After I layer the 10” squares onto the cardboard, I use adding machine tape to wrap about the fabric and secure it in place. This not only keeps it all together, but also makes it look nice and pretty on a shelve.
Questions? Please Ask!
If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to ask! I am happy to help! Let me know if you are planning to make fabric layer cakes from your scraps.
Happy Quilting!
Kris