What is a Layer Cake of Fabric?

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A Layer Cake is a package of fabric that includes fabric cuts measuring 10″ x 10″. Layer Cakes typically include 42 squares of fabric.

The name Layer Cake is unique to fabric manufactured by Moda Fabrics, but other manufacturers have similar products under names like 10″ Stackers, Ten by Tens, or Layer Squares.

Layer Cakes are popular among quilters because of their versatility. The 10″ size gives a nice chunk of fabric to work with and the variety of patterns and colors creates a cohesive quilt.

Not only does the 10″ size work for a variety of projects, but the precut fabric saves quilters a ton of time cutting yardage. The precut size is a shortcut to making faster quilts!

My favorite place to shop for Layer Cakes is Fat Quarter Shop.

What Size is a Layer Cake of Fabric?

A Layer Cake is 10″ x 10″. Layer Cake squares come with the edges pinked so that they don’t unravel. Some manufacturers measure the precut fabric from the top of the pinked edge and some from the valley, so be sure to measure your Layer Cakes before you start your project!

How Many 10 Inch Squares are in a Layer Cake?

Layer Cakes typically come in packages of 42 10″ squares.

Ipad with the Quilt Backing Chart graphic inside.

free cheat sheet

Quilt Backing Chart

Simplify quilt math with this free quilt backing chart! At a glance see how much yardage you need for 6 different size quilts.

    How Much Fabric is in a Layer Cake?

    A Layer Cake typically has 42 squares of fabric. One Layer Cake has roughly 2 7/8 yards of fabric in it.

    How Many Different Fabrics Are in a Layer Cake?

    Layer Cakes are typically made up of fabric from one fabric line. The number of fabrics included depends on the number of fabrics in the fabric line. Most Layer Cakes have duplicate prints.

    Some Layer Cakes only have one color of fabric, and some have 30 (or more!) different fabrics.

    How Many Layer Cakes Are in a Yard?

    You can cut 12 10″ squares from 1 yard of fabric.

    What is the Size of Layer Cake Square in Inches?

    One Layer Cake Square is 10″ x 10″.

    What is the Size of a Layer Cake Square in Centimeters?

    One Layer Cake Square is 25.4 cm x 25.4 cm.

    What is the Difference Between a Charm Pack and a Layer Cake?

    Charm Packs and Layer Cakes are both types of precut fabric squares. Charm Packs are 5″ squares, and Layer Cakes are 10″ squares. I have an entire post about Charm Packs if you’re interested in learning more!

    How Do You Make Your Own Layer Cakes?

    While purchasing Layer Cakes can be convenient and time-saving, it is more costly. If you’d like to make your own Layer Cake, you can simply cut 42 10″ strips out of 3 1/8 yards of fabric! Then subcut the strips into 10″ squares.

    Make quick work of the project by using the Stripology XL ruler by Creative Grids. This time-saving ruler allows you to cut several strips at once with its pre-marked lines. All without moving the ruler or re-squaring your fabric!

    Should Layer Cakes be Pre-Washed?

    Generally speaking, precut fabric should not be pre-washed. Washing small pieces of fabric can cause them to distort and unravel. Not to mention they may shrink, which might mean you won’t have enough fabric to make your quilt!

    If you must pre-wash, here are a couple of tips:

    • Use a garment bag (or two) to keep your pieces contained. This will reduce the amount of movement in the wash and will help the fabric stay untangled and fray less.
    • Use dye-trapping sheets when washing your fabric to reduce the likelihood of bleeding.

    Check out this post if you want more information on how to prevent your quilt from bleeding!

    I hope this helped clear things up! Head over to my Beginner’s Precut Guide if you’re interested in learning about more quilting fabric precuts.

    Other Posts You May Like:
    A Beginner’s Guide to Precut Quilting Fabric
    How Many 10 Inch Squares Do I Need to Make a Quilt?
    How to Cut a Layer Cake into Squares and Strips
    Layer Cake Layout: A Free Layer Cake Quilt Pattern
    30 Totally Free Layer Cake Quilt Patterns for Beginners