What’s Typically Included in a Quilt Kit

Quilt kits are perfect for when you want all the fun of quilting without the headache of doing math and figuring out a pattern all on your own. Plus, if you’ve ever walked past a stunning sample quilt in a shop and thought, “I want to make that exact quilt,” a kit is your answer.

But if you’ve never purchased one before, you might be wondering what you’re actually paying for. Is it just fabric? Do you get the thread? What about the batting?

Let’s unbox the mystery and take a look at what’s typically included in a quilt kit so you can decide if your next project should come pre-packaged and ready to sew.

The Pattern

First and foremost, a good quilt kit almost always includes the pattern. This is your roadmap, your blueprint, and your best friend for the duration of the project.

In most commercial kits, you will receive a printed paper pattern that details every step of the process. It will include the fabric requirements (even though the fabric is provided, these are good to have for future reference), cutting instructions, and block assembly diagrams. If you are buying a kit that is specific to a certain fabric line, the pattern might be a brochure-style handout or a full-size booklet, depending on the complexity of the design.

Occasionally, you might find a fabric-only kit where the pattern must be purchased separately. This is common with popular designers who sell their patterns as standalone products. However, reliable shops will always clearly label if the pattern is sold separately so you aren’t left guessing.

The Quilt Top Fabric

The main reason we buy kits is, of course, the fabric! A standard quilt kit will include all the fabric you need to piece the top of the quilt. This means you’ll get the yardage for the blocks, the sashing (the strips between blocks), and usually the borders.

The beauty of a kit is that the fabric curation has been done for you. Someone with a keen eye for color theory—often the fabric designer themselves—has selected the perfect mix of large-scale florals, geometric prints, tone-on-tone blenders, and solids. You don’t have to worry if that shade of teal clashes with the navy; the experts have already verified that it’s a perfect match.

When you open your kit, you might find the fabric in a few different formats:

• Yardage: Large cuts of fabric that you will need to cut down according to the pattern instructions.
• Precuts: Some kits are built around precuts like jelly rolls (2.5-inch strips), layer cakes (10-inch squares), or charm packs (5-inch squares). These are fantastic time-savers because a portion of the cutting is already done!
• Die-cut pieces: In very specialized kits, like some laser-cut applique kits, the pieces might arrive pre-cut to the exact shape you need.

Binding

Lastly, most quilt kits include fabric for the binding—that narrow strip of fabric that encases the raw edges of your quilt sandwich. This is a crucial component because the binding frames your work and takes the most wear and tear over time.

Having the binding included is a huge convenience. It ensures that the edge of your quilt matches the rest of the design perfectly. Just keep in mind that you will still need to make the binding strips yourself (cutting, sewing into a continuous strip, and pressing), unless the kit specifies otherwise.

What Is Usually NOT Included?

It is just as important to know what you won’t find in the box so you aren’t caught off guard when you sit down at your sewing machine. Unless the product description explicitly states otherwise, standard quilt kits generally do not include the following:

• Backing fabric: The fabric for the back of the quilt is rarely included. This is because many quilters prefer to choose their own backing, whether it’s a cozy flannel, a wide-back fabric (to avoid piecing a seam), or a scrappy back made from leftovers.
• Batting: The fluffy layer in the middle of the quilt sandwich is almost never in a standard kit. Batting is bulky and expensive to ship, and every quilter has a specific preference—be it 100% cotton, a wool blend, or a high-loft poly.
• Thread: You will need to supply your own piecing thread and quilting thread.
• Notions: Rules, rotary cutters, needles, and pins are tools of the trade that you are expected to have in your sewing room.

Why Choose a Quilt Kit?

Beyond the convenience, there are several compelling reasons to buy that quilt pattern kit you’ve been eyeing.

No Math Required

Quilt math is tricky. Calculating exactly how much yardage you need for a complex block, adding seam allowances, and factoring in a margin of error can be a headache. With a kit, the math is done. You have exactly what you need, usually with a little extra wiggle room for miscuts.

Cohesive Design

Have you ever pulled fabrics from your stash, thinking they look great, only to sew them together and realize the values are too similar and the design gets lost? Kits guarantee high contrast and cohesive color stories. If you admire a specific designer’s style, a kit allows you to replicate their vision perfectly.

Minimal Waste

Because the fabric is calculated specifically for the pattern, you end up with less wasted fabric. You aren’t forced to buy a half-yard minimum if you only need an eighth of a yard for a tiny accent piece. This makes kits surprisingly cost-effective when you break down the price per square inch of usable fabric.

Trying New Techniques

Kits are a safe way to try a technique you find intimidating. Always wanted to try paper piecing? A kit like the BeColourful designs by Jacqueline DeJonge provides the exact foundation papers and fabrics you need, removing the variables so you can focus purely on learning the skill.

Find the Right Kit for You at Inspired To Sew

Now that you know what’s typically included in a quilt kit, do you think it’s the right project for you? If so, we encourage you to check out the kits available at Inspired To Sew! We believe that quilting should be your happy place, not a source of stress. That’s why we carry a wide selection of diverse patterns that are all beautiful and perfect for exercising your creativity. Today’s a great day to treat yourself to a kit, skip the cutting counter line, and get straight to the best part: stitching something beautiful.