Quick Answer
If you're new to curved piecing or want a complete project, choose a kit with pre-cut Pop Cloth or Vintage Cloth fabrics. If you prefer to pick your own fabrics or want a budget-friendly option, start with a paper pattern and use your own stash or yardage. Match the kit to your experience level and the look you want.
Sew Kind of Wonderful offers quilt patterns and kits that make curved piecing approachable, but choosing between paper patterns, Pop Cloth pre-cuts, and Vintage Cloth kits can be confusing. Each option serves a different purpose, and your choice affects cost, convenience, and final look.
This guide breaks down the differences so you can pick the right project for your next quilt. We'll cover what each format includes, who it's best for, and how to match it to your skill level and style.
Understanding the Three Kit Formats
Sew Kind of Wonderful sells patterns as paper documents and also offers fabric collections like Pop Cloth and Vintage Cloth. Paper patterns include instructions and templates, but you supply your own fabric. Pop Cloth and Vintage Cloth are fabric lines that come in pre-cut bundles or kits, so you get coordinated fabrics ready to use with a pattern.
Pop Cloth is inspired by graphic designs and Pop Art, featuring bold, modern prints. Vintage Cloth, as the name suggests, has a more traditional, nostalgic feel. Both can be purchased as pre-cuts, such as fat quarter bundles or charm packs, which you can pair with a paper pattern. Some kits bundle fabric with a pattern for a complete project.
- Paper patterns are versatile and often less expensive upfront.
- Pre-cut fabric bundles save time and ensure color coordination.
- Full kits are the most convenient but may limit fabric choice.
Paper Patterns: Flexibility and Value
Paper patterns are the foundation of the Sew Kind of Wonderful system. They include detailed instructions and often list required materials, such as specific yardage and rulers. For example, the Mini Penelope pattern calls for assorted pinks, cream background, and the QCR Mini Ruler. You can choose your own fabrics, which is great for personalizing a quilt or using your stash.
Paper patterns are ideal for quilters who have a fabric collection or want to match a specific color scheme. They are also more budget-friendly, with prices around $6 to $10, compared to fabric bundles that cost $24.50 or more. However, you need to purchase fabric separately, and you must have the required rulers and notions.
- Check the pattern's material list for required rulers and yardage.
- Consider your existing fabric stash to save money.
- Paper patterns are a good choice for experienced quilters who like control.
Pop Cloth and Vintage Cloth: Convenience and Style
Pop Cloth and Vintage Cloth collections offer coordinated fabrics that take the guesswork out of color selection. Pop Cloth features bold, graphic prints, while Vintage Cloth offers more traditional patterns. You can buy pre-cuts like fat quarter bundles or charm packs, which are perfect for smaller projects or for using with a pattern that specifies those sizes.
For example, the Pop Cloth Pre-Cuts include a fat quarter bundle with 14 fat quarters, a 10" charm pack, and a 5" charm pack. These pre-cuts are designed to work with Sew Kind of Wonderful patterns, so you can mix and match. If you want a complete kit, look for options that bundle fabric with a pattern, like the Nine Patch Revival Quilt Kit.
- Pre-cuts save cutting time and ensure fabric coordination.
- Pop Cloth suits modern, vibrant quilts; Vintage Cloth suits classic styles.
- Full kits are great for gifts or quick starts.
Matching the Kit to Your Skill Level
Beginners often benefit from kits that include everything needed, reducing the risk of buying wrong materials. A full kit with pre-cut fabric and a pattern is a great starting point. For example, the Nine Patch Revival Quilt Pattern uses easy curved piecing and comes with a kit option, making it perfect for new quilters.
More experienced quilters might prefer paper patterns to exercise creativity in fabric choice. They may also invest in certification to teach others. The Sew Kind of Wonderful 'Preferred Shop' or 'Instructor Certification' is an online course for those who want to teach curved piecing, covering basics and offering a mini sampler pattern.
- Beginners: choose a full kit with pre-cuts and a simple pattern.
- Intermediate: mix pre-cuts with a paper pattern for more variety.
- Advanced: use paper patterns and your own fabric for full control.
Decision Rules for Choosing
- If you're a beginner: Start with a full kit that includes pre-cut fabric and a pattern. Look for patterns that say 'easy curved piecing' and require minimal rulers, like the Nine Patch Revival Quilt Kit or a pre-cut bundle with a simple pattern. Choose a kit with pre-cuts to avoid fabric shopping errors.
- If you want fabric flexibility: Buy a paper pattern and select your own fabrics. This allows you to use your stash or match a specific color scheme. Patterns like Mini Penelope and Posh Buddy list exact yardage, so you can shop precisely. Paper patterns give you creative control over fabric choices.
- If you're on a budget: Paper patterns are more affordable upfront, with most under $10. You can save by using fabrics you already own. Pop Cloth pre-cuts are a splurge but save time. Start with a paper pattern and shop your stash first.
Product Facts
- Mini Penelope (Paper): This pattern uses the QCR Mini Ruler and is a 'mini' variation of the popular Posh Penelope pattern. Finished size is 32" x 39". Materials include (6) 1/3 yard assorted pinks, 2-2/3 yards cream background, 1 yard backing, 1/3 yard binding, QCR Mini Ruler, and Sew Square 6 (recommended). If you're new to curved piecing or want a quick project, this smaller size is manageable. The specific material list helps you buy exactly what you need.
Sew Square 6
- Sedona: This is the first design that incorporates both straight pieced blocks and curved pieced blocks, with eleven different blocks. Both layouts are included in the pattern, and it was also made with Mod Cloth fabric. If you want to challenge yourself with a mix of piecing techniques, Sedona offers variety. The included two layouts give you options for a single pattern.
- Posh Buddy (Paper): This pattern is 50" x 50" and is made with the QCR Mini Ruler. Materials include 2/3 yard dark blue fabric, 1/3 yard light blue fabric, 1 fat quarter yellow accent fabric, 2-2/3 yards background fabric, 3 yards backing, and 1/2 yard binding. A lap-sized quilt is perfect for practicing curved piecing without a huge time commitment. The clear material list helps you shop efficiently.
- Pop Cloth Fabric Pre-Cuts: Pop Cloth collection features graphic designs and Pop Art. Pre-cut options include a Fat Quarter Bundle (14 fat quarters), 10" Charm Pack (42 squares), 5" Charm Pack (42 squares), and a 2-1/2" Design Roll (42 strips). Pre-cuts save cutting time and ensure color coordination, making them ideal for beginners or quick projects. You can pair them with paper patterns for a complete look.
Which Kit Fits You?
Best for
- Beginners who want a complete project with coordinated fabrics and minimal prep.
- Quilters who value convenience and time savings over fabric selection.
Not for
- Experienced quilters who have a large fabric stash and prefer to design their own color schemes.
- Those on a tight budget who want to minimize initial costs.
Choosing between paper patterns, Pop Cloth, and Vintage Cloth kits comes down to your experience, budget, and style preferences. Beginners will appreciate the convenience of pre-cuts and kits, while experienced quilters may enjoy the flexibility of paper patterns. Whatever you choose, Sew Kind of Wonderful's curved piecing techniques make beautiful quilts achievable for every maker.
