How to Quilt>Fat Quarters for Quilts

Fat Quarters

I'll admit that when I first heard about 'fat quarters,' I was a bit put off. After all, who wants to hear about anything fat?

A fat quarter of fabric unfolded.

But, then someone explained what a fat quarter is.

So, here goes -

Usually when we buy a quarter yard of fabric, it is cut from selvedge to selvedge.

This means that we get a piece that is 9 inches wide by somewhere between 40 and 44 inches long. Or 9 inches long by 40-44 inches wide, whichever you prefer.

But the thing is, you get a narrow piece of fabric.

Then if you decide to wash it, the usable piece is even narrower because of all of the raw edges fringing.

To create some more usable pieces of fabric, quilt shops started cutting pieces that are still a 1/4 yard in terms of the amount of fabric, But instead of getting a wide, narrow piece, you get something that is more like a square.

The fabric is cut from the bolts in 1/2 yard (18 inch) pieces - cut the width of the fabric, from selvedge to selvedge. Then the fabric is cut in half again - on the straight grain of the fabric (on the fold).

This means that you get a piece that is about 18 inches by half the width of the fabric - 20 - 22 inches.

The quilt shops around here sell individual fat quarters in a wide range of fabrics. Sometimes, I think they take the last yard or two from the bolt and cut it into fat quarters.

Of course, often they cut the first few yards to create fat quarters, understanding that quilters want new fabric cut that way as well.

Quilt shops often combine fat quarters for you, making fabric selection somewhat easier - although limiting for some quilters.

Sometimes you can find pre-packaged fat quarters at your quilt shops.

These handy packets take some of the confusion out of choosing your fabric because usually the fabrics are chosen so they can be used in the same quilt.

Often they will be scrappy, as in the picture to the right. Other times they will be in the same color family or from the same fabric line.

You can make your own fat quarter collection, too.

If you find some fabrics that you like that aren't in a fat quarter selection at your shop or pre-packaged, you can purchase yardage and make your own.

Purchase 5/8 of a yard - that will give you plenty to make 2 nice sized fat quarters, one to share with a friend, and a little extra that you might be able to use for a border.

Pre-washing Fat Quarters

I pre-wash all of my fabric, and as you might imagine washing fat quarters can be somewhat challenging. If you wash them in the washing machine with your other yardage, you may end up with a frayed mess, and very little fabric.

To avoid that, soak your fat quarters in warm water in your sink, and then rinse them and dry them flat. This should remove the finishing chemicals from the fabric. It may not, however, serve as a pre-shrinking method. Just be aware that your finished quilt may shrink a bit.

This just in from Quilter Robynne:
Just read email about fat quarters. I put mine in a pillowcase, fold top triangle style down and pin closed with a nappy pin. It's the way I've been washing stuffed toys. I usually put them in with whatever is the right colour wash as I don't buy enough at any time to do a separate wash.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

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©2009, Penny Halgren
Penny is a quilter of more than 27 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

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