What is a Fat Quarter?
Are you new to quilting or sewing?
You might have heard the term “fat quarter” and wondered what it means. Don’t worry!
We’re here to explain this popular fabric cut that quilters love.
A fat quarter is a unique piece of fabric cut differently from regular quarter-yard pieces. It’s wider and shorter, which makes it perfect for many quilting projects.
Think of a fat quarter as a chubby rectangle of fabric. It’s usually about 18 inches wide and 22 inches long. This unique size gives you more usable fabric to work with compared to a regular quarter-yard cut.
Imagine cutting a large square from a long, skinny piece of fabric – it’s tricky! But with a fat quarter, you can cut different shapes and sizes.
Why Do People Buy Fat Quarters?
Quilters and sewers love fat quarters for many reasons:
- Variety: They’re great for trying out new fabric patterns without buying a lot.
- Perfect size: Fat quarters give you enough fabric to cut larger shapes or multiple smaller pieces.
- Economical: You can buy just what you need for small projects without wasting fabric.
- Collectible: They’re fun to collect and easy to store.
- Great for scrap quilts: You can easily create colourful and diverse quilts with various fat quarters.
How Big is a Fat Quarter?
Let’s talk about the size of a fat quarter. Remember, it’s different from a regular quarter-yard of fabric.
A fat quarter is usually 18 inches wide and 22 inches long. This size can change depending on the fabric width. Most quilting cotton comes in 44-inch widths, giving you the standard 18″ x 22″ fat quarter.
To understand why, let’s look at how it’s cut:
- Start with a yard of fabric, usually 44 inches wide and 36 inches long.
- Cut this yard in half lengthwise, giving you two 22 inches wide and 36 inches long pieces.
- Now cut these pieces in half crosswise, and voila! You have four fat quarters, each measuring 18″ x 22″.
You can break down a fat quarter into the follow:
How Much is a Fat Quarter?
The cost of a fat quarter can vary, but they’re usually a good deal. Prices often range from $2 to $5, depending on factors like:
- The quality of the fabric
- The brand or designer
- Where you buy it (quilt shops might be pricier than big craft stores)
- Whether it’s part of a special collection or limited edition print
Some people wonder, “Are fat quarters worth it?” The answer is usually yes! Here’s why:
- They’re cheaper than buying a full yard of fabric when you only need a small amount.
- Fat quarters let you try more fabric designs without spending too much money.
- They’re perfect for small projects or for adding variety to larger quilts.
- Buying fat quarters can help you avoid waste, as you’re less likely to have leftover fabric you can’t use.
Fat quarters are a great way to start your quilting journey or add to your fabric stash. They give you lots of options for creative projects without breaking the bank.
Remember, the joy of quilting and sewing often comes from playing with different colours and patterns. Fat quarters make it easy and affordable to experiment with new combinations and let your creativity run wild!
Ready to start your fat quarter collection or add to your existing stash? We have everything from classic patterns to trendy prints.
Check out our selection of fat quarters at Sew Materialistic here! Happy quilting!
