Welcome to Fat Quarter Month! Beth got us off to a great start with our first two Projects of the Day. We’ll continue that every day this month, plus we’ll be bringing you tutorials, interviews, a sew-along, a swap and giveaways. Before we go any further, let’s get down to the basics–what, exactly, is a fat quarter?
Although you often see fat quarters in beautiful stacks, rolled and tied with a ribbon, or folded neatly into stars, the “fat” in fat quarter is not just a matter of presentation–it’s all about the cut.
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Most quilt-weight cotton is 44″ wide. It comes doubled over on the bolt. When we cut a regular quarter yard (.25), we cut 9″, which is 1/4th of 36″ (a yard.) |
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Open it up and you have a long, skinny piece that is 9″ x 44″. |
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To cut a fat quarter, we first have to cut a half yard (18″) off the bolt. |
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We cut along the fold. |
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We’re left with two fat quarters–each one 18″ x 22″. |
There are several benefits to fat quarters, as opposed to a regular 1/4 yard:
- You can use fat quarters for projects that require pieces larger than 9″ wide.
- The most common charm square for quilting projects is 5″. You can get 12 5″ charms from a fat quarter, but only 8 from a 1/4 yard.
- With large-scale prints you’re more likely to get the entire design in your cut.
- Fat quarters allow you to cut longer strips along the lengthwise grain of the fabric (parallel to the selvage edge), which is preferable to crosswise because it is less stretchy.
- Fat quarters offer you much more flexibility to work with the directionality of the print. (Consider stripes that typically run parallel to the selvage edge.)
- Fat quarters are often pre-cut and sold with coordinating fabric, so they’re easy to pick up and add to your stash.
Of course many of you already know the benefits, as well as the addictive qualities of fat quarters! Some of you may just be learning and we’re definitely here to help. If you’re looking to round out your stash, we have a new fat quarter section in the shop, to which we’re adding beautiful new packs all the time. And don’t forget that every comment this month enters you in the pool to win a color pack of fat quarters. (This week’s color is orange.)
» Sewing + Quilting Tips, Sewing Tutorials + Patterns » What is a Fat Quarter?
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275 Responses to What is a Fat Quarter?
« February 2 ~ FQ Project of the Day February 3 ~ FQ Project of the Day »
Thank you for taking the time to explain some of the basics. I’m a self-taught photographer and am branching out to try and learn how to sew and eventually quilt. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing BASICS!
Thank you so much for explaining that so well! I am a self-taught sewer and that is so helpful! It will however, fuel my obessesion with fabric! :/
Love your website. I’m enjoying all the fat quarter project ideas!
Enjoy the info; would love to add a few FQ to my stash. Thanks.
I’ve sewn since high school but have never known a use for fat quarters other than quilting – I think I have become a fan
I wish I was a quilter
Hello I love your buttercup bag but am wondering on your instructions that I can download there is a cutting diagram page and I am not able to print this only the sections. How do I print that because that is the diagram I would need to cut out the pretty overall fabric for the purse. Please help 🙂 Thanks, Natalie
Thanks a lot, this is what I was looking for.
Thank you!!! Just starting out and had no idea what fat quarter was… I am off to buy my fat quarters, can’t wait to start my Abbey Bag.
Thanks again…
i luv fat quarter too…cute, small, cheap and easy to use…
Wow, I am loving this site!!!!! My daughter is a newleywed with a new sewing machine and full of questions…you will be a HUGE help!!!! AND I LOVE FAT QUARTERS!!!!!
…who would of thought a couple of clicks and I’ve learned so much! This is a great blog – thank you.
I love using fat quarters. I made a Carpenters Star. You use 8 fat quarters and 2 yards of fabric for the background. You can also use fat quarters for making purses and many other things. I love your idea of fat quarter month on your blog. Thanks, Anne
I’m in love with all these FQ’s and I love all the great ideas for projects.
i love me some fat quarters!!! i can not wait.
As someone used to the metric system, you have enlightened me (‘what is a fat quarter’)! Am loving all the projects and ideas on the blog. Herta
I just found your site and I enjoyed the visit. Great patterns and fabrics. Love the fabric bookmarks!
I have just had 20 different “fat quaters” delivered – now what to do with them. Lucky I found “fat quarter Month” on the blog. Now my options are endless! Thanks for the inspiration.
I love fatquarters, can’t stop choosing and buying them!
Thank you so much for your site and all the good information. I am new to the site but
I love it so far. You put alot of work into it Thank You for taking the time.
I am just a beginner at sewing but sure am excited to learn a lot more from your blog.
I love fat quarters and have to resist not buying a ton of them every time I see ones I like at the fabric store.
I have run into a couple of chain stores that sell their fat quarters as the 9″ strips only to get home with a long strip and not a nice fabulous fat quarter. Always check the label.
Thanks for educating me!
I simply CANNOT resist a cute FQ!
I Love Fat Quarters, they are the best way to see and have a very large variety of colors and prints. Can be used as part of a quilt project, to make all kinds of items,ex: pin cushions, coasters,softies,etc.etc.etc. I just got a package from Pat Sloane of her new Arabella prints and I love it. Its the best way to pick out and match colors for a project and find your favorites. Happy Quilting
I have been buying fat quarters for a while but just had an Aha moment on why they have the name ‘Fat Quarters. Thanks for the great information.
I love fat quarters.
I love fat quarters and the FQ project of the day has been great!
I was already addicted to fat quarters, but this month has fueled the fire!
Love to sew and I love any size piece of fabric I can get my hands on!
Thanks for the info…seems to me I could see this becoming my newest addiction…I mean addition 🙂
Nikki
Nice! I just started using fat quarters, and had no idea how to cut one. I definitely feel enlightened now – thanks!
I love the fat quater purse! Is is so cute! I am going to make several.
I love fat quarters! They have definitely been a “best kept secret” and are good for more than quilts!
thanks so much for starting these projects. I’m just starting to learn to sew, and these projects are just what I need to get my feet wet. plus, I love the term “fat quarter”. doesn’t it just sound fun?
i always wondered why they were called fat quarters. thanks for the info. looking forward to all the inspirational ideas!
Thanks for th explanation. I’m new to quilting and learning all the time.
This is wonderful information. After all these years, I never really understood…thanks!
Very, very interesting. I never knew this.
Thanks for the info. The pics really help as well.
I believe that this weeks color changed to blue, so I posted a photo of a diaper bag that I made that I used 8 fat quarters on in your Sew Mama Sew Flickr photostream. Yes, it’s two yards, but, it took 8 pieces to make it, fat quarter size that is. Plus the interfacing was another 2 more pieces of fleece, fat quarter sizes too. You can also see the diaper bag in my photostream at http://www.Flickr.com/Oceanpeg in the totes, bags and purses folder there. The fabric is called “Wrestlin’ Cats” that I used on it.
I always forget the size of a fat quarter and I was trying to decide if I should buy 1 yd of fabric and have left over or buy the cute fat quarter sets you have of Amy Butler. Now I know! Can’t wait til payday!! 🙂
Thanks for this clear explanation. Having worked in a fabric shop, I knew most of it, but did learn the bit about directionality for stripes! This FQ of the day is fun!
I never knew that about “Fat Quarters.” I’ll have to look into that next time I’m at the fabric store! Thank You!
I love fat quarters!!
YOU can NEVER have tooooooo many FQ: just to feel
I just found this site while visiting Stacy Sews. I’ve bookmarked you and will visit frequently! Great info!
Great post! Thank you, I never thought of that before.
One of the best things about using the internet, and especially Sew, Mama, Sew for inspiration for my creating is that it has broadened my horizons, color-wise. Colors that I once avoided I now happily embrace and collect. Especially when buying FAT QUARTERS! Thanks to all for being such a good influence!
What great info. I didn’t know all that about fat quaters. I have a bunch that I love and haven’t used yet.
I just bought Fat Quarters at Joann’s last night. I am new to sewing so when I was browsing in fabric I saw these and had to pick some up. Now I know the benefits. Thanks.
I just stumbled upon this site for the first time today. Lucky me! I LOVE fat quarters! I buy way more than I know what to do with and look forward to being inspired by some new projects. Thank you!!!
Yum!
As a person who doesn’t sew but loves to craft, I found this helpful so thanks!
How enlightening! Thanks!
thank you! great help!
I never knew the that fat quarters had so many great benefits. I always thought they were just for quilting. Thanks!
Thanks for featuring fat quarter packs in your shop! Fat quarters are so versatile, and you hit it right-on with the addictive aspect, I just love ’em. I would love to pair the orange fat quarters with some blues I have, I’ve been waiting for just the right fabrics to make a lap quilt.
Thank you sew much for that info, i never knew what the difference was between the two quarters. I am new to sewing/quilting, so this was a great bit of information!
I love fat quarters!! Winning them would be great, so I could finally get caught up on all these fantastic patterns I’m finding out here!
Thanks for this. I’m new to sewing so this was definitely very informative for me.
Thank you so much for this explanation! I’ve always wondered what a fat quarter was but was too embarrassed to ask =-)
Great info on fat quarters….now is there such a thing as skinny quarters? 🙂
Ok I have a fat quarter question that has perplexed me forever a true fabric eternity. ….If you wash before you sew can’t the shrinkage really screw up your measurements? …like if I got a precut (jelly roll) I would not be able to wash the fabric first right? it would be hazardous? so how does one get around this? thanks amylou
I had no idea… thanks for the info!
I’m new to the world of fat quarters and loving it! Thanks!
Orange FQ’s? Dreamy. . .
Ahhhh so that’s what it all means! Thanks for writing this in easy-to-understand language.
This past week my sister and I were in a quilt shop and she asked this very question. personally, I’m addicted to Fat Qs.
Okay, I am officially in love with your fat quarters. (Do you know how funny that would sound if you were talking about the “fat quarters” on a person?! ha! ha!)
Thank you! I had never even heard of a fat quarter!
Thank you for this explanation. I’ve researched it before, but this is the best one I’ve found!
Wow. I’ve been sewing since childhood and have never known the difference between a quarter yard and a fat quarter. Thanks!
Thank you! It’s nice to finally understand what a fat quarter is! This is very helpful!
Oh I was SO glad to see this post!!!! I was going to look it up sometime, but you posted this. THANK YOU!!! I even sent it to my small group and half are vets and the other half rookies. So I know we’ll all benefot from this and putting us all on the same page!
*hugs*
Thank you!!!
Jackie
How interesting! I never knew exactly what made a fat quarter, errr, a fat quarter so this was great to read!
This is so helpful! Thank you!
Surprisingly enough I did not know that about fat quarters. Thank you.
Thanks for a great explanation! I have bought scrap 1/4 yards of fabric before, thinking it will be perfect for a project, only to have to cobble something together because it is only 9″ wide. I am starting to feel the pull towards fat quarters, and I can’t wait to see all the projects you can make with them:-)
I really enjoy all of the projects and information.
Awesome! I’ve always wondered what the deal is with fat quarters. I recently have started to collect them but don’t really know what to do with them yet.
Thanks, I’ve always wondered what a fat quarter was. I am just getting into sewing and I keep finding that term. It’s nice to know what I am reading now 🙂
ooooo…… delicious fat quarters…. drool, drool….. my precious-es……
This was really helpful! I’ve been flirting on the edges of sewing and quilting for some time now, and am thoroughly enjoying the blog and look forward to learning more!
I’d love to say the reason I like fat quarters if for sewing/quilting purposes– but at this point– with my fabric addicttion– the advantage of fat quarters is storage. Easier to fold– easier to store,,,
My favorite color in the whole world is orange. I would love to win the orange fat quarters.
Looking forward to seeing all the projects!
You know, I really always wondered what the difference was between fat quarters and 1/4 yard of fabric, and now I know. 🙂
I need to bookmark this page to direct friends to when they ask what a fat quarter is. You do a much better job explaining than I do!
Thank you for the explanation– I was browsing the quilt fabric section of the store the other day and was wondering!!
Thanks for explaining this. I never knew how the cuts were made. Clearly a newbie, I know. I just thought it was a great way to build a stash.
Anna S.
I always wondered what the difference was! Thanks!
I can’t wait to get started!!!
I like fat quarters to use in scrap quilts.
I, too, love the fat quarter because the fold up and stack so nicely on the shelf. Ahhhh…..
I love the beautiful baby booties made with the orange alligator fat quarter…Thanks for the info about fat quarters. I remember being a new quilter and wondering what fat quarters were and how to use them. Thank goodness I had great quilting friends. I love fat quarters to this day and usually buy them before I buy yardage it is a great way to get a lot of variety..thanks shelly lehto
I always forget that the fabric will be less stretchy if a cut parallel to the edge, this explains why I frequently end up with quilt blocks that are not very precise.
Finally – a great illustrated answer to the question that has been bugging me. Thanks for that. 🙂
Thanks for posting this here! It took me a long time to figure out what a fat quarter was , so I am sure that you enlightened others!
Thanks! I could tell there was something “special” about fat quarters but not sure exactly what until now. (Now–what is a charm square?)
What a wonderfully clear explaination of what fat quarters are and with visuals too! Nicely done.
I love fat quarters and charm packs. I can enjoy a new line that comes out without spending too much money.
How timely – we’re looking for orange fat quarters to make quilt blocks we will use in the centerpieces at our wedding.
I had been wondering what exactly a Fat Quarter was, so thanks for the explanation! I am not a quilter so never even considered that they may be of use to me in sewing other projects! I will definitely have to pick some up. I always see some great FQ packs at my local fabric store. 🙂 Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this explanation. My husband and I were debating the difference between fat quarters and 1/4 of a yard. Thank you for clearing it up for me.
Thanks for the great giveaway~
Oh, no! A fat quarter section in the shop? I don’t know if that will help control the stash or be the cotton that broke the camel’s back!
=]
Great information, many thanks for that.
Not I know that fat quarters aren’t just remnants but are purpously cut. Thanks!
aHA! Thank you, that is super helpful.
I love how they fold! And if you buy them cut they are folded just right and stack perfectly!
Nice and neat and ready for action, and you can see all you got easly!
Thanks for the tutorial, my daughter loved it and now she understands!
It was simple enough for even a 7 year old!
Thanks a Million~
Rane
Finally a way to explain the difference to my hubby! I love fat quarters for those small projects or great quilts and things! I can’t wait to see the rest of the FQ projects y’all have up your sleeves!
I always wondered how a fat quarter was cut. I never knew the benefits of fat quarters–besides their width, of course!
Wow…Thanks for the info. I knew a fat was different then a regular quarter but I wasn’t sure who or why…
Thanks. I learned something new.
I had no idea what a fq was so thank you for the explanation, I feel enlightened…and excited to possibly win some for my next quilt, quilt #7.
Thanks for the helpful explanation. I’ve always loved fat quarters, if only because they come in such pretty little packages!
Thanks! I am just beginning to delve into this whole world of sewing. I am happy for the added info, now I am ready to purchase (or win!) my very first fat quarter.
Thank you for such a great explanation – now, it totally makes sense!
I am so glad you posted this. I never knew what they were and didn’t want to buy any for fear of spending lots of money and not getting what I had hoped for! Thanks so much!
So helpful! I am a beginner and always wondered what the difference was, besides cost. I am convinced!
What a great explanation of what a fat quarter is.
I’m new at quilting…well not new, but I don’t know what I’m doing really because I’ve just been teaching myself. People always talk about fat quarters and I had no idea what it was. I’ve even Googled it and couldn’t find a good answer. Your pictures make sense and thank you. There’s a woman from my church that sometimes babysits my boys and she works at a quilting store in town. I’ve always wanted to ask her but didn’t want to bother her with my questions. She’s always making fat quarters when she’s over watching the boys (who are usually sleeping when she’s here ;)) and it seemed like it should be easy, but I didn’t know what it was. Thanks! I will not forget.
You might want to mention that some quilt shops will cut fat quarters from the bolt for you..and some will not. A fat quarter is usually a bit more in price than a 1/4 of fabric off the bolt…but it is worth it as the FQ is much more versatile.
Also…many patterns are designed for a quantity of fat quarters (Yellow Brick Road, etc.) A handful of fat quarters can make auditioning fabrics much easier than wrangling bolts of fabric.
I choose FQ’s with the printed selvedge so I can recall the line of fabric (don’t tell anyone!!!!)
Sometimes a shop will cut up the final few yards on a bolt into FQ’s. I have often found the yardage I needed in buying multiple FQs of the same print (if there is no yardage left).
I first encountered FQ’s at a quilt shop in Chamblee, Georgia (near Atlanta)in 1982 run by the founders of the Yours Truly fabric line…a fabric line that brought a fresh revival to the quilt world. This was Marti Mitchell’s shop, I believe. They cost about 99cents then.
~JaneR
Thanks for the info, and…..I simply love orange!
I’ve always wondered exactly what a fat quarter was!
Now I know!
Thanks to your simplified explanation.
WOW! Thanks,
I always look at the fat quarters, but not being a quilter (yet!)- just a fabric hound- I’m never sure what I would do with them. This is really inspiring!!
Well, you sure can learn something new everyday! Thanks so much for your tutorial. Fat quarters are always so great looking-and easy to store.
Thank you. I am looking forward to an awesome fat quarter month!
great explain. i love those fat quarters. they are a quick purchase to in the stores.
who knew!
This is so helpful! Thanks!
Thanks so much! I am a new sewer who knew what a fat quarter was, but not why it was good!
fancy February fat fun month! Whoo hoo.. I never knew that, I always wondered why it was a big deal that they were 99 cents.. I thought they were 12×12
I love fat quarters! A perfect way to have a wide variety of fabrics for projects. And cheers for orange this week. Seeing that color everywhere is making me yearn for spring!
Thanks for the info on fat quarters. I learned something yet again from your wonderful tutorials. Keep ’em coming!
Fat quarters are my favorite! Thanks for the explanation!
Thanks! I really never knew what made a Fat Quarter fat.
Fat quarters are so awesome! Much more versatile than 1/4 yard!
Thanks for the explanation of a fat quarter. I’ve never bought any as I had no idea what they were. Now I am off to check out your new fat corner section.
Thank you for the wonderful explanation – I knew about some of those benefits, but not all.
YaY for the new FQ section of the shop. An online place to satisfy my obsession.
Thanks for the lesson. I’m new at sewing so I need lots of lessons.
accoupons at gmail dot com
A new fat quarter section? Great!! I’m going to take a peek right now.
Thank you for that explanation. I’ve been asked so many times and can explain the measurements, but never the “why?” other than “FQ’s are just more convenient sometimes”. I’m starring this post. Thanks for FQ month!
I like the way you have explained with the photos what a Fat Quarter is.
I had a stop in at the FQ section… what lovely eye candy!
-Alice
Thanks for fully explaining that for me. I love looking at fat quarters, but didn’t know exactly what they were since I’m new at this quilting business.
Thanks for the wonderful Information.
What a great explanation. I have never used fat quarters before, not really knowing what they were. Thanks for making it so clear! (The pictures were very helpful!)
I think this was explained to me once, but it’s helpful to see what a fat quarter looks like and visually how it differs from a 1/4 yard. Thanks!
I knew that infor re fat quarters since I tend to use them alot in my quilting, but
I would really like to know what kind of electric scissors you are using in the photos above???
My names Ellie and I am addicted to fat quarters.
Thank you for the info! It is shocking how much I do not know about quilting….and I am so eager to learn. Keep the facts and hints coming!
Susan
Great explanation…I had no idea.
Thanks for the fat quarter info. I haven’t been able to do any quilting yet, so all of the background and information you provided is incredibly helpful to a wannabe quilter like myself!
Thanks for explaining this I have never bought fat quarters but I love the idea of the packs all the fabrics matching so i don’t have to try and figure out what goes good together. I looked at the ones you offer they are beautiful fabrics. I thought about listing my favorites but as I looked at all of them I couldn’t pick a favorite all the packs are beautiful.
thanks for the info. I don’t do much quilting. Usually I buy fat quarters when they are packaged together because it takes the guess work out of coordinating fabrics.
You have great fat quarters in your store! Thanks.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’ve been bitten by the bug to start quilting and this kind of info is WONDERFUL. I’ve been so inspired by all the talent within this one blog. Thanks again.
erica
This was helpful. Thank you.
Ah, it all makes sense now. : )
Oooh, great info! Thanks!
I really like the explaination of the reason for a fat quater. Never really thought about it!
I’m very new to sewing so I’m looking forward to all of the information/explanations and tutrials this month!
Thanks for the info. I’ve used fat quarters before, but never really knew why they were called that, what they were, or what anyone else used them for. Now I know!
I love the idea of Fat Quarters in February. I’m a fat quarter junkie, myself, so I’m sure I’ll try everything at some point. Can’t wait to see what will be posted on my birthday! (3 weeks)
Thanks for the info.
Hey girls! So excited for FQ month. YAYAYAYAYAY!
Very nice photo demonstration!
Man! All the information I needed but was too ashamed to ask for. I always figured I was the only one who didn’t know the difference between a fat quarter and 1/4 yd. Thanks so much! But now I feel the need to buy……. 🙂
I had no idea….LOL
Ahhh….a great mystery solved for a non-quilter like me. Thanks and I’m looking forward to all the projects.
i never knew that, how wonderful of you all to cure all of our ills:)
Thanks for this post. It explained a lot! I am so excited that this month is Fat Quarter Month! I am new to sewing so I am looking forward to all the tutorials!!
I’m already excited about this month!
I recently just bought my first pack of fat quarters. I only bought them because of the coordinated kit but now I know I bought so much more than that!
Looking forward to this month’s chance to win FQ’s! 🙂
I enjoy the tutorials you have on here, they always inspire me.
Ohhhhh, I need some fat quarters in my stash and I love orange!!!
THanks I always wondered what the difference was in a fat quarter and 1/4 yard but never took the time to figure it out myself. This site has taught me so much. Thanks
Thank you for this explanation! I have two fat quarters at home, that were door gifts at a fabric store. I opened them up and couldn’t for the life of me understand what was so “quarter”ly about them. My ignorance is now cured, thanks to you: same total area, different dimensions. Thank you!
Fat quarters are my friend. I use them a lot to make everything toys, shoes, quilts. Thank for showing this, last year I had no idea, But your visual is good. thanks
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I never knew the difference and that helps to know how they are cut differently from a regular 1/4 yard.
This is an excellent example of the difference between fat quarters and quarter yards… nice to visualize. I recently found an etsy seller who offers fat eighths – which are perfect for small quilt projects, like stacked coins.
Great information!! I love me some yummy fat quarters!! 🙂 🙂
Rachel
I always wondered. Thanks for the info!
thanks for this explanation. hooray for orange!
Great info! I am pretty new at buying fabric. Could there be a post about where to buy fat quarters online? I see that all the projects on these sites have beautiful fabric. I have yet to find a place that sells such great coordinating fabric.
Its nice to see a simple explaination of a fat quarter. I work in a fabric store but we have a limited supply of quilting fabrics and no pre-cut fat quarters, and since I’m not a quilter it’s a term I’m not really familiar with. This will help me better understand what my quilting customers are looking for next time they ask if we have fat quarters. 🙂
I had wondered about charms, thanks.
I love fat quartes. They can be quite fun!
I love fat quarters. It gets my creative juices flowing! Too bad I don’t do all that I want to!
I had no idea…thanks…
Great info, I have always wondered why they were so popular. It makes perfect sense now!
Thank you ! I really love this blog.
Cecile
That makes so much sense! I knew the size of a Fat Quarter, (thanks to Google!), but I didn’t realise why it was cut that way. Now I know 😉
Just got to get some now!
I too never really think about the lengthwise versus crosswise grain–good point. I am very excited to see what you have in store this month…yea for Sew Mama Sew!
this is really helpful material, no pun intended!
I’m really looking forward to a month of fat quarter tutorials and tips. We’re off to a great start!
Thanks for the explanation! I always wondered what exactly constituted a “fat quarter”.
I am so glad you explained what a fat quarter was. I had no idea. So thanks! I love posts like these.
thanks for this. CK was just asking me yesterday what a Fat Quarter was and I palmed him off with some lame explanation. Yours will greatly appeal to the scientist in him.
great explanation, thanks!
Thanks! I’m just a beginner, so I never understood why a fat quarter was different from a quarter yard or why I might prefer a fat quarter!
I’m looking forward to seeing new ways to use fat quarters.
You must have read my mind. I am just getting back into the sewing swing after years of neglecting this fun hobby. I appreciate this great information and have become addicted to this blog. Thank you. (I NEED fabric!!!)
Love buying FQs! And hoping actually to use some in new projects this month — can’t wait to see the projects you have for us.
This post was great!! I’ve been using fat quarters for awhile but have really never known exactly *what* it was. Now I’ve been educated!! 🙂 I love all the fat quarters I see at the store but am always hesitatant to buy them ’cause I never know what exactly to do with them so I’m excited about this month!!
Can’t wait for more fq ideas. I love them. They are affordable and let you get lots of different prints. Especially love fq bundles….all the color is done for you…
LOVE orange…
orange, orange, brights just when we need them!
I’m really excited about Fat Quarter Month! I just got a sewing machine, and I can’t wait to learn about quilting. 🙂
Good to know! Thanks so much!
I was wondering what it was and fought of it as actually thickened fabric for quilting! haha
Thanks for enlightening me!
Finally…an explanation that worked for me. they never know how to explain it at the fabric stores…silly I know. I’m new to all of this. I’m only on my third quilt ever!
Wow, I love your website and all your wonderful information. I’ve been quilting for 15yrs and it’s refreshing to a website with all the information you have. I love fat quarters. At one time I had a dozen boxes of FQs but I’ve managed to use some of them. There is so much you can do with a fat quarter!
Thanks,
MaryLou
I love smaller projects, so fat quarters are my favorite!
I always look at fat quarters and wonder what I am going to make from them.
I am so loving this moth allready and all the new fun things i can make with a fat quarter.
Great information! Thanks.
I always wondered what the heck that meant. Thanks!
Thanks for a great explanation!
yahoo for fat quarters!
I never knew some of that about fat quarters. I just thought they were cute and convenient!
Yay for FQ’s!
I LOVE fat quarters!! I am looking forward to all the fun events in February.
Thanks for the info. Very interesting.
Love FQs!! They’re just so versatile. 🙂
I’m so happy your doing this! I just can’t resist picking up a few fat quarters whenever I’m in a fabric store. This’ll give me so much more to do with them.
very interesting. i am a beginning sewer and just found this website…thanks so much for the info.
Thanks for the info. I’ve never really thought about what exactly a fat quarter is. Now I know.
Oooh, I’m glad to see you have a new fat quarter section to the shop. It looks great!
Thank you for the information…I never knew exactly what “fat quarter” meant.
I learned what a fat quarter was a few years back when you did a post like this… since then I’ve used them for so many different projects. I love them. 🙂 I really love how I can get a bunch of coordinating fabrics for apron projects, and the like.
This answered questions I didn’t even knew that I had!
I’ll add my voice of thanks–I knew what a fat quarter was, but the photos made it even more clear–I love learning new things from you guys!
Thanks for explaining what a fat quarter is. I have always wondered.
The light has finally turned on! Thanks for this little tid bit. I’ve been wondering for so long what one was exactly, but was never able to understand the difference when reading everyone else’s description. You’ve made it very clear and now I think I get it.
And all this time I thought it was just a a quarter of a yard. I never buy them because I thought they were too skinny!
Thanks for the information…..I love buying Fat Quarters.
I always wondered what the difference was – this explains a lot. Now what’s a jelly roll??
Do you know the history behind fat quarters? I just wonder when they started to be sold, etc…
i love fat quarters. i love buying a new fabric as a fat quarter, to see how it fits into my stash and then i often buy more. I can also make a tote bag out of one fat quarter, so it’s just perfect!
ooh…i must say i love fat quarters, especially when you really love a fabric, but have no idea what to do with them…
Thanks you SO much for explaining this – I was so sure I was the only one who didn’t know what a fat quarter is! (I’m a fabric/sewing newbie! 🙂 )
Love the explanation. Addictive is right. I pick up a few each time I go to the shop. I’m getting quite a collection. One of these days I’m going to have to use them.
Lovely…I have a few quarters I want to play with now 🙂
Fat quarters are my way of indulging in irresistible fabrics. And so fun to use in projects.
Lorrie
Thanks for the thorough explanation! As a novice, I’d read one before elsewhere but was still a little fuzzy on the details. This cleared it right up.
I’m very excited about Fat Quarter month. Almost all the fabric I buy is in fat quarters, so this is going to be great. And now, I think I’ll head over to the new FQ section in the store. Thanks!
“Fat quarters allow you to cut longer strips along the lengthwise grain of the fabric (parallel to the selvage edge), which is preferable to crosswise because it is less stretchy.”
I did not know this, thanks for the tips!
You could have titled this ‘everything you wanted to know about fat quarters, but were afraid to ask’. Thank-Q
I usually didn’t buy fat quarters but I didn’t know they had so many advantages. i will think twice next time. Thanks!!!
I love fat quarters. . .they’re one of my favorite things about sewing. It’s nice to have a sampling of a whole line without breaking the bank!
That’s a great point about being able to cut longer strips along the lengthwise grain. The lengthwise versus crosswise grain is something I need to keep in mind more. I’m very aware of the bias, but only really think about the other directions with regard to how the pattern “faces” and not the stretchiness of the fabric. I would probably save myself a lot of trouble if I kept that in mind!
Thanks!! I am new to this & all the info is great!
I have so much trouble resisting fat quarters when I’m at the fabric store. I’m over the moon excited that you are doing an entire month of fat quarter inspiration!
Thanks for your wonderful explanation of fat quarters. I am new to quilting and have wondered exactly what the measurements are. Can’t wait to buy some!
Thank you for the explanation! Not being a quilter, and being fairly new to sewing, I had no idea what they were. I have been drawn to all the pretty bunches of them I alway see in the fabric store though!
And fat quarters are an easy, relatively inexpensive way to satisfy a fabric craving!
This is a great explanation. I’m sending the link to a friend of mine, who asked me this very question. Thanks!
Loving all the fat quarter info this month.
Love your choice of color this week. Orange is my favorite.
I do love a fatty.
impressive! I hadn’t had a clue. But now i know!
Thank you so much for this post! I have know generally what a fat-quarter is, but not in detail about the cut. This was very informative for a beginner, like me. Thanks!
Thank you so much for not assuming that we know all the terms! I had no idea what a fat quarter was. I’m hoping I’ll be able to join in on at least one of the projects this month.
Wow… I didn’t realize all of those benefits! I can’t wait for more “fat” posts!
Thanks for the info. Did not know all the advantages to a FQ versus a quarter yard cut!
Thanks for putting in writing Why I love FQ`s.
Thanks for the explanation. I love collecting them, I just need to settle down and USE them!
Inquiring minds want to know and I should have known that the answer would be @ Sew Mama Sew!
Thanks so much!
I knew the difference was in the cut, but now I know how to MAKE a fat quarter! It makes so much sense! Thanks for the information!!
Thank you so much for this little info bit! I have a huge stash of fat quarters but didn’t know exactly what made them different from a 1/4 yard cut! (Obviously I’m new to this whole quilting thing!) I usually use them for little projects like bibs and scrapbooking projects!
Thanks!
i recently ordered a fat quarter online and for some reason they sent me a 1/4 yard. it was pretty stinky. i did not realize the limitations until recently. now i will order a fat quarter or atleast a half yard.
I’d been wondering what a fat quarter was (I’m very new to quilting) – thanks for the explanation!
A new fat quarter section – how exciting! Off to check it out…
Being a beginner quilter this helps explain things a bit more. Thanks!
Thanks so much! I learn so much from things like this!