quilting fabric by the yard
If you are new to quilting, you might have heard the term 'Fat Quarter' and wondered why your fabric needs a fitness plan. In reality, a Fat Quarter is the 'gold standard' unit of measurement for quilters.
Whether you are browsing a local boutique or a massive online Fat Quarter Shop, understanding how these cuts work—and how they compare to buying quilting fabric by the yard—is essential for any successful project.
1. What Exactly is a Fat Quarter?
To understand a Fat Quarter, you first need to know how fabric is usually cut. Most quilting cotton comes in a width of about 44 inches.
-
A Standard Quarter Yard: If you ask for a 'quarter yard' at a craft store, they will cut 9 inches off the bolt. You get a long, skinny strip measuring 9' x 44'.
-
A Fat Quarter: To make a Fat Quarter, the yard is first cut into a half-yard (18'), and then that piece is cut in half vertically. This results in a 'fat' rectangle measuring approximately 18' x 22'.
The Benefit: A Fat Quarter gives you a more 'square' shape, which is much easier to use for cutting out quilt blocks, applique shapes, or larger patches compared to a skinny 9-inch strip.
2. Fat Quarters vs. Quilting Fabric by the Yard
When should you buy individual Fat Quarters, and when should you buy by the yard?
Choose Fat Quarters when:
-
Building a Stash: You want a wide variety of colors and prints without spending a fortune on full yards.
-
Scrappy Quilts: Your pattern requires many different fabrics in small amounts.
-
Collection Sampling: You want to own every print from a specific designer’s new line.
Choose Fabric by the Yard when:
-
Backgrounds & Borders: You need a large, continuous piece of fabric for the 'negative space' of your quilt.
-
Backing & Binding: You need long, uninterrupted strips (for binding) or a massive piece to cover the entire back of the quilt.
-
Cost Savings: Buying quilting fabric by the yard is usually cheaper per square inch than buying individual Fat Quarters.
3. How to Shop a Fat Quarter Shop Like an Expert
Online stores and local shops often organize their 'Fat Quarter Bundles' in specific ways. Here is how to navigate them:
-
Curated Bundles: These are pre-selected by the shop staff. They might mix different designers to create a 'Mood' (e.g., 'Farmhouse Christmas' or 'Summer Citrus'). This is great if you struggle with color theory!
-
Designer Bundles: These include every fabric from a single collection. They are guaranteed to match perfectly.
-
The 'Single' Bin: Most shops have a bin of individual Fat Quarters. Use these as 'fillers' to add a pop of a specific color to a bundle you already have.
4. Quick Conversion Chart
| Fabric Amount | Dimensions (Approx.) | Total Area |
| Standard 1/4 Yard | 9' x 44' | 396 sq. inches |
| Fat Quarter | 18' x 22' | 396 sq. inches |
| 1/2 Yard | 18' x 44' | 792 sq. inches |
| 1 Full Yard | 36' x 44' | 1,584 sq. inches |
5. Pro Tip: The 'Pressing' Truth
When you buy Fat Quarters, they often arrive tightly folded. Because they have more 'bias' (diagonal) edges than a standard cut, they can distort if you iron them too aggressively.
-
The Fix: Use a light steam or a fabric starch like Best Press to flatten the creases before you start cutting. Always press (lift the iron up and down) rather than iron (slide the iron back and forth) to keep your squares perfectly square.
Build Your Dream Stash
Whether you are hunting for a specific floral print or just want to browse the digital aisles of a Fat Quarter Shop, knowing your measurements is the key to a stress-free sewing room.