fat quarters
Walking into a fat quarters shop for the first time can be overwhelming. You see beautiful stacks of fabric tied with ribbons, labeled with names like 'Layer Cakes,' 'Jelly Rolls,' and the most famous of all—the Fat Quarter.
But what exactly is a fatquarter, and why is it better than a standard cut? Let’s break down the math and the magic of quilting sizes.
1. The Anatomy of a Fat Quarter
In the world of textiles, fabric is usually sold by the 'linear yard.' A standard yard is 36 inches long and typically 42–44 inches wide.
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A Standard Quarter Yard: If you ask for a 'quarter yard,' the shop cuts a thin 9-inch strip across the full width of the fabric. This is long and skinny—not very useful for cutting large squares.
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A Fat Quarter (FQ): To make a fatquarter, the shop cuts a half-yard (18 inches) and then cuts it in half vertically along the fold.
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The Result: You get a chunky piece of fabric measuring approximately 18' x 21'.
Why it’s a favorite: The 'fat' shape gives you more usable space to cut larger pieces, such as blocks for a beginner quilt pattern.
2. The Power of Fat Quarter Bundles
Why buy just one when you can have the whole collection? Fat quarter bundles are curated sets of fabric from a single designer’s collection.
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Cohesion: Fat quarter bundles take the guesswork out of color matching. Since every piece comes from the same collection, the colors and patterns are guaranteed to look beautiful together in your simple quilt pattern.
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Versatility: One bundle is often enough to make a complete lap-sized quilt top, saving you from having to hunt for coordinating quilting materials.
3. Fat Quarters vs. 10x10 Fabric Squares
As you browse for quilting supplies, you will also encounter 10x10 fabric squares (often called 'Layer Cakes').
How do they compare?
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Fat Quarters (18' x 21'): Offer more flexibility. You can cut various shapes, strips, and smaller squares out of one FQ.
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10x10 Fabric Squares: Are strictly pre-cut. They are perfect for easy quilt patterns that require 10-inch blocks, but they don't allow for much 'fussy cutting' or larger designs.
4. How Many Pieces Can You Cut from a Fat Quarter?
To give you an idea of the value, one single fatquarter can provide:
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Twelve 5-inch squares (Charm squares)
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Two 10-inch squares
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Six 6.5-inch squares
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Or dozens of smaller scraps for applique.
5. Storage and Care
Because fatquarters are small, they are easy to collect—many quilters have a 'stash' of hundreds! When storing your quilt and fabric collection, keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you plan to pre-wash your fabric, be careful with FQs as they can fray at the edges; many experts recommend skipping the pre-wash for these small cuts.
Summary: Which should you choose?
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Choose Fat Quarter Bundles if you want the most creative freedom and want to ensure all your fabrics match perfectly.
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Choose 10x10 fabric squares if you want to finish a quilt quickly and don't want to do much cutting.