Subscribe To Emails
Subscribe to the YourCotton mailing list to receive updates on new arrivals and promotions (about once every 6 weeks)!
Have you been wanting to learn the basics of sewing and create beautiful and unique craft projects but need help knowing where to start? Fat quarters are an excellent and economical option for any beginner who wants to dip their toes in sewing without committing too much money or time. With this guide, you'll get all the information you need to work with fat quarters, from understanding fabric measurements and prepping your supplies down to some inspiring projects that will help kickstart your learning journey. So grab a cup of tea (or coffee!), and let's dive into all the fun possibilities with fat quarters!
A fat quarter is a quarter yard of fabric that comes in bundles often used for quilting, sewing, and other crafts. They measure approximately 18x22 inches compared to the regular quarter yards, which measure nine inches by 44 inches, making them much larger and bulkier than the normal quarter yards. The generous size makes fat quarter popular for creating all sorts of things such as clothing, accessories, and including home décor items like curtains or pillowcases.
Fat quarter bundles are often found with coordinated fabrics, making it easier for you to put together patchwork projects without worrying about whether the patterns will match each other. These bundles are also considered cost-effective since multiple customers can purchase one bundle for different projects instead of buying an entire yard of fabric when they just need a small amount.
Quilters generally buy fat quarters fabric in one-quarter, one-half, or three-quarter yard increments. A fat quarter is half of a quarter yard and is cut 18" by 22". Fat quarters are commonly used in quilting. They are sold individually or in sets.
When you buy a fat quarter, you are essentially getting a half-yard cut of fabric, but it's already been cut down to a manageable size for you. This can be helpful when you're working on a small project or just don't need a lot of fabric. Quilt shops typically sell fat quarters and often have special deals where you can buy multiple fat quarters for a discounted price.
Fat quarters are great for quilting projects, as they offer more cutting options than a regular quarter yard of fabric. In terms of lengthwise grain stability, fat quarters can be cut fat quarters into strips that are twice as long compared to regular quarter yards, making them very versatile for patchwork and appliqué.
Looking for specific quilting fabrics? Fat quarters can make building your fabric stash much simpler; buy one fat quarter for each color you wish to use, and you're off to a good start! And if you need even smaller cuts, don't forget that a single fat quarter can be folded into two equal parts consisting of a fat eighth each - great for smaller sewing projects.
If you're a quilter, fat eighths can come in very handy when creating beautiful works of art with fabric. A fat eighth is half of a fat quarter, an 18" x 21" piece of fabric most commonly sold in pre-cut bundles known as jelly rolls. To understand how many fat quarters are included in an entire bundle, it's important to know the size of fat eighths so you can divide up your fat quarters correctly. Before buying fat eighths from your local fabric store or online, make sure to always ask for their dimensions or measure them yourself to ensure that you get the exact amount you need.
When choosing fat quarters for a project, it is important to consider the overall feel and look that you want to achieve. If you are making a quilt, for example, you will want to choose fabrics that complement each other in terms of color and pattern. If you are making a garment, you will want to choose fabrics that are appropriate for the type of garment you are making as well as your style.
Fat quarters can be cut from larger pieces of fabric using a rotary cutter and mat, or they can be purchased pre-cut from fabric stores or online retailers. If you are cutting your fat quarters, it is important to use a rotary cutter and mat for accuracy. To cut a fat quarter, simply fold the fabric in half so that the selvage edges (the finished edges of the fabric) are aligned, then cut along the fold line.
Sewing with fat quarters is a great way to add variety to your projects. Whether you choose to purchase pre-cut fabric or simply cut the fabric yourself, you can easily create a wide range of looks. To begin sewing with fat quarters, it's important to properly take care of them first. Wash and dry the fabric according to the instructions on the label, then iron it for a smoother surface before getting started. You'll get better results, and your finished project will look more professional too! With just a few steps, you'll be set to start sewing with fat quarters and creating awesome pieces in no time.
Sewing with fat quarters is just like sewing with any other type of fabric; however, there are a few things to keep in mind when working with these smaller pieces of fabric. First, it is important to use sharp scissors when cutting fat quarters; otherwise, the fabric may fray or unravel at the edges.
Second, when sewing seams, be sure to use a smaller seam allowance than you would normally use; this will help prevent the seams from becoming too bulky. Finally, if you are working with multiple layers of fat quarters (such as when quilting), be sure to use extra pins or weights to keep the layers from shifting while you sew.
Fat quarters are a great way to get started sewing, and they can be used for a variety of projects. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to sew with fat quarters like a pro! Have you ever sewed with fat quarters? What project did you create?
