How much fabric do you buy?

Reply Subscribe

Page 7 of 7

« First

Thread Tools

06-26-2012, 11:04 AM

#61

burchquilts

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2012

Location: Holmen, WI

Posts: 6,459

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtchick

At age 69 I am a fairly new quilter and have been lurking on this board for a while. Thank all of you for your helpful hints, suggestions, and ideas that I have learned so far. I have been making Quilts for Kids, table runners, and that sort of thing and know how much fabric to buy when I have a pattern. My question when you see fabric that is "telling you to take it home" but you don't have any specific project in mind, how much do you buy? I would like to make some larger quilts for family members, but if I don't have a pattern I have no idea how much to purchase. Being on a limited income, I can't buy "just because" but would like to build up a stash for future projects. I think I caught the "quilting bug" from this board but hopefully it isn't the 24-hour variety and they aren't working on a cure for it. <SMILES>

You needn't worry about being cured of your quilting illness any time soon. I started quilting back in the 80's & am still going strong... no cure in sight... LOL! In fact, I think the desire to acquire fabric gets worse!

06-26-2012, 12:06 PM

#62

MadQuilter

Power Poster

Join Date: Mar 2009

Posts: 15,639

Even if there is ever a cure for it, doesn't mean you need to get vaccinated. I KNOW that I will definitely not get the treatmen. hehe

06-26-2012, 03:00 PM

#63

Silver Needle

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Mechanicsville, IA

Posts: 1,497

Minimum of 2 yards. If I have a specific amount needed for a project I always get an extra yard to allow for shrinkage (I almost always prewash), to allow for squaring up, and to allow for any cutting mistakes I might make. Also I prefer to use the lengthwise grain so I try to figure for the least number of seams in borders and purchase with that in mind.

06-26-2012, 03:15 PM

#64

AUQuilter

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Posts: 3,200

I buy a half yard for variety, a whole yard if I really like it or it is a light batik as they are harder to find, and more (maybe a lot) if the price is right. I buy a lot online and just got 9 yards of a large Marcus Brothers floral print for $9 total- going to give the kaleidescope quilt a try. I love scrap quilts and have just cut up skimpily (not sure if that is a real word) cut FQs I got at a quilters' craigslist sale into squares to piece a backing- Bonnie Hunter style. Don't rule out Craigslist postings or garage sales to stay within your budget.