how much to buy
11-17-2010, 05:30 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bay City Michigan
Posts: 38
I'm a new quilter and yes I am addicted. I find quilting ideas and colors running through my mind all the time. Of course I have no idea how to make them all. But the biggest problem is when I go into a fabric shop with no quilt pattern in mind and see a piece of material that I know I must have for some future quilt. How much to buy? That is troubling me. Did I buy enough for that future quilt. What does the experienced quilter do? A yard? Two yards? Please help.
11-17-2010, 05:38 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kansas City area USA
Posts: 421
there are no hard and fast 'rules' when it comes to buying fabric!! I have purchased an entire bolt down to a single fat quarter....and all lengths in between. If it is a focus fabric, I would try for at least 2 yards and if it is a backing fabric, at leat 5-6 yards. solids and tone on tones, I try for a half yard. I do a lot of scrappy styles and can usually go into my stash room and pull out what I need. When in doubt...buy more....there is no experation date on fabric. I just pulled out a Valentine print with the year 2000 on the salvege.....cute little cupids and hearts!!
Jodi in Kansas
Jodi in Kansas
11-17-2010, 05:45 PM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cleveland OH
Posts: 3,220
I have that same problem. What I've found is after looking at a bunch of quilt patterns, I'm kind of getting a feel for yardages. Go on line and download some patterns (they're all over the place) and look at the requirements for different patterns such as Irish Chain, Double Wedding Ring, Flying Geese, etc. Then when you see a fabric you can't live without you'll have some idea of how much you need and...then add a yard or so!!!
11-17-2010, 07:14 PM
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
2 yds if you like it, 3+ if you LOVE it :wink:
I find that by purchasing 2yds, I will have a nice amount of fabric for many patterns.
If I find really good deals, I will buy enough so I can use it for a quilt back :D:D:D
I find that by purchasing 2yds, I will have a nice amount of fabric for many patterns.
If I find really good deals, I will buy enough so I can use it for a quilt back :D:D:D
05-20-2011, 07:29 AM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,625
I have the same problem, so depending on how much I like it, what it cost and wether or not I want to use it for the focus fabric I buy a yard aor two. I'm still having problems trying to figure the backing fabric out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
danmar
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
62
03-12-2010 05:56 PM
