A comment on another thread got me wondering...

Are FQs worth a premium price? Not talking a LOT extra...

As in, if running yardage costs $8 / yard, is $2.25 a fair price for a FQ? Or should it be $2?

Is it worth the little bit extra? Or not?

Quilt shops do it both ways. I figure if I only want a fat quarter, it is worth the extra quarter.

I see it as a way for quilt stores to streamline cutting. If they had to cut a quarter yard of several prints, it would take time. If they are busy, the line would get long and customers would complain. By cutting fat quarters in off-peak hours, it allows shoppers to get what they want without having to wait at a cutting table for small pieces. I also think stores sell more fabric when they make it easier on the customers. So, should they charge more for a FQ when it actually improves their business and makes the customer happier? I wouldn't be happier paying more for the same fabric just because of the cut and they wouldn't be too happy if I held up a line at the cutting table because I wanted fifteen 1/4 cuts from fifteen different bolts. However, if it made the difference in paying $3.75 more for that fabric, I might think about doing exactly that. It does add up over time. Not only that, but I would probably go to a store that didn't charge more if I was looking to add to my FQ stash or do a FQ quilt.

I think they are - after all there is labor involved for them and convenience for us.

IMHO it depends. I had a thread a few months ago concerning FQs. The pattern called for fats 18 x 22 but after I prewashed and cut off the white selvage my fats were only 18 x 21 and I couldn't get the number of strips I needed. Ended up having to buy another FQ.

They have to pay someone to do all the cutting.

If the store sells all FQ at the same price they may just be averaging the price, rather than making more labor to label each one and needing to charge even more.

If a fat quarter costs more than a quarter yard cut (which is usually the case), I get a quarter yard cut. Plus, that way I'm assured that I indeed get a fat quarter. The rest goes into my stash as a fat quarter. After all, stash is where it's at !!! :lol: I only buy fat quarters anymore if they are on sale at a great price or if the fat quarter is the only piece of that "must have" fabric. My one exception to this is I am addicted to black & white fat quarter bundles.

By the way, was in JoAnn's and noticed that their fat quarters were gone except for a small pile of uglies. The sales clerk said that they were eliminating them because they weren't selling. Anyone else notice this?

I have been told that you can get more out of a fat...instead of a of a one forth yard....you cant get 2 fats out of on forth yard.

Wow wish fabric was $8 a yrd. My quilt shop is $9.99 and up per yard. I would pay a bit extra because truthfully sometimes I just want a small piece (or its all I can afford) and I would rather have a fat quarter than a quarter yard more times than not. So a tiny bit more? Worth it and there was labor involved up front, cutting, putting the little stickie to hold it shut, pricing individual items.. yes worth a bit more. oh heck, I just love fabric. It is a serious addiction.. just one more..

I do understand about having to cut and label the fat quarters. I guess if a store can sell them for more, then they probably do well, since it is all about the profit for them.

Likewise, as a customer, it is all about getting the best deal for my hard-earned $$$.

Nowadays, I can just go on the internet and find FQs at a good price without having to leave my house. It has be worth driving over to my LQS.

As far as the labor... should fabric stores add a labor fee when they cut fabric from the bolt or helping a customer select coordinating colors?