Pulled our a very simple table runner that I may be teaching as a "beginner quilting" project at an upcoming retreat, and it calls for 3 fat quarters. I figured I'd make a sample one to take with me. Choosing ANY colors is always a big deal to me, as I always over-think it. SO I found a beautiful floral print I figured I'd use as my 'focal' point, then chose two other complimentary colors. Two out of three were 1/4 yard cuts, and until now I never realized that fat quarters are cut differently than just cutting off 1/4 yard. Am I the only idiot out here that didn't know this? The pattern's directions for cutting was simple with the fat quarter (of course), but I had to finagle some with the 1/4 yard, only doing so because I didn't want to change my mind again about fabrics. Man do I feel stupid. :shock:

(Giggles) :idea: Probably because I have cut so many.

NOPE. . I was right there with ya..

Well, we all should learn something new everyday. That's yours for today! Teehee!

Everyone has been there. The important thing is that everything worked out with your project.

its so confusing

Not sure if I'm understanding you. Do you mean you didn't realize they were 2 different shapes or that cutting would be different with either shape???

Technically, one should get exactly the same number of square inches from a "skinny" 1/4 yard and a "fat" quarter of the same fabric.

You are not alone in having to learn the difference.

I get confused on all the things like "layer cakes," etc"

You get the same square yardage but the dimensions are different and the width is limited on the 1/4 yard cut. Sometimes it's a good idea to follow directions exactly.

Well, now you know.

I bet a LOT of people just learned that from this post. It wasn't too long ago I was right there with you!