I ALWAYS prewash my fabric, so I no longer use fat quarters. You can cut your own fat quarters, I'm sure everyone has a way of cutting a fat quarter that they like (two good ways, I use). But I would say Google it, you will get videos on how to cut (you are a quilter and visual is always better). You will be able to use your stash and I would bet dollars to donuts, that you don't use 16 different fabrics. Good luck