How do you use fat quarters?
#1
How do you use fat quarters?
I'm unclear about the attraction of fat quarters. Please explain how you use them. I tried to search, but not very effective. I see the obvious: pot holders, little pouches, etc.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,885
Many patterns call for just enough fabric (18 x 22) so that you don't have to overbuy yardage to make that item. Fat Quarters can be cut into various sizes, mini charms, 5" charms triangles, hexigons, triangles, strips, etc. If you purchase a fat quarter bundle you can be assured your colors and size of prints will all coordinate. If you love scrappy quilts they way many of us do, then fat quarters really come on handy. I love picking fat quarters up in quilt shops to bring home. I have a little of a wonderful print, didn't spend much money, and cam make something truly unique. Google fat quarter quilts and you will be able to see many great patterns for them.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,890
#6
I love fat quarters! So many patterns call for them, and it’s a great way to get a wide selection of fabrics for a quilt, especially if you like scrappy quilts. I like Bonnie Hunter quilts so its great to pick a pattern and pick everything out from my stash. About 75% of all my quilts are made from them.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
Pick a pieced block you like and do one block with one fat quarter. If you use the same background colour fabric, it ties the quilt top all together. Bonnie Hunter just used up a ton of floral pieces for a backing for her latest quilt.
I have been using some of my fat quarters for masks. Yes I am still getting requests for the 3D masks as we are back in lockdown.
I have been using some of my fat quarters for masks. Yes I am still getting requests for the 3D masks as we are back in lockdown.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,046
I love fat quarters, too. I make art quilts mostly and often just need a small piece of a particular color. Recently I did a 9 patch quilt and wanted colors to go around the color wheel, blending visually from one color to the other. The fat quarters were all from my stash and I only needed a small amount of each one. I got to use the fabric and still have it!
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,412
Fat quarters are great for the focus fabric parts of a quilt block. I use a fat quarter like yardage. I cut strips, squares, and so forth from it . I have a die that is made to cut fat quarters into all the useable basic shapes too. I can put a stack of fat quarters on the die and get a stack of pre pre cuts in no time.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 2,525
I am team FQ all the way! 99% of my quilts and projects are made with FQ's. I do a lot of wall hangings, and applique and HST, and they are just perfect for that. I also love picking up FQ's at every quilt store I stop at. I often buy them on sale, and pay between 99 cents and $4. I think I have 200+, and they just keep multipying! Obviously I still need yardage for borders, backing, and binding.