How much fabric do you buy?
06-24-2012, 08:27 AM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 781
If I find a fabric I can't live without I usually buy 4 yards (or more depending on quilt size I plan to make)to make sure I have enough border/binding fabric and also incorporate the border fabric into the quilt. Once I have a pattern, then buy the other coordinating fabrics for the quilt. I always buy more than what a pattern calls for because we all make cutting mistakes(lesson learned) and you can always make a string or scrappy quilt from left over fabrics. Better to have too much than not enough.
06-24-2012, 11:12 AM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 674
I am a scrappy gal, and a fabricholic, so I buy, buy, buy. I started out buying 1 yd pieces - one time I had a quilt shop cut 30 1/8th of a yard - I thought I was being silly, so I went to 1 yd. Then I started on the sausage pillowcases and that takes 1 1/2 yds so I get 1/2 yd for me if I buy 2 yds. If I love it 3 yds, a terrific buy, the bolt. I buy lots of neutrals and cut them in 1 1/2, 2, & 2 1/2" strips, ala Bonnie Hunter. These strip bins have been wonderful for me. I get in the mood and I pull over a certain size and start sewing.
06-24-2012, 12:07 PM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
Welcome from N. Texas. Think about how loudly the fabric calling. Some calls me that isn't going to be used because I just like to look at it! I should have bought 18 inches instead of three yards...froggyintexas
06-24-2012, 12:22 PM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: in hiding
Posts: 534
Welcome from the Bay Area of California. I'm with most of the rest of the folks here - about 3-4 yards if I love it.
I usually make lap quilts, and my husband and son are both over 6 feet tall. So any 4 yard pieces could be used for backing on a quilt. Because of budget, I am TRYING to not buy material except at sales. I have found old clothing and even old sheets can be good sources of material. THERE ARE NO QUILT POLICE HERE TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO!
I would ask yourself what your main focus will be on quilting.
For myself, I do scrappy community quilts. These don't need large pieces of material. If you are into heirloom quality quilts, then you want larger pieces so you can make that quilt sing in the same colors throughout.
Talk to people. You will find sources of material from relatives, neighbors, church members and others once you speak up about your craft. Believe us, you will have a stash in NO TIME! Good luck and let us know how you do.
I usually make lap quilts, and my husband and son are both over 6 feet tall. So any 4 yard pieces could be used for backing on a quilt. Because of budget, I am TRYING to not buy material except at sales. I have found old clothing and even old sheets can be good sources of material. THERE ARE NO QUILT POLICE HERE TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO!
I would ask yourself what your main focus will be on quilting.
For myself, I do scrappy community quilts. These don't need large pieces of material. If you are into heirloom quality quilts, then you want larger pieces so you can make that quilt sing in the same colors throughout.
Talk to people. You will find sources of material from relatives, neighbors, church members and others once you speak up about your craft. Believe us, you will have a stash in NO TIME! Good luck and let us know how you do.
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