Don't forget that little fabric shops have a lot of overhead. It is not simply the cost of fabric, but also there is labor involved in cutting the fat quarters. I know people are unwilling to pay others for their time (so it seems), but unless you have been involved in the business end of quilting, there are a lot of unseen variables. It is not that small business are trying to cheat the public, so I hope people consider this when they complain about the price of fabric at LQS's. (Sorry if this sounds like a rant)

My LQS has FQ for $3.00 also. There are other shops around that have sales, but I figure, get the yard and cut your own FQ (4 all the same). If my math is correct you should be able to lower the cost of the FQ, however, you don't get the variety as with the FQ.

Not every small LQS has multiple employees. Some are single owner shops, who do everything themselves, unless they have a family member who helps out for free. I'm sorry if I'm taking this too personally, but as the sister of a new quilt shop owner, I'm a little frustrated by some people who only see things from one side. Every story has two sides.

besides overhead etc, they are selling off ends of bolts cut into fat quarters and fabric that Noah shipped in. The cost to the public is not the cost to the store either. They are selling impulse items that require no cutting time at the time of the sale.
Rita

Also don't forget you are paying for the "fat" - if you bought a quarter yard of fabric at $9.50 divided by 4, you would be getting a 9" wide strip.

FQ's here are $3.25 now. Batik yardage is still under $11, prints between $9 and $10.

I don't blame the shops one little bit, and if they can get that much for a FQ, more power to them...especially if it means they can keep the price of yardage lower by even 25¢ or so. It's really no different than buying one can of Coke for 75¢ vs. a 12 pack for $3.99.

No I noticed that too.

yes, our LQS charges almost $3 for a fat quarter.. Terrible isn't it.

I hate to tell you but that is normal in Canada. if not a little on the low side. Cotton is about $15\meter.

No thanks! Ill buy 1/4 yd