when you patters say cut your fat quarters on the 18" width of fabric does that mean you have the 22" widith toward the bottom and the 18" to the side

The other way around I think. But lets wait and see what others say. I could be wrong

I would take that to mean that the 18 inches is top and bottom and 22 inches is the sides.

The 22" measurement is the width of fabric cut in half. (Width of fabric usually 44" approx. thats why you see 21/22" stated alot)
The 18" measurement is the amount cut from the roll which is half yard. :D

Most quilters fabric comes about 45 in wide.......Buy 1/2 yard which is 18 inches...if you cut it on the center fold..you have 2 fat quarters 22by 18 :wink:

If you are cutting strips....those strips will measure 18 inches long. So your discription is correct.