I'm looking at a pattern called 4 Square Fun and it says the requirements for a queen size 88" x 100" is 32 fat quarters. 32/4 = 8 yards of fabric? and that's just the center of the quilt, add on 3 yards for the border.

Isn't 8 yards an awful lot of fabric for a queen size quilt? Is something wrong with the fabric requirements?

8 yards is about right for the total of one side of a queen size. I have a queen size bed, so I look at lots of patterns for them, but if you added 3 more yards...to one side? that would be GIMONGOUS!
that must be for king kong's bed. must be a misprint or something. :shock: :-)

Regarding the borders, perhaps the borders are cut on the lengthwise of the fabric instead of crosswise. I usually try to cut my borders on the lengthwise of the fabric for there is less stretch in the fabric and it keeps the borders from stretching.

Regarding the center of the quilt, it sounds like 32 different fabrics are needed and you will have some left over, for your stash? Don't really know without seeing the pattern.

I think it sounds about right. Remember the more you cut the fabric up, the more you need to cover all the seams and such. And they could be having you cut the borders lengthwise. It may not be using the full fat quarter. Some patterns make more efficient use of the fabrics than others.

Thanks... that just seemed way too much to me at first glance. I guess if it's 44" wide fabric and you put two lengths side-by-side, that's 88". If each piece is 4 yards long then that's 144". Of course, some will be taken up with all the seams, etc.

I guess that's right. Now just have to decide if I want to purchase 32 FQs to make it! :P

Depending on the pattern, many fat quarter patterns can be cut out of 1/4 yard of fabric. I have several that I just cut from my yardage instead of buying or making fat quarters. So.... check the pattern you may be able to just use some yardage you have or if your fabric store doesn't like to cut fat quarters for you just use a 1/4 yard cut. Also many of the fat patterns can also be sewn from scraps as well. Have fun!!!

Seems like a lot to me.

Well, I ordered a set of 31 FQs of Civil War reproduction, Vicksburg. It is masculine and not too flowery for a quilt for my brother. I'll see how it goes and I'll need a dark brown for the border anyway so if it is not quite enough I can mix in the brown.

The pattern calls for 8 FQs of 4 different fabrics, though the picture is 8 different fabrics. I'll use all different since it doesn't make a big difference in how the pattern turns out.

Send us pictures. I can't wait to see the pattern. Sounds cool.

the fabric requirements sound just about right to me. And as for the 3 yds of fabric for border, you will probably need almost 1 yd of that for binding when the quilt is done. Enjoy Marge