fabric included in kits question
 

My very first kit...after a katrillion years quilting ;) I've made the first two blocks, and there is So much fabric left from each block, is this normal? I've read the instructions many times, it doesn't say anywhere where I'll need that fabric later, and each block is in it's own baggie with fabric...

If I'm really seeing this right, I'd like to use those leftovers as a I go along for a complicated border...or two!What do you think, is it safe to do so?
I did find in the 2nd block one of the pink fabrics was missing, but it's 1800's and I have stuff to fill in with if this happens again. But do they Really include so much extra fabric? I'd say each block has used less than a 1/4 of what is in the baggie.

My limited experience is yes, there was a lot of extra fabric.

If you are doing the Tara Block of the Month (I got mine from Connecting Threads), it does tell you to save the fabric left from each month as it will be used in a subsequent month.

I've made several kits in my lifetime & some come with just barely enough fabric & others come with lots of extra. I've never made a BOM so I can't really comment on your issue. However, when I've ordered kits from Connecting Threads for things like table runners I always seem to have a lot of extra fabric left over.
Since you are hoping to use the leftovers for borders can't you just set aside the left overs until it is border time & if you haven't needed them by then I would say it's safe to go ahead & make the borders with the leftovers (since borders are one of the last things you make on the quilt top).

I think that's a great way to proceed...

I have only done one kit in my quilting journey and it was just about the right amount...not much left over. KalamaQuilts, let us know how it works out.

This is a block of the month from some years ago, maybe calling it a kit is a misnomer? Each block is in a baggie with its own fabric. I’ll make a few more blocks, but I think I’ll live on the edge and work along on piecing a border as I go!

I miss being able to make smilies..exclamation points just don’t cut it!

Years ago my Daughter got me a quilt kit from connecting threads. the fabric included was very generous. I had enough to make two good sized quilt tops.

I would recommend you hold on to that extra fabric until you have all the blocks finished. I don't do kits very often--tend to buy them and set aside and then work on a year or two later. Anyway, did two last year and had plenty left, working on one from Connecting Threads and while their 2 jelly rolls were more than enough, the yardage just did not come close to being enough. Luckily it's a blender!

Both the kits I ordered were quite generous with the fabric. On one I had so much I used the fabric to make two completely different quilts.

I think it is good will on the suppliers part because a large percentage of quilters will not get to that kit for quite a while and the fabric will be long gone in the event you make errors and require more. I purchased both my kits on clearance but have noticed there is usually quite a premium at regular price, even taking into consideration the pattern cost.

I have only done one kit in my 30+ years of quilting and that was last summer. It was a kit I picked up at a garage sale and there was barely enough to finish the quilt. I have to say that the kit looked complete when I purchased it for $1.00 and the top is very pretty. I haven't finished it yet but there is no fabric for a border. I am thinking about adding a border but that is on my to do list.
I have not done any BOTM month kits. I do have one sitting here from years ago but since I only have a single block it is in the stack of "put with a scrappy quilt someday" pile.

Different shops cut/ package kits differently, some just barely give you enough, so any litter error you are screwed, some are quite generous. The best thing to do is complete the top as instructed and if you have enough leftovers go ahead and create your border with them.

I agree with ckcowl. I have never bought a quilt kit but I have bought wool applique kits and they are very stingy and in some cases I have even been shorted a piece. I think if you only used 1/4 of the fabric provided to make a block that they may just call for that fabric again in one of the other blocks or possibly sashing as those instructions are usually given at the very end of the BOM and the fabric it isn't kitted with the other block(s) and or sashing or setting strips or cornerstones that use it.

I always wait until my top center portion is completed before making any borders, pieced or one solid run of fabric. Too many variables from error in pattern to piecing inconsistencies that could result in a slightly different measurement in the top. If the border is pieced I want to know what final size I need before piecing it so if I need to "fudge" a seam allowance I can decide the most inconspicuous place to put the fudge.

I mis being able to make smilies too. ...normally I would smile right here....:)

Dina

The only kits I've ever bought are from Craftsy, now Bluprint. They sent way more fabric than I needed. Having said this though, I would wait until it's finished to use the fabric for something else.

I found smilies but don’t know how I got here really. It was something Patrice said to do to stop the “leave page” error.
I 🤔 think. I’m on my iPad though, I think I just ended up with a blank box when I did the same thing on the laptop.

anyway, thanks for all the experienced insight. I appreciate the help!