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-   -   Are FQs worth a little bit extra? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/fqs-worth-little-bit-extra-t34802.html)

Favorite Fabrics 01-22-2010 11:15 AM


Originally Posted by MistyMarie
... should fabric stores add a labor fee when they cut fabric from the bolt or helping a customer select coordinating colors?

IMHO the free advice is what's called good customer service.

amma 01-22-2010 11:29 AM

Personally, I do not want FQ's with labels or cardboard in the center... The labels can be hard to remove if they get hot in transit, and they are always in the middle of the fabric when unfolded.
I have seen many LQS workers cutting FQ's/half yard cuts during slow times... The owners are paying them by the hour, and aren't employees supposed to have busy work during the slow times? I don't feel like I should have to pay more for these cuts.
Sometimes the difference in cost between buying a FQ and a 1/3 yd is so unproportional that I will buy the 1/3 yd and get more bang for my buck at a LQS.

jljack 01-22-2010 11:34 AM


Originally Posted by Marjpf
I think they are - after all there is labor involved for them and convenience for us.

I have to agree...they spend time cutting these, so a little extra is OK. Plus, it saves us time cause we don't have to wait for small pieces to be cut. I like being able to get 1/4 or 1/2 or 3/4 of a yard without waiting for cutting. Sometimes I just get the whole yard and put the rest in the stash!! :thumbup: :wink:

burnsk 01-22-2010 11:49 AM


Originally Posted by burnsk
If a fat quarter costs more than a quarter yard cut (which is usually the case), I get a quarter yard cut. Plus, that way I'm assured that I indeed get a fat quarter. (well, a "long" quarter) The rest goes into my stash as a fat quarter. After all, stash is where it's at !!! :lol: I only buy fat quarters anymore if they are on sale at a great price or if the fat quarter is the only piece of that "must have" fabric. My one exception to this is I am addicted to black & white fat quarter bundles.

By the way, was in JoAnn's and noticed that their fat quarters were gone except for a small pile of uglies. The sales clerk said that they were eliminating them because they weren't selling. Anyone else notice this?

I forgot to add, when I add the "long" quarter to my stash I mark it so I know it's not "fat".

Sewze 01-22-2010 11:59 AM


Originally Posted by burnsk

Originally Posted by Favorite Fabrics
A comment on another thread got me wondering...
Are FQs worth a premium price? Not talking a LOT extra...
As in, if running yardage costs $8 / yard, is $2.25 a fair price for a FQ? Or should it be $2?
Is it worth the little bit extra? Or not?

If a fat quarter costs more than a quarter yard cut (which is usually the case), I get a quarter yard cut. Plus, that way I'm assured that I indeed get a fat quarter. The rest goes into my stash as a fat quarter. After all, stash is where it's at !!! :lol: I only buy fat quarters anymore if they are on sale at a great price or if the fat quarter is the only piece of that "must have" fabric. My one exception to this is I am addicted to black & white fat quarter bundles.

By the way, was in JoAnn's and noticed that their fat quarters were gone except for a small pile of uglies. The sales clerk said that they were eliminating them because they weren't selling. Anyone else notice this?

I'm with you, I'd rather buy a 1/4yd and have the rest for my stash :thumbup:

butterflywing 01-22-2010 12:24 PM

you get 2 fq out of 1/2'.

QBeth 01-22-2010 12:31 PM


Originally Posted by burnsk
By the way, was in JoAnn's and noticed that their fat quarters were gone except for a small pile of uglies. The sales clerk said that they were eliminating them because they weren't selling. Anyone else notice this?

A couple of months ago, Joann's sent out an email saying that their FQs had been cut a bit short by their current vendor. They have since hired a new vendor, hence trying to get rid of the old stuff. The new FQs should be here soon.

BellaBoo 01-22-2010 12:51 PM

Most quilt shops order fat quarters from a line already cut. I would rather buy a fat quarter bundle of a whole line and have a piece of every one. I then can buy yardage for borders or backing. I can never have too many fat quarters. And they are easier to store. I will pay $2.50 for one fat quarter but I prefer to buy in bundles, it's usually cheaper.

Bobbinwinder 01-22-2010 12:55 PM


Originally Posted by amma
Personally, I do not want FQ's with labels or cardboard in the center... The labels can be hard to remove if they get hot in transit, and they are always in the middle of the fabric when unfolded.
I have seen many LQS workers cutting FQ's/half yard cuts during slow times... The owners are paying them by the hour, and aren't employees supposed to have busy work during the slow times? I don't feel like I should have to pay more for these cuts.
Sometimes the difference in cost between buying a FQ and a 1/3 yd is so unproportional that I will buy the 1/3 yd and get more bang for my buck at a LQS.

Thanks for your comment, Amma.... I am so in agreement!

Oklahoma Suzie 01-22-2010 01:16 PM


Originally Posted by MistyMarie
I see it as a way for quilt stores to streamline cutting. If they had to cut a quarter yard of several prints, it would take time. If they are busy, the line would get long and customers would complain. By cutting fat quarters in off-peak hours, it allows shoppers to get what they want without having to wait at a cutting table for small pieces. I also think stores sell more fabric when they make it easier on the customers. So, should they charge more for a FQ when it actually improves their business and makes the customer happier? I wouldn't be happier paying more for the same fabric just because of the cut and they wouldn't be too happy if I held up a line at the cutting table because I wanted fifteen 1/4 cuts from fifteen different bolts. However, if it made the difference in paying $3.75 more for that fabric, I might think about doing exactly that. It does add up over time. Not only that, but I would probably go to a store that didn't charge more if I was looking to add to my FQ stash or do a FQ quilt.

I totally agree with this.


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