As a newby, my mind is whirling with ideas for projects. I might add the list is growing daily as I explore the many websites and see the beautiful quilts that all of you've made on this website. My question is:
How do you esitimate yardage for quilts? I am planning a twin size quilt and want to be sure to get enough. (running back to the store to get another 1/4 yard of fabric in two months might not too successful) There must be some kind of formula. :?: THANKS!

Being rather hopeless at math, I carry one of those nifty Quilter's Calculators around in my purse with, they're great!

Whatever you think you need be sure to add some more ~ just in case and for the stash!!! :D

I hate math, and love adding to my stash, so I usually buy way more than I think I'll need. Of course that means I buy for quilts I haven't even planned yet while I am there at the fabric store!

I have learned as a newbie myself, that I need to find a pattern I like FIRST and it will have the fabric requirements for all sizes. then if I change it a bit, I still have enough.

I've been quilting for over 35 years and I have yet to buy material for a specific pattern/quilt :mrgreen:

I do, however, have a fantastic stash 8)

I usually get 2 yards of a fabric and if there's something there that 'goes' I get 2 yards of it, or maybe even two or three other fabrics ... if it's something really (really) neat - like the swirl, I get more - at least 3 yards...

but most fabrics I have 2 yards of - and when I want to start a quilt I go in and look around for what I have... I also have lots of different kona colors (yum yum :wink: )....

For an example, the swirl I got at one store, the green at another, and the 'orange' at another.... so when I wanted to use the swirl I started going through my stash.

Then again, I don't look in a book or magazine and pick out a quilt to make - I do look in the books and magazines for ideas, but then usually just go 'do my own thing'

Now I am collecting fabrics for quilts - like a music quilt, and the peppers, stuff like that... then I get a half yard or a yard and so far I have enough music fabric to make a floor quilt to cover Grand Central Station :?

So to answer your question, I'll get, for instance, two yards each of three different fabrics and then use other stuff to finish out...

A stash of any kind is a great thing (the BIGGER the better... hee hee)... it's great for inspiration.....

If you know what you want to make, and if it's not a pre-done pattern with yardage already figured for you, this website is a great help. You just enter the shape of the piece, the measurements of the pieces you are going to cut from each fabric, how many you need, and if the measurements are with or without the seam allowance. It does the computations for you. It's quite accurateand very easy. The only caution I would add, is to make sure to check the width of your fabric after washing if you prewash. http://vrya.net/quilt/classic.php

i just make it up as I go along...
I think 4.5" squares...2 inch sashing...5 inch borders...away I go...
The ladies the cut fabric just shake thier heads at me as I take a bolt and say Ii need 8", 5 times....
Haha
K