How to figure out how much fabric is needed
 

I found a block I would like to make into queen size quilt but don't know how to figure how much fabric I would need to make something that size. Is there somewhere I can find this information? Any help would be appreciated.

you just have a block pattern? if so, first you need to determine the size of the quilt- *measurements* --- then divide length & width by the size of the block ( ie: quilt size = 80 x 90 ---- blocks = 10" you need 8 across, 9 down---or 72 blocks.) now list each fabric in the block and the size of each fabric- figuring 40" wide fabrics- divide the fabric (ie: fabric one = (4) 2 1/2" squares per block---{4 x 72 blocks = 288 2 1/2" squares} 40" wide fabric will let you cut (16) 2 1/2" squares- which means you need 18 *2 1/2"* strips to cut 288 squares....(18) 2 1/2" strips = 45" or 1 1/4 yard (36" + 9") ....so, that is the process...now you need to fill in your own measurements. :)

i have this awesome book:

http://www.amazon.ca/Patchwork-Minus.../dp/1592172806

it is a bible for me, and has never ever failed me in terms of calculating yardage.

all i have to do is add up how many of each shape i need to make a given block and look up the chart.

wait. not that many pennies. holy cow. it must be out of print...

i know my lqs has an app for that...is that helpful?

yikes. sorry about that!

aileen

I would like to know the anwer, too. I never know how much to get.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...qid=1390431459

There are a few here that are used for much less.

I like to do this kind of math when I am sitting waiting in airports! Pick one shape in your block. Count how many you need for one block. multiply that by how many blocks you need.

Say you need 4 3 1/2 inch blocks for this block. And you need 12 blocks

4 X12 = 48 blocks (total for that piece for the whole quilt)
now to decide how many will fit in a strip

40 (width of fabric...yours might be bigger...I go smaller just in case) /3.5=11.42/per strip of fabric
48 (what you need)/ 11/strip=4.3 or 5 strips of 3.5 inch fabric with some left over

Clear as mud? lol

Don't forget to include seam allowances in your measurements. Also, do you plan to use sashing or borders? If so you must also include these in your plans. I like to draw mine out on graph paper using the same scale for all measurements. This allows one to make sure your plans are in proper proportion. You can adjust sashing and border measurements if need be to obtain the correct size. I like to use Paint to draw my quilt and use colors to bring it to life as it should look when finished. If you need to cut more than one size block from a fabric be sure to plan before you cut. Careful planning will avoid wasting fabric.

You can also do this with The Quilters Calculator. My husband bought me one a couple of years ago for Valentines Day.

this is another reason i love my EQ5... it calculates the approximate yardge

:p
It may be clear as mud, but that's how I do it also. I always buy a "little" extra. ;o)

I just barely upgraded to EQ7 and hope that I learn how to use it for planning quilts!