how many yards do I need?
 

I need 140 five inch squares of fabric. I am not sure how to figure it out.
And I also need 28 five inch squares. If the fabric is 40 inches usable I would get 8 squares. And this is where I get confused. Can someone kindly help thank you in advanced.

Do you want 140 squares all the same color? If so you will need 90 inches of fabric - or 2 yards and 18 inches = 2 1/2 yards.
Then you mention you want 28 more squares - is that another color? if so you will need 20 inches of that fabric.
Those numbers is assuming the fabric you get is straight and no room for error.

I have taken your number of 140 squares, fabric at 40 inches wide gives you 8 squares per strip. Divide 140 by 8 will tell you how many strips you will need = 17.5 so you will need 18 strips 5 inches wide = 90 inches.

for the 28 squares, divide 28 by 8 = 3.5 strips = 4 strips x 5 inches = 20.

Thank you so much. Thats how I figured it the first time and I was thinking I needed 17.5 yards but I KNEW I didnt so thats when I got flustered and just asked.

And yes its will actually be 3 different fabrics. 140 of 2 colors and 28 of a third color.

You just find how many 8 in 28 always go over. So that is 4, (4x8=32). Now multiply the 4 by 5 inches = 20inches.

So if you are going to get the 140 from 2 colours ....for evert 8 squares you cut...one row that is.....calculate 5 inches of fabric...

...if you need 16 squares... 2 rows...10 inches
...if you need 24 squares...3rows...15 inches...
...if you need 25 squares...4rows...20 inches...with extra fabric


the 2 1/2 yards will come from 2 fabrics....if you are making the same number from each of the 2 fabrics...just Half it...

I got the same results. If this sort of thing drives you nuts, try using a quilt program. I love QuiltPro, but Electric Quilt also gives you yardage. Even if I am doing a commercial pattern, entering it allows me to get a better picture of what I am doing, and has allowed me to correct some errors before I cut the fabric.

Don't forget extra yardage for borders and binding.

Also, the 90 inches (2.5 yards) assumes that the fabric is cut perfectly straight at the store and you don't make any cutting errors. I would get 2 3/4 yards. Well, who am I kidding, I'd get 3!

If you hate math I suggest getting one of those quilters calculatory from joanns with a 50% off coupon for 20 dollars. Trust me it pays for itself. I love that calculator, and you can carry it in your purse to the quilt shop. Its awesome. I consider it one of my best used purchases