Funny, this topic came up last night in a class on accuracy. I took away from it that the best thing to do is to read the pattern and decide the best way to cut without all the leftover. I've been shocked at how much is "suggested" sometimes.

I have a few friends that are fabric designers and the fabric companies publish the patterns that showcase the fabrics. They all complain that the companies rush the pattern for the sake of getting them ready for the fabric introduction, which usually means errors of different sorts. If I see a pattern from a company that I think I want to make, I go over it with a fine tooth comb. Most often they usually way over estimate or way under estimate the fabric requirements.

I have found that usually you have to be VERY cautious in cutting what a company sends you or you will be short. Perhaps they got too many comments to this effect and decided to just add more fabric. When I teach a class, I always add a bit more to the class requirements to allow for screw-ups in cutting, sewing or whatever. It very often happens and then the students aren't left without enough fabric to complete the project.

I bought a quilt kit (many blocks, each separate) from a well-known designer. The kits were "frugal" with fabric to say the least. I had to buy extra fabric to fill in and some of the fabrics were discontinued when I looked for them. I will never buy any kits from that designer again.

On the other hand, I would much prefer buying two yards or so too much fabric when making a full/queen/king size quilt.

Quilt designers try to make sure to set out requirements for enough fabric. When I design a quilt I usually try to make sure there's enough if someone miscuts.

I usually don't use quilt patterns but when I read a pattern in a magazine I usually add up the yardage. So often the amount is really large for the size of the quilt. An example is that nine yards for each side of a queen size is really generous, I have seen patterns that add up to fifteen yards. I have nothing against adding to my stash but prefer generous as opposed to excessive.

Good grief girfriend! If you're throwing away anything less than a yard...be sure to throw it my way! LOL
I always buy extra too. Seems in one way or another, I "doctor" the pattern and find ways to use the extra.

I'd like to be optimistic here and hope that they include extra fabric in case we make a mistake....

There is a quilt by Amy Bulter that I would love to make but it requires 33 - 1/2 yard cuts of fabric for a 66 1/2 X 72 1/2 quilt. The block sizes are 22" x 24". Instructions are also included to make a backing with additional yardage. I love sewing with her patterns but have found the yardage to alway be way over. I need to sit down and figure this our because 16 1/2 yards of fabic for this size top just seem outrageous.

http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/Sunshine_Quilt.pdf

I agree with you Debbie! But I understand the heartship of having spent too much at the time of purchase and could use the extra dollars later on some other project! I suppose that is part of the FabicWorld... make money where you can :)

Sharon

I can see why the inflated yardage can frustrate people, but as a newbie, I would be glad to have enough to cover all my mistakes!!! :-P

I've had this happen, WAY too much leftover ... conversely, some called for too little ! MANY patterns have errors or poor instructions. I always read through and check amts before I buy fabric.
Also a good idea to check the designer's or publisher's site to see if there is any Errata posted for the pattern, before you buy - or cut !

Are you really, truly throwing away anything less than a yard? Aren't there some charity quilters nearby, or Quilts of Valor sewers? They would love, LOVE to have those pieces. Binding for a scrap quilt only takes 1/2 yrd for QoV size. My closet is full at the moment, or else I would have you ship them to me.







:D

You throw THAT much fabric away ?? What a waste ! Please save it and DONATE to a quilt guild, seniors center, Girl Scouts, 4H, youth group ... they will USE it ! :(

I agree.... It never hurts to have extra!

Your extras do seam a bit extreme. But in general, yes I do feel they way overcharge for what you receive in quilt kits.

it's unfair to either imply or conclude that kits or patterns deliberately overestimate fabric requirements.

not too long ago, lots of quilters were complaining that because of different cutting methods or mistakes, they too often didn't have enough fabric to complete a project.

if you want to ensure you get only exactly what you need, then do the math. ;-)