LQS Won't Cut Fat Quarters?
 

Have you ever run across a quilt shop that won't cut fat quarters?

That's it. The whole question. I was just so shocked, but maybe it's a thing?

Watson

Maybe they just don't sell them. Buy a half yard and cut two FQs, if that's what you need.

I have found many shops that won't cut FQs -- when I've asked the answer is usually no, unless there is a sign that says to just ask! In addition there is usually an up-charge.

It does take time and staff and an inventory system that can deal with them.

When I'm buying fabrics just because or to add to colors or other collections, I typically buy a standard 1/2 yard as being convenient and reasonable cost.

Long time ago, yes. some do, some don't.

Few of the quilt shops down here will cut FQs. They recommend purchasing a quarter or third of a yard.

No they will not cut FQs. It is a lot of extra work and then they have to package and try and sell the other FQ.

1/2 yard is the least that all the shops in my area will cut. I can understand not wanting to end up with less then 1/2 yard left on the bolt to deal with.

My LQS will not cut a fat quarter for you but they do cut and sell fat quarters that they have cut. They have a really good selection of already cut FQs and put together their own bundles of 5 on display. They usually have FQs cut and displayed with fabric lines so it's never been a problem.

Yep. As others have said, it's labor intensive and can be a challenge to sell the other half. Honestly I'm surprised you've not run into that before.

What about all the fat quarter patterns? They must not sell those patters. Or do they combine them with FQ bundles? I haven't had a problem getting fat quarters around here or SW Mich when I visit there. I've done a few Turning 20 quilts(or Turning 12) & would hate to 1/2 yds.

I don't think I've ever asked a quilt shop to cut a FQ for me, so I don't know if they will or not. I think some do, but some do not.

Where I worked, we were always glad to cut fat quarters for a customer. It's just good customer service. We also had Fat Quarter Friday, where the Fat Quarters were on sale. That way we don't accumulate too many. But yes, Fat Quarters generally cost a little more than regular 1/4 yd cuts. So it's more economical to buy a regular 1/4 yd when it will work for you.

Manufacturers laser-cut in bulk and package FQs in packs. There are some shops that will cut and sell individual FQs, but it's not unusual for shops not to.

I usually get a yard or more when going to the LQS. They are so far from home that I want to make the most of my trip out. My limited experience is the ones I have frequented do not cut fq's.

Yes ...... and here in Ontari-ari-ari-oooooo!
Though, now I cannot remember which LQS'.

When you showed your shock, did they give you any hint as to their rationale?


A thought ....... perhaps they don't want to use space in the LQS for selling/display of the FQ pre-cuts. Plus FQ displays can be messy after quilters paw their way through them, and leave their rejects behind, or misfiled. A big labour requirement to tend to them.

I'm not too surprised. I have been in shops that won't cut less than a meter. If I kind of like a fabric and can't find a fat quarter already cut I will ask. If they won't cut it, that is my cue to decide if I like the fabric enough to buy a half meter or if I walk away.

That begs the question how do fat quarters compare meters to yards!

Huh...I guess I'm behind the times, as I have honestly never heard of a quilt shop that wouldn't cut a fat quarter.
Learn something new everyday.

Watson

The shops around here do not cut fat quarters for you, but they do sell the pre-packaged fat quarter bundles, or they will cut there left over ends of bolts into fat quarters, or the leftovers from yardage they use in making their shop samples, or fabric kits. I love fat quarter bundles but find they are way expensive usually compared to yardage even when they are "on sale". The explanation I have been given is that they take too much in labor costs to make. So, I will buy a half yard and make my own fat quarters

I wouldn't expect a store to cut a FQ for the reasons given here, but I do expect them to sell a 1/4 yard. My LQS has 1/4 minimum. When I worked at JoAnn Fabrics in the 90s, we cut any amount the customer wanted in a linear amount. I preferred at least two inches.

If you can't buy the fat quarters you want already cut, you can always buy 1/2 yard. I don't worry about it. That fabric always seems to get used.

I can understand the shop not wanting to cut a fat quarter of a specific fabric. They have to cut 1/2 yard to give you a fat quarter and then have to sell the other fat quarter (hopefully). If the shop isn't really busy, they could end up with a lot of fat quarters that they can't sell which costs them a lot of money.

Hmm.... I've never asked about fat quarters. I agree - just buy half a yard and the other part will get used. I buy a lot of fat quarters, or I should say did. I'm trying very hard to use my stash! ( Don't hold me to it haha)

Like Susie, I've never thought to ask. I've only bought FQ as precuts.

I've never been in a quilt shop that wouldn't cut one if you needed it, in a particular line of fabric. But it's not surprising given the reasons others have mentioned.

What I did find surprising, is that one of the nicest shops in our area went on line during pandemic, and decided to not re-open as a bricks and mortar store.... on-line only. I supported them during pandemic, and even after, for awhile, I did porch pick up, when they could be open but chose not to... now, my money will likely go to another store. I'm very disappointed with their decision.

I was starting to see a lot of this in my area even before the pandemic. I think a big factor is savings. The owner can run it out of her/his basement or garage, so very low overhead - rent, utilities, insurance, even labor. The downside is our inability to pet the fabric. :(

Covid is still fairly common while it is decreasing. As I am older and have health issues, I will not be changing my masking, nor my shopping habits until the prevalence drops further. Both my local shops are still limiting the number of folks that can be in the store at any one time, and also requiring that masks be worn. I will continue to support local business that are enforcing masks for now even though the local government doesn't require them. I am perfectly happy with curbside pickup and only go to grocery stores that provide that service. It is your choice who you want to do business with. There are customers that only shop at places they can enter without masks and others where only masked people can go. I do have concerns however with the employees, especially ones who are older and have health concerns. It has to be hard to have to choose between their own health and a paycheck.

The LQS I frequented (before it closed) did not cut fat quarters, but they did have baskets of cut fat quarters for sale.