Math question......
 

I have a pattern that's asks for fat quarters but I want to use yardage. How do you convert 30 fat quarters to yardage and adjust for the waste? It's probably very simple but then I'm no mathematician.

A fat quarter is a piece of fabric approximately 18 x 22 inches. So think 1/2 the WOF and 1/2 yard of fabric.

Hello, 30 Fat quarters is 7.5 yards. (each fat quarter is 1/4 yard, so divide 30 by 4). I don't think there is a waste conversion factor.

If you are buying yardage (vs. using your stash) you might lose a few inches...
sometimes several inches depending on who cuts the fabric. Some places
do better than others. I prefer to buy a fat quarter bundle. At least I know
it's straight and I get a variety of fabric.

Look at the cutting instructions and see if it will fit in a quarter yard cut (9"xWOF). I have done that a few times.

If it calls for 30 different patterns in fat quarters, you may have to rethink the final look of the quilt if you switch to yardage and have fewer patterns. Just a thought.

It depends on the pattern wether you can use a regular 1/4 years cut. You could possibly use 15 half yard cuts.

A far quarter is 1/4 yard of fabric...4 make up one yard...that is why they are called "quarters"

I agree with ManiacQuilter - look at the cutting directions. While a fat quarter is area-wise a quarter of a yard, you will not be able to use a linear 1/4 yard if the pieces will not fit on the 9" strip.

Is the pattern 30 different fabrics? Or are several of them repeated?
Are you working from stash or buying fabric?

If it is 30 different fabrics you would need to check whether the pieces you are needing to cut could be done out of 9" x WOF or if you need the 18"x22" shape.

If fabrics are repeated 3 or 4 times, then 1/2 yard of each would work.

If working from stash, once again you would need to check the sizes of the pieces you are cutting to determine if the fabrics you have on hand will work.