I'm really new to quilting and sorry if this is a dumb question but would it be possible to make this http://quiltbug.com/PDF/fstr.pdf table runner with 5 fat quarters? These are the fabrics I'm planning on using. I have a bit more of the bumble bee fabric i could use also.

I can't wait to see what you make. The fabric is beautiful!!

I love the violets fabric! Unusual! Can't help you with the other. Sorry.

Well, you wouldn't be able to make the runner as shown, since it is calling for 2 2/3 yds of fabric in total, and the only 1/4 yd fabric is calling for a straight quarter, not a fat quarter. In fact, after looking at it more closely, I see that the pattern is calling for several width of fabric strips.

This just doesn't look like a good option for these fabrics; however, I am sure there are some people on this forum who could suggest a pattern that would work for what you have :-)

I added up the cuts to the fabric they called for and came up with 1 2/3 of a yard. So you would be cutting it close. But what the heck if you don't have quite enough you can always get more. The pattern has a dark green strip which fabric are you thinking you will put there? Keep posting I will try and help. TammyD :-D

Wow...I am a brand new quilter too but I'll see if I can help. First, to explain what a "fat quarter" is. It is like a quarter yard of fabric (44" wide) but instead of say cutting it straight off the bolt 1/4 yard (9" long) making it 9" X 44" they cut a full yard of the fabric which would be 36" X 44" and then cut that into 4 equal pieces so it's FAT. So a fat quarter is 18" X 22" instead of a "straight quarter yard" which is 9" X 44". So now that I made that about as clear as mud....the problem is that your pattern asks for 4 fabrics at the following amounts:

1/4 yard Dark Green (straight quarter)
2/3 yard Focal Fabric
3/4 yard Red
2/3 yard Background

as you can see.....they are all larger than a 1/4 yard except the first but it asks for a striaght quarter instead of fat quarter. So.....I guess the answer is that it probably will not be enough fabric. Sorry :(

This is the Fabric Requirements
1/4 yard Dark Green (straight quarter)
2/3 yard Focal Fabric
3/4 yard Red
2/3 yard Background

and this is the table runner I'd like to try and make.

Thanks for your help guys. Guess it's back to hunting for another table runner lol that I can make with the fabric I have. I have the violets, stripes, and words in fat quarters along with the filagree and 2 fat quarters of bumble bees and what ever 2 fat quarters not cut apart would be. Lol can you see I'm new to this :oops:

If you mean a piece of material that cut in half would be a fat quarter, then it would be 1/2 yard. A fat quarter is a piece of material approx 18 x 22. To make a fat quarter, a 1/2 yard piece (18' x 44" ) is cut off the bolt and then is cut in half lengthwise (giving you a piece 18 x 22). A quarter yard on the other hand is 8" x 44". Hope this helps. Sorry I can't help with a pattern.

double post

I ended up with a requirement of 2-1/3 yards.

Converting all the fractions to 12ths -

3/12 + 8/12 + 9/12 + 8/12 = 28/12 = 2-1/3

If you are a very beginner - I think the project would be a lot easier if you used the yardages suggested.

It sounds like you have approximately 1-3/4 yards to work with - along with not having enough fabric - the directions are calling for width of fabric cutting.

So - the short answer is "no" - the amount of fabric you have will not be enough to make that particular runner.

Sorry my figuring was 1yard short. I can only plead blindness> I just had my eyes dilated.Tammy

My DH swears I am. I can't find things in the refrigerator, cupboards, or pantry.

lol it's alright the main thing is you tried and you know more then me about quilting so your my quilting hero :) hehe thanks for helping

Ok thanks to lisainmo I have a pattern. I was going to use the violet, bee and stripe fabric for it what do you think or do you think I should use a different combination for this table runner? Heres the fabrics again so you can see the ones I have. Thanks again for your help it's really appreciated.

Hi! Do you have a plan for what fabrics go where? Try folding the fabric so the colors go where you think you would like them. Move them around and see if they will work. My first feeling when I look at them is you might need one more fabric that is a accent/darker fabric to bring out the colors in the light. Good luck. Let us know how you are doing! :D Tammy

when in doubt cut patteren out of papper then lay on material you will know how much fabric you may need

In the future, remember that FQ's and 1/4yd cuts ARE the same amount of fabric, BUT

Some patterns need longer cut strips, so FQ's are not always the best option. Other patterns needing 6 inch squares cut? A FQ may be a better option in that case.

You can tape copy paper together, and cut it 18 X 22"
Read you pattern to see the size of the pieces you need to cut from each FQ and draw them onto the paper. Can you get that many pieces from each one? Remember to keep in mind that some fabric has directional prints, too :wink:

If you enjoy buying FQ's try googling FQ patterns, or check out FQ books.

You may want to think about adding another fabric that has a little more contrast to the ones you chose. They are pretty close to the same value. It also might allow you to have more options in patterns if you add a fabric that you have a little more yardage of.

They are beautiful though.

I did it but I wish I would have read the post about directional lol i have stripes going horizontal and vertical oh well being new I'll blame it on that. Otherwise I think it turned out ok. Let me know what you think. I just have to cut it now and bind it. Speaking of binding what colour would you use for binding? Thanks so much for all your help its really appreciated.

Your stripes actually look "intentional" -

Pretty! great job for a beginner. kep that up and you won't be a "beginner" for long :)

Good idea! I have some rather small "hunks" (for want of a better word) that I'd like to try something with. Thanks for the suggestion!

It is pretty! It has a softness about it that I like. . I would try different fabrics against what you have. Then step away and see what you like. What stands out for me is the flowers so maybe a color from them? Let us know.

I think that turned out very delicate and pretty. Reminds me of spring or Easter time. Great job.

This pattern look much better for a beginner! But it still has interesting angles! I think your choices are great!