Threads 77

I have nevr ued anything except yardage for making quilts but came across a pattern that I fell in love with that uses fat quarters. I am thinking hat would be 9x9 piecesut would like to be sure before I start anything. Really don't want to go out and buy more fsbric and would like to use from my stash so want to know that I can get the right size pieces out of my stash. Thanks for your help. Mary

auntpiggylpn

Fat quarters are 1/2 of a half yard of fabric. 18 x 22 roughly depending on the width of fabric.

AndiR

Fat quarters are approx. 18" x 22".

A regular 1/4 yard of fabric is 9" wide by the width of fabric which is about 44". A fat quarter is cut twice as wide (18") and then cut on the fold of the fabric. So it's the same amount of fabric, just short & fat instead of long & skinny.

Andi

MaryMo

fat quarters are 1/4 yard cut 18" along the selvage and 22" (or half of the width) ... I usually cut mine 18" - 20" by 20" - 22" depending on the fabric. I cut a half yard then fold selvages together and cut along the fold for FQ swaps. hope that helps ....

most of the time when a pattern calls for FQs, they must be cut to specific sizes, so you don't have to start with FQ just at fabric as big as FQ .....

Threads 77

Good thing I asked!! Thank you for your help...love this board.

katier825

Something to keep in mind is how much is usable. Sometimes the selvedges can be and inch or so and you lose that. The 18" measurement should always be consistent. Most of the fabrics I buy are closer to 41-42 than 44-45, so the other dimension will be half of that width.

Afterthought - I have bought some in the past that were not cut straight. Could be wider at one end than the other. If you need absolutely every inch, it's best to measure before you buy.