How much yardage to buy on speculation?
#31
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 115
Fabric for backings is a good idea. I used to buy fabric when I liked it, but with no pattern in mind. It always seemed to me that when I wanted to use it it was too small, or not right. It seemed when I finally had a good pattern to use it in it had gone out of fashion (remember all those cute little calicos?) I have a ton of scraps, so I don't whan to add to that. Now I just buy what I need for a pattern. I still end up with scraps! I am trying to clean up my sewing room, cutting the scraps into usable sizes, and I am amazed at what I have found hiding here and there.
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 1,420
I would think it would depend a great deal on what you usually make. I primarily make bed size quilts; and usually king size. I would think about 3 1/2 yards if I thought it would be a border. 1 yard for binding, 2-3 yards for focus fabric, 2 yards for blenders.
If you primarily make wall-hangings, baby quilts, tablerunners, or other small projects, then I would think 1 yard or even fat quarters would be appropriate.
If you primarily make wall-hangings, baby quilts, tablerunners, or other small projects, then I would think 1 yard or even fat quarters would be appropriate.
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AZ and CT
Posts: 4,898
In the past, I bought 4 yards of every fabric I liked. That means I have PLENTY for cutting borders without piecing, and for backings, as well as for actual quilts. Now I have a stash that is so big that I don't need to buy fabric for YEARS! I just buy occasionally to fill out a project. However, that doesn't keep me from buying new fabric - I'm still a fabriholic - one fabric at a time - LOL.
#36
I make queen size quilts about 99% of the time If I buy 3 yds. I find I always have enough fabric to work with most quilt patterns. I buy 4-6 yds of background sometimes the whole bolt. If you are planing on stack & whack or paper piecing then you will need to follow the patten.
#38
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 84
i do other sewing besides the making of quilts and quilted stuff so i always buy a minimum of 3 yds...of each fabric that i am interested in...i do this in case i change my mind about what i might need to make at a later time. i also spend a lot of time going through the selvedge and bolt ends and pieces bin.
#39
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Because of that, I sometimes sneak in a fat quarter or two because the color tickles me. There's ALWAYS room for a FQ.
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