So, what exactly is a fat quarter pre-cut in quilting? If you are new to sewing or quilting, you’ll want to know about fat quarters! Those are the neat little squares of folded fabric you see in quilt shops. They are so tempting to buy. They are so pretty!
Here’s some basic information about fat quarters.
- They are pre-cut pieces of fabric that are a half yard wide and only half the width of the fabric.
- They are a easy way to build your fabric stash of quilting fabrics giving you a selection of different fabrics.
- They are also referred to as ‘fq cuts’ (fat quarter cuts).
The dimensions of a fat quarter are 18″ wide x 20″ long. The size of a fat quarter is almost square and perfect for projects where you just need a small piece of fabric.
Why are they call fat quarters?
A quarter yard of cotton fabric cut from a bolt is 9-inches wide by the width-of-fabric, which is usually between 40 – 45 inches. A fat quarter gives you the same square inches of fabric, but is cut at 18-inches wide by 20-22 inches.
A fat quarter of fabric gives a quilter more usable fabric, with the same square inches of fabric as a quarter of a yard cut of fabric. The extra width allows for larger quilt pieces.
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For the math nerds, a 1/4-yard cut of fabric (assuming 44-inches wide) is 396 square inches of fabric. A fat quarter is 18 inches x 22 inches equals 396 square inches. Same. A fat quarter is the same area of a standard quarter yard of fabric.
How can I buy fat quarters?
You can purchase individual fat quarters or buy it in bundles. Fat quarter bundles are usually coordinated fabrics from either one fabric line or collection of fabrics. Sometimes the bundles of fat quarters are by specific fabric designers. This gives a quilter a variety of fabrics without having to get them cut for their quilting projects.
A fat quarter bundle usually has 18-20 pieces of fabric in the bundle.
You’ll find fat quarters at local quilt shops, fabric stores and big box stores.
Why should I think about buying fat quarters?
Fat quarters are perfect for sampler quilts. You get a collection of fabric that are all coordinated to take the guesswork out of ‘does this go together’. It’s a great way to gather a selection of fabrics for your next quilt top.
Single fat quarters are perfect if you need just a little piece of fabric for a project.
Want to avoid the line at the cutting table at the fabric shop? Browse through the fat quarters! They are already cut!
What can I make with my groups of fat quarters?
There are so many ‘fat quarter friendly’ quilt patterns. You can find books on making quilts from fat quarters and other pre-cuts. Many different patterns call for these.
What are other types of pre-cut fabrics?
A fat eighth is like a fat quarter. It is double the width of an 1/8 of a yard of fabric and half the width-of-fabric. It is 9-inches by 22-inches.
A charm square is a 5-inch pre-cut square of fabric. They generally come in a bundle referred to as a charm pack.
A jelly roll is a roll of strips of fabric cut at 2-1/2 inches wide. You’ll find them at your local quilt shop, usually stacked high ready for your next strip piecing sewing project!
A layer cake is a bundle of 10-inch squares of fabric.
Browse through more quilt tutorials written for beginner quilters. Check out our article on Popular Quilt Terms to learn more about the secret language of quilters.
