What is a Fat Quarter anyway?

A fat quarter in simple terms is a quarter of a unit length of fabric. So a metre or yard of fabric would be cut lengthwise and then across the width and this would produce a Fat Quarter. This clearly means that fat quarters will differ in size depending on the length and width a fabric comes in. Some fabrics are as narrow as 36 inches and others as wide as 60 inches. Some fabrics are sold by the yard whilst some are available by the metre.

Dimensions of a Fat Quarter

We have fat quarters in our different fabric categories so the sizes of our fat quarters vary as mentioned.

Shweshwe Fat Quarters: 18 ins x 20 ins (45 cm x 50 cm)- Our shweshwe prints are available by the metre and are uniquely narrow in width at 36 inches.

Wax Print Fat Quarters: 18 x 24 inches (45 x 60 cm)- Our wax prints are mostly the same width at 48 inches and are available by the yard.

These are approximate dimensions and the size of each fat quarter may vary very slightly but it gives you a good idea of the size of fabric you will receive.

What can you make with Fat Quarters?

The use of fat quarters is popular in patchwork and quilting because it makes it more affordable to have a variety of fabrics without the need to buy whole lengths of fabric at greater cost. I think it’s advantages are not just for quilters but they make a great option for many other things. They are great for making small accessories, embellishments, jewellery and more.

You might also only need a small bit of fabric to act as a trim on a project, perhaps to make small items like pouches or fabric-covered buttons. You could create interesting features on a garment like having different coloured pockets, collars or plackets.

There is a wealth of Pinterest inspiration and blog posts and even books about projects to make with fat quarters. Many of these projects make great gifts too. A great way to feed your creativity whilst making something special and unique for a loved one.

Here are a few favourites.

A brush roll from the Hobbycraft website. It doesn’t even have to be make-up brushes. This could be used to store knitting needles, cutlery for a picnic, colouring pens and pencils, craft tools and much more. For this project, you only need two fat quarters.

Image: Hobbycraft, “Tropical Brush Roll”, via www.hobbycraft.co.uk

Another fun project is this trio of penguins from the Purl Soho website. You could have fun playing with mixing and matching prints and colours. For this project, you will need about seven fat quarters for 3 penguins. Check out the free tutorial here. A great gift for children and adults alike!.

Image: Purl Soho, “The Purl Bee Penguin”, via www.purlsoho.com

If you sew, you’ll know a pin cushion is one of those things that are invaluable and save a lot of time and stress when sewing. They make for a more efficient and pleasant sewing experience. This cute quilt inspired patchwork version from Lovecraft doesn’t need a lot of fabric so you don’t even have to use fat quarters. It would be a great way to use up existing fabric scraps that you may have. There is a free tutorial here.

Image: Lovecrafts, “DIY Pin Cushion”, 2020, via www.lovecrafts.com

A funky quilted oven glove for some additional colour in your kitchen from Suzy Quilts blog and website which by the way has many other beautiful quilted project patterns and tutorials for free. There is one for Christmas stockings and they really are very nice. You need just 2 fat quarters for the oven glove.

Image: Lydia Nicholson, “Quilted Oven Mitt”, via www.suzyquilts.com

Last but not the least, you cannot go wrong with a cushion sewing project. There are a million and one versions if you search Google or better still on Pinterest. Here is one we made in a free style approach to a patchwork cushion using 4 of out our indigo wax print fat quarter bundle with some scraps left over that can be used in other projects (maybe the pin cushion!, watch this space).

A cushion is one of those things you can never have too many of, in my opinion. They just add that little bit of softness and cosiness to a room or space. They are also a fun and quick project if you want instant sewing gratification. This one is 45 x 45 cm and closes with a zipper at the bottom. It has two sides that are patchworked differently, just for the fun of it. All blue with mixed patterns.

Our Fat Quarters

We have a range of fat quarter bundles where we have curated selections mainly based on a colour palette. You can also purchase single fat quarters if you want to make up your own selection. Check out the fat quarters we have in stock here. We are always open to suggestions, so if there is a colour combination, or bundle size or anything you would like to see, do drop us a line. We would also really love to see your fat quarter projects so do share your makes if you feel so inclined! Have a great week.