What Is a Fat Quarter?
If you’ve ever browsed fabric in a shop or online, chances are you’ve come across the term “fat quarter" or "FQ". But what exactly is it?
Today we are going to explain what fat quarters are and explore some of the most popular ways to use them. A fat quarter is a wonderfully versatile piece of fabric, commonly used in patchwork and quilting, but that’s just the beginning. They’re also ideal for all sorts of smaller sewing projects.
A fat quarter is created by cutting a standard metre of fabric into four equal pieces. Rather than slicing four long 25cm strips across the width, the fabric is first cut in half lengthwise and then again widthwise. This results in a piece that’s closer to a square than a strip, making it easier to cut a wider range of shapes and sizes.
Fat quarters are a fantastic way to build your fabric stash. They give you the chance to experiment with different prints, textures, and colours without committing to larger quantities. Many of our fat quarters come in coordinated bundles, making it easy to choose a cohesive colour palette, no need to worry about matching fabrics yourself!
Perfect for Small Projects
From quilt blocks and fabric baskets to doll clothes and cushion covers, fat quarters are ideal for small-scale projects. They’re also a great option for testing out a new sewing pattern or technique without using your more expensive fabrics. You can use fat quarters for just about any project that calls for smaller pieces of fabric. They're especially popular for patchwork quilts and appliqué, but also work beautifully for sewing bags, pouches, scrunchies, pockets, coasters, fabric boxes, bowl covers, bunting, and cushion covers.
We hope this guide has been helpful. Why not pop into Sewcialising and browse our lovely selection of fat quarters or browse our pre-cut fabrics online, you might just find the perfect piece for your next project!
