What does FAT Quarter mean in Quilting?

Are you new to quilting and curious about FAT Quarters? Look no further! A FAT Quarter is a pre-cut piece of fabric that is cut to 18 inches by 22 inches, perfect for quilting projects and adding a touch of variety to your designs. In order to take your quilting to the next level, it's time to explore the wonderful world of FAT Quarters.

To quilters, a square of fabric measuring 18 inches by 22 inches is known as a FAT Quarter. It contains different amounts of fabric than a quarter yard, also it is cut in a different manner. Due to their larger size, FAT Quarters are frequently used in quilting projects, which provides for a wider range of quilting designs to make.

In this article, I will discuss what does FAT quarters mean in quilting and what are the other types of FAT except for FAT quarters. So, without further ado, let's get started.

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What Does FAT Quarter Mean In Quilting?

As mentioned above, the FAT Quarter is a term used in quilting to describe a piece of fabric that is cut varies as compared to the standard quarter yard cut. A traditional quarter yard of fabric is cut to be 9 inches by 44 inches, which is a quarter of a yard of fabric. However, a FAT Quarter is cut to be 18 inches by 22 inches. This is still a quarter of a yard of fabric, but the size is different.

FAT Quarters are often used in quilting projects because the larger size allows for more versatility in pattern and design. For example, a quilter may choose to use a FAT Quarter to create a larger piece of a specific pattern or design, rather than cutting the fabric into smaller pieces. FAT Quarters are also popular among quilters because they allow the quilter to use multiple fabrics in a single project without having to purchase a full yard of each fabric.

FAT Quarters are also popular in patchworking and applique projects, as they are larger than traditional quarter-yard cuts, so they give you more fabric to work with. They can be used to make smaller quilts, bags, cushion covers, and other quilted items. FAT Quarters are also suitable for making clothing items, like skirts, dresses, and shirts, and can be used for home decor projects like table runners, placemats, and wall hangings.

In short, FAT Quarters are quarter-yard cuts of fabric but cut differently than traditional quarter-yard cuts. They are popular among quilters for their size and versatility in pattern and designs, allowing quilters to use multiple fabrics in a single project without having to purchase a full yard of each fabric.

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Types of FAT

These are the most common types of pre-cuts referred to as “FAT” in quilting, are mentioned below:

FAT Quarter

A FAT Quarter is a quarter-yard of fabric that is cut differently than the standard 1/4-yard cut. Because the fabric is first cut in half along the width of the fabric, creating two pieces at 18 inches x 44 inches. After that one of those pieces is cut again in half, creating the final piece of 18 inches x 22 inches. FAT quarters are often used in quilting projects because they allow for a wider variety of fabric patterns to be included in a project without requiring the quilter to purchase multiple yards of each fabric.

FAT Eighth

A FAT Eighth is half the size of a fat quarter. It is a 1/8-yard cut of fabric that measures 9 inches x 22 inches. It is a great option for small quilt blocks, or for adding variety to a quilt without using a lot of fabric.

FAT Half

A FAT Half is half a yard of fabric that has been cut in a specific way to create larger pieces of fabric. It is a great option for larger quilt blocks or for making things like aprons or bags. Typically, it is cut in half width-wise of the fabric, creating two pieces of 18 inches x 44 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a FAT Quarter?

A FAT Quarter is a term used in quilting to describe a piece of fabric that is cut to be 18 inches by 22 inches. It is a quarter of a yard of fabric but cut differently than a traditional quarter-yard cut, which would be 9 inches by 44 inches.

Why are FAT Quarters used in quilting?

FAT Quarters are often used in quilting projects because the larger size allows for more versatility in pattern and design. They allow the quilter to use multiple fabrics in a single project without having to purchase a full yard of each fabric.

Can FAT Quarters be used for other projects besides quilting?

Yes, FAT Quarters can be used for patchworking, applique, and other sewing projects, like making clothing items, home decor items, and other quilted items.

How many FAT Quarters do I need to make a quilt?

It depends on the quilt pattern and design, but generally, you will need multiple FAT Quarters to make a quilt. On average, a typical quilt may require between 10-20 FAT Quarters.

Can FAT Quarters be used to make larger quilts?

While FAT Quarters are often used to make smaller quilts, they can also be used to make larger quilts by piecing multiple FAT Quarters together.

What is the difference between a FAT Quarter and a regular quarter yard of fabric?

A regular quarter yard of fabric is cut typically at 9 inches x 44 inches, while on the other hand, a FAT Quarter is cut at 18 inches x 22 inches. FAT Quarters are pre-cut in a specific way to create larger pieces of fabric, which is more convenient for quilting projects.

Are FAT Quarters pre-washed?

It depends on the manufacturer and supplier, but some FAT Quarters may be pre-washed while others may not be. It's always best to check the product's description or ask the supplier to confirm.

Are FAT Quarters always 18″ x 22″?

Not necessarily, some manufacturers may have slightly different measurements, however, they are usually around those measurements. In addition, you can always cut a FAT Quarter into smaller pieces to use in a quilt or other project.

Are FAT Quarters always sold in bundles?

Not necessarily, FAT Quarters can be sold individually or in bundles. Although, the FAT Quarters are available in a variety of fabric types, including cotton, linen, and wool.

Can FAT Quarters be used to make binding strips?

Yes, FAT Quarters can be used to make binding strips. The 18″ x 22″ size allows for enough fabric to make multiple 2 1/2″ binding strips or even bias binding if needed.

Wrap Up

To sum it up, FAT Quarters are pre-cut in a specific way to create larger pieces of fabric, which is more convenient for quilting projects. They allow the quilter to use multiple fabrics in a single project without having to purchase multiple yards of each fabric. The FAT Quarter is popular among quilters due to its size and versatility in pattern and designs, allowing the quilter to use multiple fabrics in a single project without having to purchase a full yard of each fabric.