and are they, when purchased, color coordinated or random selection of fabrics?
2007-10-19 17:43:39 · 6 answers · asked by suzieq 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
you can get them in a pack where the colours and designs are co-ordinated or you can buy them separately. They are used to make quilts, or quilted desin wall hangings
2007-10-19 17:52:08 · answer #1 · answered by sharkgirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the major advantages of fat quarters come from their size.
It's just much easier to put a bunch of them together to see what they look like than hauling a bunch of bolts off the shelf and trying to stack them, etc.
It's also less time consuming and easier than selecting all the same fabrics, hauling them to the counter, then waiting in line to have them all cut into quarters.
They're a better shape for using later too, since a quarter-yard cut from a bolt would be only 9" wide, whereas "fat" quaters are squarer.
It's also just a cheap and fun way to indulge one's need to pick out and own a number of great fabric colors and patterns.
(they're also quite good if you're into making "minis" and/or scrap quilts and/or decorating clothing, etc, because in those situations having a *number* of different colors/patterns/scales is more important than having a larger amount of fewer colors/patterns/scales)
In general, they're sold separately, but they can also be purchased as pre-coordinated packages. In that case, you have no choice of individual selection if you don't like one or two of the colors though (must pay for them anyway), and some color-pickers for packets are definitely better than others!
Certain sewing/quilting catalogs also often have a lot of pre-selected fat quarter packets, but I'm a bit leary of those since I've known quilters who've ordered those but been disappointed when they actually received them.
Diane B.
2007-10-20 15:17:26 · answer #2 · answered by Diane B. 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've only purchased a color-coordinated set once, and that was brocades with extra trim thrown in. Other than that, I purchase individually.
A quarter of a yard is 9" x fabric-width. If you want, as an example, 6.5" squares, you will have a *lot* of too-small bits. A fat quarter is 18" x 1/2 fabric width. You can get more larger pieces from it.
If you're doing "strip piecing", a straight quarter is more sensible than a fat quarter.
2007-10-20 03:48:59 · answer #3 · answered by h_brida 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
A fat quarter is usually about 18 x 22, depending on the fabric. If you buy a set they are usually co-ordinated, but you can buy individually if you just want a small piece for something particular. I usually buy by the yard or half-yard (metres over here, of course) so that I can do bigger projects without running out. There are books of projects specially for fat quarters.
2007-10-20 06:40:06 · answer #4 · answered by derfini 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I usually buy random ones that I like and make baby quilts. I've also made a wall hanging for my daughter's room. They are somewhat over priced so I don't use them unless it's a small project and I can't find the fabric elsewhere (like they already sold out) but I really like it.
2007-10-20 00:47:07 · answer #5 · answered by Corozal 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I use them for books I make.
2007-10-20 13:32:53 · answer #6 · answered by cowgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋