What's a Fat Quarter You Ask?...

I've had a few emails asking what is a fat quarter. Fat quarters are those little pre-cut folded squares of fabric you see at your local quilt shop or larger chain fabric stores. They are usually in front of the bolts of fabric. They are pre-cut pieces from the bolts of fabric for a quick purchase to use for small projects or scrap quilts. Here's a quick picture explanation.

Here is a piece of fabric that is one yard long...see the yard stick on the bottom. The fabric is unfolded, so the selvage (finished) edges are on the top and bottom.


Here is a close up of the 36 inch length of fabric.

Now cut that 36 inch length in half at 18 inches.

Here are the 2 strips 18 inches by the width of fabric (WOF).

Now, the usual width of fabric ranges from 42"-45" (that's the vertical ruler on the right)

Minus the white edge of the selvage, this fabric is just about 44 inches.

Now cut that in half at 22 inches.

and here you have it...4 fat quarters from one yard of fabric.
The usual measurement of a fat quarter is 18" x 22".

Hope this helps. ~Karen~