Calculating Fabric I Needed
#11
I recently figured out what I needed for a quilt, and then made a change to the pattern when changed the basic block from 9" to 16" - in effect halving the quantity I needed for the size quilt. But I forgot that part and cut and sewed and ended up with twice as many strips as I needed. I was using 6 color ways and figured 6 of each, but I only needed three of each.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,857
If you have difficulty figuring out yardage needed, use graph paper (plan one square to equal one inch) and draw the pieces needed for a block or two or maybe three (if several different colors needed). This should show you how many blocks you can get out of 1/4 or 1/3 yard (approx). Then multiply that for how ever many blocks you will need and it will give you a much closer yardage requirement. Remember to keep in mind grain lines and seam allowances. But, even if the budget is tight, add a bit extra for problems or miscalculations. Having a great stash is a good thing, but I understand trying to stay within a budget!
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Greater Mississippi Delta
Posts: 104
Once I get past my 10 fingers and toes, I'm lost at math. I hated any kind of math in school and college. I graphed a dresden quilt for my brother's Christmas. Thot I double checked etc.
Low and behold, I'm a yard short of my main fabric for the borders. I didn't want to change my original design so I went to several stores until I found a match. It got kind of frantic after the first few stores, but luckily I did find the material.
Needless to say, I bought an extra yard in case I messed up with the math again!
Low and behold, I'm a yard short of my main fabric for the borders. I didn't want to change my original design so I went to several stores until I found a match. It got kind of frantic after the first few stores, but luckily I did find the material.
Needless to say, I bought an extra yard in case I messed up with the math again!
#17
Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Southern Illinois
Posts: 46
I learned a very expensive lesson. I needed 7 different fabrics. I calculated what I needed of each. Got home, did my cutting. Oh no, I have tons of fabric left over. Lots of dollars going into stash, which I did not need on my tight budget. Obviously, need to learn math.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,867
I recently cut out my Labyrinth quilt. I was a yard short on the background fabric, but decided to cut it anyway, thinking I would get creative with some of the corners. I don't have to. I cut it all out with a 2" strip of fabric to spare. That is a large miscalculation on the patternmaker's part.
#20
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Porterville, CA
Posts: 52
I was always buying one yard of sale fabric. Once I used one yard and ended up with only 1/2 inch of fabric. That is tooooo close. I had spent hours online and visiting LQS for a matching fabric in case I ran out (I had made up the pattern, so had no idea, really, of amount needed. So now I always buy 2 yards of sale fabric, just in case.
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