How much fabric do you buy?
#22
I make alot of quilts that I like to use about 20 colors so for me 1 yard to 1/2 yards suits this purpose. But for a large scale print that screams border .. its 3 yards. If its just destined to be a great go to fabric for background say a white on white or cream on cream ... and it at a great price ... I go for at least 6- 7 yards , maybe the whole bolt ( if at a can't be beat price). For my style you can never have enough white on white or cream on cream on hand for me that like not having flour or sugar on hand.
So much depends on the styles of quilts that are your preference.
So much depends on the styles of quilts that are your preference.
#23
If I can afford it, I buy at least 3 yards for my stash (4 yards if I am afraid that the store won't have it later on). If I can't afford that much, I try to buy at least 2 yards for my stash. When I started folding my material like bolts and storing them on shelves, I found that almost all of my stash worked well together with each other. That gave me more confidence in being able to just buy something because it is pretty and knowing that I will use it later on in different quilts.
#25
I try to have a general purpose in mind. Questions I ask myself: Would I use it for borders and maybe focus fabric, then get 3 yards. Would it be a background fabric, then 2 yards. A supporting fabric, then 1 to 1 1/2 yards. Would it make a good backing, then 5 or 6 yards ( or more depending on size of quilt). If you like scrap quilts then Fat Quarters are great.
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
when it is a fabric i think would make great borders or backgrounds i buy 2-3 yards- if it is something i love but really have no idea what i would do with it i buy 1 yard- or maybe even a fatquarter- if i just can not even imagine what i would do with it- if it is a fabric i think would make a wonderful back i buy anywhere from 5 -10 yards...depending on the price & if i think i could use it for more than one quilt.
so, it really depends on why i like it- is it a good blender- fabric i would pull out & use often? then i need 2-3 yards of it- is it more of a feature fabric that needs other fabrics with? then maybe only 1 yard....i seldom have a plan when i buy fabric-unless i'm choosing a backing-
so, it really depends on why i like it- is it a good blender- fabric i would pull out & use often? then i need 2-3 yards of it- is it more of a feature fabric that needs other fabrics with? then maybe only 1 yard....i seldom have a plan when i buy fabric-unless i'm choosing a backing-
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: So Plymouth, NY
Posts: 2,502
I buy a yard if it really speaks to me. If it is a great blender and a great sale I'll pick up 2-3 yards. Have been enjoying the 5" charm packs a lot too. You can enjoy the guilty, quilty pleasure of having a minimal amount of everything in that particular collection for under $10. The charm quilts work up quickly, make nice gifts and are just a lot of fun to make.
#28
New to quilting (after a 30 yr. absence) .... and I've only done the rag quilts, so I like to buy 1/2 yard of any color that suits my fancy.
I am so hoping to take some classes and learn how to do the bindings!!!!! That was the part (years ago) that I really did not do well at .... now that I'm retired, I can spend more time and learn things properly!!! Plus U-tube is just great for learning things
jody
I am so hoping to take some classes and learn how to do the bindings!!!!! That was the part (years ago) that I really did not do well at .... now that I'm retired, I can spend more time and learn things properly!!! Plus U-tube is just great for learning things
jody
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sonoma County, California
Posts: 132
WOW I can't believe all you ladies who buy so much fabric of one kind. Perhaps it is my quilting style but I rarely buy more than a yard unless it is for a back. I mostly buy FQ's or a regular half a yard. I almost never put borders on my quilts and use a lot of white so I don't need great quantities of one color. I like the scrappy look. I guess that is why.
#30
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
If it could work as a backing, I get 5 or 6 yards (those are always bought on sale). Others, I often get 2-3 yards because that length allows me to cut border strips LOF (if I don't want to piece) and I often cut my binding strips that way too. (I don't do continuous binding any longer but use double-mitered instead).
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