How much fabric do you buy?
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 16
This is probably a really dumb question but here goes anyway. When you go into a fabric store and you see fabric that you like but you don't have a specific pattern in mind or one you are working from, how much fabric do you buy?
I keep finding things that I like but I'm new to quilting and I don't always have a pattern in mind or one that I'm working from and I don't know how much to buy. Then I just end up leaving without buying it because I'm afraid I won't get enough or I'll end up with way too much.
What is a good amount to buy?
Thanks!
I keep finding things that I like but I'm new to quilting and I don't always have a pattern in mind or one that I'm working from and I don't know how much to buy. Then I just end up leaving without buying it because I'm afraid I won't get enough or I'll end up with way too much.
What is a good amount to buy?
Thanks!
#2
Depends on if you like quilts with say five patterns to them or ones with mixed patterns but similiar color schemes. When I dont have a project in mind to appease my fabric urge I buy 1/2 yrd pieces or 1 yrd at the most so that I have something I enjoyed and will one day find a use for it. Be more frugal? buy a fat quarter of something.. usually I do mixed fabrics in my quilts so this works. You dont want to end up with 3 yrds of something you might never touch because there is no project that comes to mind. Maybe shop patterns instead? window shopping those in a quilt store is awfully fun too.
#3
If I'm shopping with no pattern in mind and I see a fabric I like I usually get 1yd, especially if I think I can use in a scrappy quilt, if I really, really love the fabric I get 3yds (I attach a note with place, name and date), if it's a fabric that might look good as backing I usually get 5 yds (again, can cut up for futue scrappy quilt). I tend to not buy FQ b/c of the price.
Just my shopping ideas; but shopping for patterns may be the way to go until you build up your stash for that scrappy in the future :) :)
Just my shopping ideas; but shopping for patterns may be the way to go until you build up your stash for that scrappy in the future :) :)
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
The first time I bought less than a yard, DH was surprised. He thought 1 yd was a minimum cut. Now, I have a sizeabe stash, I may just pick up a fat quarter. It all depends. Neutrals or blenders, 1/2 to 1 yard. Beautiful prints 3 yds. Something that might be a backing 5-ish yards. Fabric with special panel prints, I count the repeats and get at least 2 repeats.
I go through spurts when I buy very little and then I'll go hog wild.
I go through spurts when I buy very little and then I'll go hog wild.
#6
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bikini Bottom
Posts: 5,652
Originally Posted by SharonC
If I really, really love the fabric I get 3yds
But I do not think I would buy anything less than a yard to be safe.
Billy
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: lost in fabric & I'm not coming out until Secret Quilt Angel is over.
Posts: 938
I don't buy FQ I usually get 3 yds or whatever they might have if it is under 3. If I love the fabric it is a crap shot as to how much I buy. When I use to be able to go out and hit the sales if it was a really good quality fabric super cheap I would buy it all. The only time I have purchased small amounts is in remanents.
#10
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: lost in fabric & I'm not coming out until Secret Quilt Angel is over.
Posts: 938
Originally Posted by MoMoSews
Gee, My rule of thumb is "You can never buy too much fabric!" :mrgreen:
I like your rule I think I will make it one of my golden rules.
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