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  • Number of fat quarters = quilt size??

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    Old 10-30-2009, 06:04 PM
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    I am super new to all of this, so please bear with my elementary questions!!

    A nearby quilt shop is going to have a fat quarter sale (25 for $25!!) and I figured that it would be a good time to get what I need for one of my wanna-do projects - a large quilt for our queen-size bed. (Actually, I think the store bought one I have now is a King because I wanted it to hang down...)

    Are there any formulas to figure out how many fat quarters it takes to make a quilt like this? I guess it depends some on the particular design & how many seams.... I haven't figured that out yet. But even if I were to be ballpark, I could still save a ton of $.

    Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to learning a lot here!
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    Old 10-30-2009, 06:45 PM
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    Interesting question. A *lot* depends on the pattern you select. However, by Googling info on the net I came up with the following calculations.

    Assume a king size quilt is 112" x 120". Assume you can cut six 6-1/2" squares from a fat quarter. Assume the quilt is made up of 6"-finished size squares.

    For this quilt, you would need about 380 squares (112/6=19 squares across, 120/6=20 squares down, 19x20=380 squares). Since you can cut six squares from a fat quarter, you would need 380/6=64 fat quarters minimum. It does not allow for tossing fabrics you don't like, or don't go with your design, and it does not allow for miscuts or fabrics that shrink (if you prewash), and it does not provide for either backing fabric or binding fabric.

    If you are super-new to quilting, I highly recommend that you do not start with a king-size or queen-size quilt. A crib quilt or lap quilt would be best.

    I'm not that keen on buying fat quarters because they can be difficult to put together if they are all different colors and designs. If I were to make a scrap quilt using fat quarters (say, like an Irish Chain pattern, which I love), I would buy half the fabric in a background I liked and cut only half the quilt from fat quarters.
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    Old 10-30-2009, 06:54 PM
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    A warm welcome to the world of quilting! It's fabulous, challenging at times, but great therapy and a limitless field of creativity.

    Everyone has their own answers based on what works for them. The only "stupid" question is the one that didn't get asked. So, ask away. There are so many talented, practical and smart women here that are always ready to help.

    I'd approach your question to say that you should pick out a pattern first that will give you a place to start. The design of the pattern, the way the fat quarter is cut, the size and shape will all determine what you'll need.

    The sale price is great for FQ's as they go for more than twice that (closer to $3 in quilt shops). If you're in a position to buy them to have them on hand or pick some for inspiration on this project, pick out and get what you can, what you love, what catches your eye. It's the start of a stash and an addiction as many can attest to here. :-) Enjoy!!!!
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    Old 10-30-2009, 06:59 PM
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    There are a lot of great patterns out there that call for fat quarters. You would then use yardage for the borders or sometimes the background.
    I just pulled a Yellow Brick Road pattern it calls for 48 fat quarters for a king size (120x120) as well as 3 1/2 yrds for a border. The queen size(93 x 102) calls for 30 fat quarters and 2 3/4 yds for border.
    Another favorite pattern I have used a lot for a quick easy quilt is called Bits and Pieces and that pattern calls for 40 for a king (100.5 x118.5) and 33 for the queen (91.5 x 109.5)
    It would depend greatly on what pattern you wish to use. the smaller your working units, the more fabric you may need to account for all the seams.
    I have, when making a queen Yellow Brick Road, just used 2 FQ of the same fabric and so only had 15 different fabrics in the quilt.
    Hope this helps a little
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    Old 10-30-2009, 07:16 PM
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    Oooo - I looked those up - the Yellow Brick Road looks like what I have in my mind! That does help - a LOT!

    I highly doubt that this would wind up being my first project - but it would be the most expensive. That's why I'd love to buy the fabric now! :D
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    Old 10-30-2009, 07:41 PM
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    I LOVE the Yellow Brickroad pattern for people who are new to quilting. :)
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    Old 10-30-2009, 07:54 PM
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    Good - that's reassuring!

    Can anyone recommend a good place to buy patterns? I suppose I should poke around the forum a bit - I'm sure this kind of thing is posted somewhere...
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    Old 10-30-2009, 09:23 PM
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    Are you really starting your trip down quilty road with a king size? That is quite ambitious. Just have fun. You'll learn the same basic lessons whether you do a small one or a large one. A small one is quite a bit easier to maneuver. But I'm a good one to talk. My second quilt was queen size.
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    Old 10-31-2009, 12:42 AM
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    I also went the whole hog and did a large quilt on my first attempt... good grief ... didn't I let myself in for an addiction!

    It's far from perfect but I learnt so much from my mistakes :D

    Could I also suggest the "Turning Twenty" is a great pattern for fat quarters. I have a bundle on the shelf sat waiting impatiently to be turned into a quilt.
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    Old 10-31-2009, 04:23 AM
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    Welcome from northeast CA. Glad you joined us. I can't help you with your question since I don't usually buy fat quarters, but you'll get plenty of help here.
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