What Is a Fat Quarter of Fabric? Plus, How to Use It in Your Craft Projects

Fat quarters are precut pieces of fabric vital for quilting, patchwork, and various craft projects due to their increased usable surface area compared to a standard quarter-yard cut. Measuring 18 x 22 inches, they are perfect for projects involving multiple prints and intricate cuts, offering creative options without the need for full yardage. Whether making a quilt block or custom appliqué, fat quarters give you the flexibility to craft without excess waste. We consulted sewing experts to share insights on the diverse applications of fat quarters in your projects.

What Is a Fat Quarter of Fabric?

Fat quarters vary slightly in size, based on the width of the fabric, but typically, they measure 18-by-22 inches when the fabric is cut by yards or 50-by-55 centimeters when cut by meters. "This textile gem proves ideal for projects that call for multiple fabrics, injecting a playful and creative flair into the endeavors of quilters and crafters," says Paula Pfotenhauer, a pattern maker and owner of Jeaja Design Studio."

When purchasing fabric by the yard or meter, here's how the cuts compare:

• Standard quarter-yard cut: Measures 9 inches by the full width of the fabric (typically 42-44 inches).
• Quarter-meter cut: Measures 25 centimeters by the full fabric width.

"This cut is obtained by taking half a yard of fabric and then halving it again horizontally," says Grace Thompson, product manager at ChicSew. "The result is a square-like piece that offers a wider range of design possibilities compared to a standard quarter yard."

The Difference Between a Fat Quarter and a Regular Quarter Yard of Fabric

The main difference between the two is the shape of the fabric. "The distinction between a fat quarter and its traditional counterpart lies in the shape and creative potential it unlocks," says Pfotenhauer. "Unlike the slender strips of a regular quarter yard, which typically measure 9 inches in width and 42 inches in length, a fat quarter offers a different geometry, 18 inches in width and 22 inches in length, providing crafters with greater flexibility. This unique cut enhances design possibilities by allowing artisans to utilize more of a fabric's intricate print and the ability to creatively repurpose smaller scraps."

Because of the extra steps it takes to cut fat quarters, a fat quarter usually costs a little more than a standard quarter yard or meter. The additional cost is often worth it, however. If you need the extra width but not the length, fat quarters provide that without needing to buy a larger piece of fabric, spending more money, and potentially wasting more material.

Ways to Use a Fat Quarter of Fabric

These handy precuts also mean you can skip the cutting counter because they're ready for you to purchase. Many fabric lines offer packs of fat quarters, so you can buy a little bit of each design from the collection. A single fat quarter bundle will usually give you enough material to sew a quilt top and still have fabric left over. Here are some of the most common projects where it makes sense to use a fat quarter of fabric.

Quilt Blocks

Quilt patterns frequently use fat quarters because their area allows you to cut many pieces. Lots of other sewing projects suggest using this precut, too. "Fat quarters are ideal for creating diverse quilt blocks, as the larger size enables the inclusion of more intricate patterns and designs," says Thompson.

Appliqué

Beyond quilting, fat quarters of fabric are great for other sewing projects like appliqué and other patchwork. "The larger surface area of fat quarters makes them perfect for appliqué work, allowing for the creation of detailed and visually appealing designs on clothing or home décor items," Thompson says.

Small Sewing Projects

You can get creative with these fabric cuts by crafting all sorts of different smaller accessories, and you won't waste fabric in the process. "Whether you're making small accessories like pouches, wallets, or fabric flowers, fat quarters provide ample fabric for these projects without the need to purchase larger amounts," Thompson says.

Scrap Quilting

Scrap quilts are a great way to use up fabric scraps you have from other projects. "If you enjoy the art of scrap quilting, fat quarters are a fantastic choice as they offer a variety of colors and patterns in a single cut, allowing for a beautifully eclectic finished product," says Thompson.

Mix-and-Match Coordination

An art unto itself, use fat quarters to help coordinate colors and patterns in your next project. "Fat quarters are excellent for coordinating fabrics within a collection, ensuring that different patterns and colors complement each other seamlessly," Thompson says.