Do you ever wonder why so many patterns use fat quarters, or why many fabric companies’ curated bundles are in fat quarters along with the other pre-cut fabric options? It appears that the fat quarter is most quilters go to! It’s a great way to use fabrics in an entire collection, plus it’s a great way to buy smaller quantities of fabric if you’re building your stash. But, inevitably, I always find my self looking up how many squares I can cut from a fat quarter. If you do that too I have a fun quilting cheat sheet for you!
What is a Fat Quarter?
A fat quarter (abbreviated “FQ”) of fabric is a popular cut used in quilting and sewing. It’s typically 18 inches by approximately 21 inches, which is half the width of the fabric (usually around 42 inches wide). Typically, the selvedge runs along the 18-inch edge.
How are Fat Quarters used?
Fat Quarters are used in the same manner as all other quilting cotton: to create! Many patterns are written for use with fat quarters, and they also make fun scrappy quilts too. The fun fact about fat quarters is that due to their size, large pieces to be cut from the fabric, unlike a typical narrow quarter yard strip of fabric.
How many squares from a Fat Quarter?
Many quilts require you to cut squares from your fat quarters. Or maybe you are looking to create your own unique layer cake, or charm pack. I did the quilt math for you and it’s in the below table to make it easier for you! And, under the table I give some info on how many fat quarters you would need to make your own pre-cut fabric packs.
How Many Fat Quarters are needed to make a 10" square pre-cut fabric stack?
Most 10″ square packs of precut fabric have 42 10″ squares. If you are trying to make your own from fat quarters you would need 21 fat quarters, cutting two 10″ squares from each fat quarter.
How Many Fat Quarters are needed to make a 5" square pre-cut fabric stack?
Most 5″ square packs of precut fabric have 42 5″ squares. If you are trying to make your own from fat quarters you would need four fat quarters, cutting 12 5″ squares from each fat quarter.
How Many Fat Quarters are needed to make a 2.5" square pre-cut fabric stack?
Most 2.5″ square packs of precut fabric have 42 2.5″ squares. If you are trying to make your own from fat quarters, you would only need one since you can get 56 2.5″ squares from one fat quarter.
How many strips from a Fat Quarter?
Whether you are sub cutting your fat quarter to then cut squares, or you are making a bargello quilt, strips are a great way to use your fat quarters. The below tables show how many strips you can cut from a fat quarter. The table assumes you cut the fat quarter by the width of the fabric (in other words, the strips will be 21″ long).
Fat Quarter Cutting Cheat Sheet
While the tables above are great, I wanted something a bit more stylish to hang by my cutting table. I created the below 4″ x 6″ Quilting Cheat Sheet that has all the info from above, but in a smaller and more stylish format. You can download your own copy here.
How Many Squares Can You Cut From A Fat Quarter?
Find yourself googling “how many squares in a fat quarter” or how to sub-cut a fat quarter? Here are two tables to help you and a free printable cheat sheet!
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