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42 Easy Fat Quarter Quilt Patterns

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So far, Craft Passion has covered various quilting methods, such as Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Log Cabins, and Half-Square Triangle Quilts. And there is no way to leave out Fat Quarter Quilt Patterns. Today, we will illuminate the wonders of this delightful craft, where imagination and originality know no bounds, and every piece of fabric sewn opens up a world of possibilities for quilters of all skill levels! 

Express your creative freedom through exploring these fat quarter quilt patterns. They're fast and easy designs that will delight and inspire you!

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Quilt patterns using fat quarters are visually creative and diverse. You can make the most out of the limited fabric by using bundles of coordinating colors and designs to create cool and unconventional quilt patterns. Working with fat quarter precuts is like finding the holy grail of quilting, as you can make stunning pieces without needing vast amounts of material. This makes it a budget-friendly and sustainable choice.

Working with smaller fabric pieces is much easier to handle and piece together. This also means you have the creative freedom to experiment with various fabric prints, ombre designs, and more to add an extra pop of color and excitement to your quilts. Isn’t that exciting?

Alright, enough with the hold-up. Buckle up, grab your supplies, and jump on the bandwagon of fat quarters! The list of ideas and design choices is waiting to be explored, and they are simply irresistible. On a side note, if you need some general guidance and a refresher on quilting, head over to the frequently asked questions below, where we will fill you in on everything you need to know before getting started!

What Is A Fat Quarter?

Fat quarters are the ideal starting point for countless quilt projects. This is because the fabric is typically big enough to be useful and small enough to be affordable and easy to collect. Not only are they effortless to work with, but they are also perfect for quilters who crave a variety without committing to a full yard of fabric.

Let’s address the important question: What are fat quarter dimensions, and how big is a fat quarter? To put it simply, a fat quarter is a quarter-yard cut of fabric in a rectangle that typically measures 18″ x 22″. A standard yard of fabric, which is approximately 36″ x 44″, can yield 4 fat quarter pieces.

sizes of precut fabrics for quilting

Why Fat Quarter And Not Quarter Yard?

You may be wondering why Fat Quarter and why not Quarter Yard since both offer the same fabric area. And here are the reasons: A fat quarter provides a larger, more square piece of fabric compared to a quarter yard measuring 9″ x 44″. Quilters prefer fat quarters for larger blocks, fussy cutting, and efficient pattern use. They are versatile for various crafts beyond quilting and convenient for small projects like pouches and bags.

Hence, that is why fat quarters are a perennial winner and favorite for quilt enthusiasts. So, next time you visit your local fabric store, get your hands on these lovely fabrics!

FAQs Regarding FQ Quilts

1. What supplies do I need to make FQ quilts?

As always, preparing the essential supplies needed is your top priority before embarking on any crafting journey. The items listed below can be purchased at your local craft stores or online. Though this will be a general guideline, always remember to check your chosen pattern’s supply requirements for precision. Nevertheless, here’s what you’ll need: 

Fat quarter fabric
– Batting and backing fabric
– Rotary cutter
– Scissors
– Quilter’s ruler
– Sewing machine and thread
– Cutting mat
– Quilting pins
– Iron and ironing board
– Fabric markers (optional)

2. How many fat quarter pieces are needed to make a quilt?

To determine how many FQ pieces you’ll need to make a quilt, you’ll have to consider a few contributing factors beforehand. For instance, the size of the chosen pattern, its complexity, the pattern’s requirements, and your personal preference. As a rough estimate, if you want to make a lap quilt, you might require at least 12-16 fat quarters. Meanwhile, larger sizes will need more, preferably 30 and above. 

Preparing more than needed is always the best option because you might want to add more inches to your quilts if you want them draped at the side of your bed. Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways on the internet that can help you with that. Check out this FQ Calculation article, for instance! It includes a detailed rundown on how to accurately calculate the amount you’ll need, along with a sizing chart for easier reference.

3. Can I create my own FQ pieces from larger fabric cuts?

While you can cut your own FQ pieces at home, you’ll have to keep in mind that it might be a little time-consuming and taxing as you’ll be cutting with precision. Either way, it’s also a great way to create a stash of your favorite prints and rearrange them by color for your next stash-buster project. Here’s how you can prepare your fabric at home:

Step 1: Prepare a Half Yard of 18″ x 44″ fabric.
Step 2: Grab your quilting ruler and rotary cutter and cut your half yard in half widthwise.
Step 3: Now you will have two pieces of fabric that measure 18″ x 22″ in fat quarter size.  

4. What are the steps for washing my FQ quilts?

There are a few small but essential steps to take when washing and caring for your completed quilt. We understand that it’s your hard work and that you want to ensure that they deserve the best care you can give. Therefore, here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Always wash your quilts in cold water under the delicate cycle of your washing machine. 
Step 2: When drying, you can either tumble dry on the lowest heat setting or air dry on a flat surface in a shaded area, directed away from the harsh sunlight.
Step 3: Next comes storing. You can roll or fold them in a breathable cotton quilt bag and store them in a dry and cool place.

What’s Next?

  • Get inspired by the list of FQ quilts below! Don’t forget to share your finished projects with us by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram @craftpassion. 
  • Save this post to your Pinterest for easy future reference. 
  • While you’re at it, join our vast community to share your quilting experience and pick up valuable tips and tricks from others! 
  • If you haven’t already fallen in love with this quilting method, check out this fantastic Modern Hexagon Flower Quilt Duvet that is fat quarter-friendly! 
  • On top of that, you can also look at these gorgeous Star Quilts, Secret Garden Quilts, Beginner Quilts, and Baby Quilts

Here Are The 42 Easy Quilt Patterns That Use Fat Quarter Precuts

Now that we’ve got all the details and nitty-gritty of quilting down to a tee, let’s begin with the pattern selection, shall we? We’ve included most of the free designs, along with a dash of paid ones, to keep the options flowing. So, without further ado, let’s explore some fantastic fat quarter quilts to inspire your next project! 

Author bio

Joanne Loh

~ Founder and Editor ~
Born into a creative family, Joanne Loh has over 40 years of experience in sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Well-known for her creative approach to DIY crafts, her creations demonstrate a strong dedication to quality and spreading her enthusiasm among the crafting community.
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