What can you make with a fat quarter – pretty much any small project by Patchwork Posse or even quilt can be made using the precut fat quarter. They are the perfect size for grabbing, cutting and making a project. Now that you have them, let’s check out some ideas for fat quarters.
You’ll be able to get a fat quarter cut at the counter from the fabric shop or they sometimes come pre-cut and ready to go. You simply need to pick it up.
Bundle a bunch of the precuts together and you have a bundle. These are great for sewing larger projects and even quilts with.
The bundles typically come in a whole collection really giving you the best option when it comes to coordinating fabric. You know these bundles will give you what you need and they all match and go together beautifully.

15 quick and easy fat quarter projects
You are going to love whipping up a fun and cute project using your fat quarters and precut collections! There are so many options when it comes to using your fabric.
If you don’t have a fat quarter around – feel free to cut up your yardage to make your own. It’s simple and a great way to use yardage up. (sometimes we have the hardest time using those larger cuts)
These projects are going to take you a few hours or possibly the weekend to sew. Nothing too large and they make great gifts even. You can customize it to the person receiving it with the fabric that you have chosen to sew with.
- A quilted pin cushion
- Sweet hair headband
- Stuffed bunnies
- Simple apron
- Snack bag
- Maple leaf mug rug
- Quilted book cover
- Sewing machine cover
- Sew the perfect pouch pencil case
- Armchair pin cushion
- Microwave bowl holder
- Cute hot pads
- Trivet for your kitchen
- Mug Rugs
- Needle Keeper

Sizes and other Precuts
Not sure what size they are or how to cut up larger fabric to make your own fat quarter, half yard or other size? Here are some helpful printables and charts to get you started.
It’s not hard to pick up your fabric and buy yardage – what I find hard is actually using them! Getting them off the shelf and turning that fabric into a beautiful project. The first step to this is cutting up your fabric.
Smaller Projects
I find myself picking up random fat quarters in the quilt shops and then I’m not really sure what to do with them!
These projects are perfect for gathering a collection of them by color or theme and making them into a smaller project. Usually under 5 fat quarters are needed for them – and can be made in a weekend.
- Fat quarter pumpkin ideas
- Christmas fat quarter projects
- What you can make using fat quarters
- Toy Patterns using precuts
Fabric Storage & Folding Ideas
Do you have a nice collection – and not sure how to store them so you will actually use them?
Begin with how to fold your fabric and then explore options for actually storing them. You want to not only have them visible, so you know what you have, but you also want to have them ready for using. Not crumpled in a drawer or piled high.
Quilts to Sew
If you are like me and maybe collect a few fat quarter collections at a time, then it’s time to turn them into a larger project. Quilts are the perfect thing to use up a nice amount!

Why quilters love them…
- Versatility:
- They offer a versatile cut of fabric that measures approximately 18 x 22 inches. This size is large enough to accommodate various quilting and sewing projects, from small crafts to larger quilt blocks.
- Mix and Match:
- Quilters often appreciate the ability to mix and match fabrics easily. It provide a manageable size for combining different prints and colors within a collection, allowing for diverse and visually appealing designs.
- Cost-Effective:
- Quilters can build a diverse fabric stash without breaking the bank. These sizes are often more affordable than purchasing larger cuts of fabric, making them a cost-effective option for trying out different prints and textures.
- Reduced Waste:
- Traditional quarter-yard cuts can result in long, narrow strips of fabric that may be challenging to use efficiently. Fat quarters, with their square shape, generate less waste and offer more flexibility in cutting shapes and patterns.
- Ideal for Small Projects:
- The size of fat quarters is perfect for smaller projects, such as patchwork, quilting blocks, and crafts. Quilters can create a variety of items without the need for large amounts of fabric.
- Convenient for Quilting Blocks:
- Fat quarters are well-suited for quilting blocks that require a mix of fabrics. They provide enough material to cut pieces for different sections of a block, allowing for more intricate and detailed designs.
- Pre-Cut and Ready to Use:
- Fat quarters are pre-cut and ready to use, saving quilters time and effort in the cutting process. This convenience is especially appreciated for quilters working on multiple projects or those looking to quickly start a new creation.
- Great for Scrappy Quilts:
- Quilters love creating scrappy quilts, and fat quarters are perfect for this. Quilters can collect a variety of fat quarters to build a scrappy quilt with an eclectic mix of colors and patterns.
- Excellent for Appliqué:
- They provide ample fabric for appliqué projects. Quilters can cut out shapes and designs easily, and the variety in fat quarter collections allows for creative appliqué combinations.
- Storage and Organization:
- Fat quarters are easy to store and organize. Their compact size makes it convenient for quilters to categorize fabrics by color, pattern, or collection, keeping their fabric stash neat and accessible.
Overall, fourth-yard fabric cuts are celebrated in the quilting community for their flexibility, affordability, and suitability for a wide range of projects, making them an essential and cherished resource for quilters of all skill levels.
Where to buy them and other Precuts
Display your finished quilts using the Quilt Keeper.
You can even design your own quilt pattern using EQ8 program. It’s loaded with blocks that you can explore and use to design.
Explore precut fabrics and books using precuts here at Annies Catalog.
Want to cut your own fat quarters or other precuts? Explore Accuquilt dies to make it quick and easy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is in a fat quarter?
A fat quarter is cut crosswise from a 1⁄2-yard piece of fabric-an 18×44″ rectangle cut in half to yield an 18×21″ “fat” 1⁄4-yard piece. Although a traditional 1⁄8-yard cut and a fat-eighth cut contain the same amount of fabric, they differ in shape.
Why is called a fat quarter?
It is called ‘fat’ because it is deeper than a standard quarter-yard cut of fabric, which measures a ‘skinny’ 9 inches by 44 inches.
How many 5 inch squares is a fat quarter?
12. You can cut 12 5″ squares from the fat quarter piece.
What does WOF mean?
This is the short notation for width of fabric. The measurement taken from one selvedge edge to the other. Typically they measure around 40″ to 43″.
Are they suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are beginner-friendly. Their pre-cut size eliminates the need for extensive cutting, and they are versatile for various small projects, making them an excellent choice for those new to quilting.
Can I find coordinated fat quarter bundles?
Yes, many fabric stores offer coordinated fat quarter bundles. These bundles usually contain fabrics from the same collection or with complementary colors and patterns.
Are there specialty fabrics, such as batiks or solids?
Fat quarters come in various fabric types, including batiks, solids, and prints. Quilters can choose fat quarters based on their preferences and the needs of their projects.
How do I store these precuts?
They are often stored flat or folded in a way that keeps them easily visible. Some quilters use clear containers or shelves to organize fat quarters by color, pattern, or theme.
Can I mix and match from different collections?
Many quilters love the freedom to mix and match from various fabric collections. This allows for unique and eclectic designs in quilting projects.
What types of projects are best suited for these cuts of fabric?
They are great for a variety of projects, including small quilts, patchwork projects, appliqué, and crafts like bags, pouches, and accessories.
Are fat quarters suitable for large quilt projects?
yes! They can be used for large quilt projects, but the size limitation may require additional planning and piecing. Many quilters use them for smaller projects or as part of a larger quilt design.
Can I use precuts for quilting blocks?
This size are commonly used for quilting blocks. Their size is ideal for cutting pieces needed for different sections of a block, making them convenient for block-based quilting patterns.
How is a fat quarter different from a regular quarter yard of fabric?
A regular quarter yard is a long, narrow strip measuring 9 x 44 inches, while a fat quarter is a square-shaped cut that provides more versatility in quilting and sewing projects.
What is a fat quarter dimension?
This size is a pre-cut piece of fabric that measures approximately 18 x 22 inches. It is cut from a yard of fabric by halving the width and then halving it again.
Remember, the possibilities with fat quarters are nearly endless, and these ideas are just a starting point.
Feel free to mix and match patterns, experiment with colors, and let your creativity flow in your sewing and quilting projects.

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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