What Is a Fat Quarter? Sizes, Sewing Ideas and Buying Tips

A bundle of small fabric pieces can be the starting point for a patchwork cushion, a handmade pouch or a colourful appliqué project. Fat quarters let you work with several prints without buying a metre of every fabric, making them a useful choice when you want variety for smaller makes.

If you are new to sewing with fat quarters, start with the measurements. The name describes a type of fabric cut, but the dimensions and number of pieces in a bundle can vary. Here is how to choose a pack and plan a project that fits.

What is a fat quarter?

A fat quarter is a small cut of fabric with a wider, shorter shape than a narrow strip cut across the full width of a roll. That shape gives you room for squares, rectangles and small pattern pieces, which is why fat quarters are popular for patchwork and accessories.

The exact size depends on the supplier and how the fabric is cut. For example, Moda lists fat quarters measuring 18 × 22 inches, approximately 46 × 56 cm. Do not assume every pack uses those dimensions.

At Red Door Textiles, the Raspberry Mustard Floral block print pack is listed with four pieces measuring 50 × 50 cm each. The Bright Florals pack contains seven 50 × 50 cm pieces. Always check the individual listing for the fabric size, composition and number of pieces included.

Why choose a fat quarter pack?

Small pieces make it easier to try different colours and prints within one project. Instead of committing to a large length, you can combine a floral panel with a contrasting pocket or mix several prints in a patchwork design.

A coordinated bundle also gives you somewhere to start. Lay the pieces out together and choose which print will be the main feature, which will provide contrast and which will work best in smaller sections. You do not need to use every fabric in equal amounts.

Five ideas for sewing with fat quarters

These are project ideas rather than complete patterns. Check the cutting requirements of your chosen pattern before ordering, and allow separately for linings, backing, interfacing, fastenings and trims.

1. Patchwork cushion fronts

Combine squares or strips from several prints to create a cushion front. A simple grid is an approachable place to begin: use larger squares to show more of each print, or smaller pieces for a busier mix.

Plan the finished cushion size first, then add the seam allowance required by your pattern to every piece. Joining squares reduces the overall dimensions, so a layout that measures the right size before sewing will finish smaller. You will also need fabric for the back and any inner lining.

2. Small zip pouches

A pouch gives a favourite print a practical purpose, whether it holds sewing tools, cables or everyday essentials. Try one print on the outside and another for a pocket or lining, provided the fabric and pattern are suitable.

Lay out every pattern piece before cutting. Boxed corners, a gusset or a directional print can require more fabric than a simple flat pouch. Check whether your chosen design needs interfacing to give a lightweight cotton more structure.

3. Appliqué details

Use small pieces to add shapes to a cushion, bag or wall hanging. A bold floral can work as a single feature, while smaller prints are useful for leaves, letters or repeated shapes.

Choose a method that suits your project. Turned-edge appliqué needs extra fabric around each shape; a raw-edge technique has different preparation and stitching requirements. Test the method on an offcut before working on the main piece.

4. A patchwork table runner

A runner is a good way to explore a colour palette without committing to a full quilt. Arrange strips or blocks along the centre, then decide whether a plain border would help frame the prints.

Measure the table and decide how much coverage you want before choosing a pattern. The fat quarters may provide the decorative top, but backing, binding and any wadding need their own fabric allowance.

5. Fabric bookmarks and small gifts

Narrow offcuts can become fabric bookmarks, while larger leftovers can be used for gift tags or decorative patches. These small projects are useful for trying a new stitch or practising neat corners.

If you add ribbon or other trims, check that the colour, width and care requirements suit the fabric. Keep the design simple when the print is already doing most of the work.

How to mix prints without making the project feel too busy

Start with one colour that appears across two or more fabrics. Then vary the scale: a larger floral beside a smaller motif gives the eye somewhere to move. Lay the fabrics out in roughly the proportions you intend to use, rather than judging them only as equally sized folded squares.

Step back before cutting. If every fabric is competing for attention, reduce the number of prints or introduce a plain fabric. A phone photo can help you compare two layouts before you commit.

Check your cutting layout before buying

• Confirm each piece’s dimensions. Compare both sides with the pattern, rather than looking only at the total fabric area.
• Count the pieces in the pack. Four pieces and seven pieces give you different options for repeating a design.
• Check print direction. Rotating a pattern piece may turn flowers or motifs sideways.
• Allow for preparation. Shrinkage, fraying and trimming can reduce the usable fabric.
• List the extras. Linings, cushion backs, zips and interfacing may need to be purchased separately.

For example, a pattern piece that is 55 cm long will not fit along either side of a 50 × 50 cm square. Even if the total fabric area looks sufficient, the shape of the cut matters. Choose a different pattern, piece the fabric only where the design allows, or buy a larger length.

Prepare your fabric before sewing

Follow the care instructions for the particular pack. If the finished item will be washed, consider prewashing before cutting, then dry, press and measure the usable pieces again. Keep strong colours separate while assessing any dye release.

For block printed cotton, our block print cotton care guide explains washing, shade drying and pressing. Check the product instructions first, especially when combining different materials in one project.

Find a pack for your next make

Browse our fat quarter fabric packs and compare the colours, piece sizes and pack contents with your project plan. If your design needs longer panels or repeated pieces in one print, explore our block print cotton fabric by the metre instead.