The best fat quarter sewing projects
Looking for free sewing patterns for fat quarter projects? Look no further. Here we have a list with the best and easy fat quarter projects you can find!
You don’t need a large amount of fabric to create a variety of small and easy sewing projects. Fat quarters are perfect sizable cuts for literally hundreds of useful projects for the kitchen, for home decor, for the new baby and of course for quilt lovers.
Below I share some cool sew and no sew fat quarter free patterns and ideas to help you put your fabric stash to good use!
What is a fat quarter and what is it used for?
What is a fat quarter?
The term “fat quarters” are commonly used in the patchwork and quilting world.
A “fat quarter” is basically a quarter yard fabric; a piece of fabric that corresponds to a yard of fabric cut in 4 almost square pieces.
To cut a fat quarter you will cut a yard of fabric, in length, in half and then cut again along the width. So the measurement may vary depending on the width of the textile roll but a fat quarter almost always has 2 sides that measure 18 inches. The most common size is 18×22 inches but you also see 20×20 inch bundles.
The term “fat eighth” is also used, which is a fat quarter cut in half (either width or lengthwise).
Why cut the fabric in fat quarter pieces?
You may think that this is a strange way of cutting the fabric, why not just cut the 1/4 of the fabric yard across the selvages?
If you cut the the textile this way, the stripe will be long but with a narrow width. This is not optimal for a variety of sewing projects. You wouldn’t be able to even make a sizable placemat without having to join in extra fabric.
However, when you cut the yard into 4 almost square pieces you are able to use the cut in many other ways.
Where can you buy fat quarters?
Fat quarters are a common USA measurement for fabrics and you can purchase them in many places online and in most quilting, patchwork and applique stores.
You can mix and match several pieces of fat quarter textile to create themed projects but they are available in sets or bundles with beautifully matching and complimentary prints.
A few places you can search online for them are:
- Etsy
- Amazon
What are fat quarter used for?
Fat quarters are perfect for quilting and patchwork crafts where you get the base fabric covered or combined with another matching one to create beautiful artistic designs. Since the pieces are smaller and the cuts are better sized you end up with less waste, scraps and unused material.
Having fat quarters help you increase your textile collection without having to spend a ton buying the yard. You no longer need to get massive amounts of fabric for just a little detail in a project.
With a variety of different patterns, fabric and details you will be able to create stunning work as detailed or simple as you wish. You can mix the fabrics to add a detail, and embellishment or to create contrast in your projects.
You don’t need to be a quilter though to work with fat quarters, pretty much any small project can be done with them and some are so easy even kids can sew!
Below I share some of the curtest free fat quarter ideas, be sure to check these small sewing tutorials before deciding what to do with your fat quarter leftovers.
Best projects for fat quarter patterns
If you love fat quarters just as much as we do you will enjoy these creative (free) step by step sewing ideas with instructions.
Fat Quarter Projects
These easy projects are perfect for anyone wanting to use their fat quarter fabrics.
Here are 11 things you can do with fat quarter fabrics.
A simple ID wallet or card holder is perfect if you need to flash your work ID or buss passes very often. This handy bag features a clear vinyl pocket on the front for your card and and a zippered bag for small objects such as lipstick and changes.
Check out this craft at the Sew Very Crafty site.
What better way to use leftover fat quarters than to beautify your home?
This heart garland is so simple to make and will be perfect project to match up the different fabrics in a fat quarter set.
You can never have too many hotpads, right?
You can use them for your home fat quarter coasters or make as gifts. This hotpad project is a fantastic way to use your fat quarters.
Possibly one of the easiest beginner's projects a pocket tissue holder can be made with a simple fat quarter and very basic sewing techniques.
How handy is it to have fat quarters at home when you need to come up with a quick but lovely birthday gift?
Just cut your fat quarters and quickly sew this adorable fat quarter bunting!
A DIY plastic bag holder to organize and store your plastic bags for reuse.
This is one of the best no sew fat quarter projects, but you can make it a sew project too.
Make good use of fabric fat quarters to organize the odd and ends that seem to collect on the nightstand and other places in the house.
Check out this simple fat quarter fabric tray tutorial.
This is another easy pattern that can make a great gift for a friend or family member.
You can match fabrics from fat quarter sets and make a reversible one too.
Very few things are as useful as drawstring bags. You can use them to organize and storage things, to carry items, to pack gift and use as snack bags!
There are so many ways to make a drawstring bag but this 3 seam tutorial is a great one to use your fat quarters.
Not only is this place mat tutorial a great project for a beginner but it is also perfect for home decor ideas.
Click to learn how to make these oval fat quarter placemats with your fat quarter fabric you may have forgotten about.
This is an adorable hand sewing project for kids or the Sew a Softie initiative!
Check out the tutorial, with free pattern, in the link below.
This pop up craft is so much fun to make and how handy these little work baskets are throughout the house, eh? You can find uses for them in pretty much every room in the house!
Pick up your fat quarters and make a few of these containers!
PINS FOR LATER!
