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How Many Fat Quarters Are In A Yard Of Fabric Simple Guide
A yard of fabric holds four fat quarters. A fat quarter is a special cut of fabric. It is popular for quilting and other small sewing projects. It is cut from a standard fabric width, often 44 inches wide.
Grasping Fabric Cuts
Fabric comes on big rolls. These rolls are called bolts. You buy fabric by length, usually by the yard or by the meter.
A yard is a length measure. In fabric, one yard is 36 inches long. The fabric on the bolt has a set width. This width is the same all along the bolt.
Different fabrics have different widths. But a very common width, especially for quilting cotton, is about 44 inches. When people talk about standard fabric width, they often mean around 44 inches. Some fabrics are wider, like 60 inches or even 108 inches. Some are narrower.
The way fabric is cut from the bolt gives it size and shape. Knowing about these cuts helps you buy the right amount for your projects.
What Is A Yard Of Fabric?
Let us start with a yard. Imagine the fabric bolt. It is rolled up. When you buy one yard, the shop worker unrolls 36 inches from the bolt. Then they cut it straight across the width of the fabric.
So, a yard of fabric is a piece that is 36 inches long. Its width is the full width of the fabric on the bolt. If the fabric is 44 inches wide, a yard is a piece that is 36 inches by 44 inches.
This is a standard way to measure fabric. It is part of fabric measurement units used in places like the United States. Other places use meters and centimeters.
What Is A Quarter Yard?
A quarter yard means one-fourth of a yard. If a yard is 36 inches long, a quarter yard is 36 divided by 4. That is 9 inches.
So, a traditional quarter yard cut is 9 inches long. It is cut from the bolt, just like a yard. This means it is 9 inches long by the full width of the fabric.
If the fabric is 44 inches wide, a quarter yard is a piece that is 9 inches by 44 inches. This piece is long and skinny.
Think of the fabric bolt. A yard is 36 inches along the edge. A half yard is 18 inches along the edge. A quarter yard is 9 inches along the edge. The cut is always straight across the bolt from edge to edge.
This traditional cut gives you a long, narrow strip. This strip is 9 inches deep and as wide as the fabric, like 44 inches.
Introducing The Fat Quarter Size
Now, let us talk about the fat quarter. It is also a quarter of a yard. But it is cut in a different way. This different cut changes its shape.
A fat quarter is not cut as a long, skinny strip from the bolt’s edge. Instead, it comes from a half yard piece.
Think about a half yard of fabric. A half yard is 18 inches long (half of 36 inches). It is the full width of the fabric. If the fabric is 44 inches wide, a half yard is 18 inches by 44 inches.
To get a fat quarter, you take this half yard piece (18 inches by 44 inches). Then you cut it in half again. But you cut it the other way. You cut it parallel to the selvage edge (the finished edge along the width).
You cut the 44-inch width in half. Half of 44 inches is 22 inches. So you cut the 18-inch by 44-inch piece right down the middle of the 44-inch side.
This makes two pieces. Each piece is 18 inches long and 22 inches wide. This is the fat quarter size.
So, a fat quarter is typically a piece of fabric that is 18 inches by 22 inches.
Let us list the quarter yard fabric dimensions:
* Traditional quarter yard: 9 inches by the full fabric width (often 44 inches, so 9″ x 44″).
* Fat quarter: 18 inches by half of the fabric width (often 44 inches, so 18″ x 22″).
See the difference? Both are one-fourth of a yard in total area. But their shape is different. The fat quarter is wider and shorter than a traditional quarter yard strip. It is more like a rectangle closer to a square.
Comparing Fabric Cuts
Let us look at different fabric cuts side by side. We will use a standard fabric width of 44 inches.
- Full Yard: 36 inches long by 44 inches wide. Total area: 36 * 44 = 1584 square inches.
- Half Yard: 18 inches long by 44 inches wide. Total area: 18 * 44 = 792 square inches. A half yard is half of a full yard (1584 / 2 = 792).
- Traditional Quarter Yard: 9 inches long by 44 inches wide. Total area: 9 * 44 = 396 square inches. This is one-fourth of a full yard (1584 / 4 = 396). It is also half of a half yard, cut length-wise (792 / 2 = 396).
- Fat Quarter: 18 inches long by 22 inches wide. Total area: 18 * 22 = 396 square inches. This is also one-fourth of a full yard (1584 / 4 = 396). It is also half of a half yard, cut width-wise (792 / 2 = 396).
Both the traditional quarter yard and the fat quarter have the same total amount of fabric. They both equal 396 square inches if the fabric is 44 inches wide.
The big difference is the shape. The fat quarter is ‘fatter’ or wider and shorter compared to the ‘skinny’ quarter yard.
This difference in shape makes the fat quarter very useful for certain projects, especially quilting. You get a bigger piece to cut shapes from.
Why The Fat Quarter Is Popular
The fat quarter is loved by quilters and crafters. Here is why:
- More Usable Area: A fat quarter (18″ x 22″) is much easier to cut shapes from than a skinny quarter (9″ x 44″). With the skinny piece, you only have 9 inches in one direction. This limits the size of pieces you can cut. With a fat quarter, you have 18 inches in one direction and 22 inches in the other. You can cut larger squares, rectangles, or other shapes. For example, you can cut 6-inch squares easily from a fat quarter. It is hard to cut many 6-inch squares from a 9″ x 44″ piece.
- Good for Small Projects: One fat quarter is often enough for a small project like a bag, a doll’s dress, or small quilt blocks.
- Easy to Collect: Fabric stores often sell fat quarters already cut. They are a simple way to get small amounts of many different fabrics. This is great for scrappy quilts where you use lots of different prints.
- Display and Storage: Fat quarters are easy to fold and stack. They make a nice pile of colorful fabrics. This helps people see their fabric stash easily.
How Many Fat Quarters Are In A Yard? Let Us Do The Math
Now we can clearly see how many fat quarters fit into a yard of fabric.
We know a yard of standard fabric (say 44 inches wide) is 36 inches by 44 inches.
We know a fat quarter (from this width) is 18 inches by 22 inches.
Let us look at a yard of fabric. Imagine it laid flat. It is 36 inches long and 44 inches wide.
We can cut this yard into two half-yards. Each half-yard would be 18 inches by 44 inches. These cuts go across the 36-inch length.
Now we have two pieces, 18″ x 44″.
Remember how we make a fat quarter from a half-yard? We cut the half-yard down the middle of its width. We cut the 44 inches in half, making two pieces that are 18 inches by 22 inches.
Since we have two half-yards (18″ x 44″), we can do this cut on both of them.
- Half-yard 1 (18″ x 44″) cut in half width-wise makes two fat quarters (18″ x 22″).
- Half-yard 2 (18″ x 44″) cut in half width-wise makes another two fat quarters (18″ x 22″).
In total, from one yard (36″ x 44″), we get 2 + 2 = 4 fat quarters (each 18″ x 22″).
So, there are four fat quarters in a yard of fabric, assuming a standard width like 44 inches.
This math works because a fat quarter is one-fourth of the total area of a yard of fabric. The way it is cut just changes the shape of that one-fourth piece.
Area of Yard (44″ wide): 36 * 44 = 1584 sq inches.
Area of Fat Quarter (44″ wide): 18 * 22 = 396 sq inches.
1584 / 396 = 4.
The number four makes sense. A fat quarter is a quarter yard equivalent in area.
What About Different Fabric Widths?
The calculation of how many fat quarters are in a yard relies on the fabric width. The 18″ x 22″ size is based on halving a standard 44-inch width.
What if the fabric is wider, say 60 inches?
A yard of 60-inch fabric is 36 inches by 60 inches.
A half yard is 18 inches by 60 inches.
To make a “fat quarter” from this, you would cut the 18″ x 60″ piece in half across the width. Half of 60 inches is 30 inches.
So, a fat quarter from 60-inch wide fabric would be 18 inches by 30 inches.
How many of these fit into a yard (36″ x 60″)?
Cut the yard (36″ x 60″) into two half-yards (18″ x 60″).
Cut each half-yard (18″ x 60″) into two pieces by halving the width (60 / 2 = 30). Each piece is 18″ x 30″.
So, again, you get 2 + 2 = 4 pieces. Each piece is 18″ x 30″.
Even with wider fabric, you still get four fat-quarter-sized pieces from a yard. The size of the fat quarter piece changes (18″ x 30″ instead of 18″ x 22″), but you still get four of them.
This means the rule generally holds: there are four fat quarters in a yard, no matter the width. The dimensions of the fat quarter piece change based on the fabric’s width. However, the 18″ x 22″ size is the most common Fat quarter size because 44-inch wide fabric is so standard. When someone just says “fat quarter,” they usually mean 18″ x 22″.
Fabric Measurement Chart
Let us look at common fabric cuts and their sizes, assuming a standard 44-inch width.
| Fabric Cut | Length (along selvage) | Width (across bolt) | Dimensions (approx.) | Total Area (sq inches) | How many in a Yard? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Yard | 36 inches | 44 inches | 36″ x 44″ | 1584 | 1 |
| Half Yard | 18 inches | 44 inches | 18″ x 44″ | 792 | 2 |
| Traditional Quarter Yard | 9 inches | 44 inches | 9″ x 44″ | 396 | 4 |
| Fat Quarter | 18 inches | 22 inches | 18″ x 22″ | 396 | 4 |
| Traditional Eighth Yard | 4.5 inches | 44 inches | 4.5″ x 44″ | 198 | 8 |
| Fat Eighth | 9 inches | 22 inches | 9″ x 22″ | 198 | 8 |
This chart helps visualize the different fabric cuts explained. You can see how the fat quarter (18″ x 22″) uses the same amount of fabric as the traditional quarter yard (9″ x 44″).
The chart also includes the fat eighth. A fat eighth is half of a fat quarter. You cut an 18″ x 22″ fat quarter in half along its length. This gives you two pieces, each 9 inches by 22 inches. There are eight fat eighths in a yard.
Sewing Fabric Calculations
Knowing fabric cuts helps you figure out how much fabric you need for a project. This is part of sewing fabric calculations and fabric yardage conversion.
If a pattern asks for one yard of fabric, you can buy one yard. Or you could buy two half yards. Or you could buy four fat quarters, but only if the pattern can be made using pieces that fit within the 18″ x 22″ size.
If a pattern needs a piece of fabric that is, say, 30 inches by 40 inches, you cannot use fat quarters. You would need to buy a full yard or more to get a piece that big. Even though four fat quarters make up a yard, you cannot join them together to make one large 36″ x 44″ piece without seams.
If a pattern asks for small pieces, like for patchwork quilting, fat quarters are often ideal. A pattern might say, “You need 10 fat quarters.” This tells you exactly what to buy.
- Calculating for Patchwork: Many quilt patterns tell you how many squares or other shapes you need. You can figure out how many of those shapes fit on a fat quarter. Then you know how many fat quarters to buy. For example, if you need 6-inch squares:
- A fat quarter is 18″ x 22″.
- You can cut three 6-inch squares along the 18-inch side (18 / 6 = 3).
- You can cut three 6-inch squares along the 22-inch side (22 / 6 = 3 with some left over).
- So you can cut 3 rows of 3 squares, which is 9 squares (plus a bit left over) from one fat quarter.
- If your pattern needs 36 squares, you would need 36 / 9 = 4 fat quarters.
This is much easier than figuring out how many 6-inch squares you could get from a 9″ x 44″ skinny quarter yard!
- Converting Yardage: Sometimes patterns list fabric needed in yards, but you want to use fat quarters.
- 1/4 yard requirement? If the pieces are small enough, you might be able to use one fat quarter instead of a traditional quarter yard. Check the pattern piece sizes against the 18″ x 22″ fat quarter size.
- 1/2 yard requirement? You could use two fat quarters if the required pieces fit.
- 1 yard requirement? You could use four fat quarters if the required pieces fit.
Always check the quilting fabric measurements or sewing fabric calculations needed for your specific pattern pieces. Do not just assume you can swap yardage for fat quarters. The shape matters a lot.
Fabric Measurement Units Around The World
While yards, inches, and fat quarters are common in the US and for quilting globally, other places use different units.
The metric system uses meters and centimeters.
* 1 meter is about 39.37 inches.
* 1 yard is about 0.9144 meters.
So, a yard is slightly shorter than a meter.
Fabric widths are also given in centimeters. Common metric widths might be 112 cm (which is close to 44 inches) or 140 cm (which is close to 55 inches).
If you are using a pattern from a country that uses metric, it will list fabric in meters or centimeters. You might need to do a fabric yardage conversion.
- To change meters to yards, multiply the meters by 1.094. (1 meter = 1.094 yards)
- To change yards to meters, multiply the yards by 0.9144. (1 yard = 0.9144 meters)
Example: A pattern needs 2 meters of fabric. How many yards is that?
2 meters * 1.094 yards/meter = 2.188 yards. You would likely buy 2.25 or 2.5 yards to be safe.
Example: A pattern needs 3 yards of fabric. How many meters is that?
3 yards * 0.9144 meters/yard = 2.7432 meters. You would likely buy 2.75 or 3 meters.
Fat quarters are mainly an imperial measurement concept (inches). But some fabric stores might sell metric equivalents. A common metric fat quarter might be 50 cm by half the fabric width (e.g., 50 cm x 56 cm for 112 cm wide fabric). This is slightly different in size from the 18″ x 22″ imperial size (18 inches is about 45.7 cm, 22 inches is about 55.9 cm). If a pattern asks for fat quarters, it usually means the 18″ x 22″ size unless it says otherwise.
Fabric Cuts Explained More Simply
Let us break down the common cuts again with really simple pictures in mind. Imagine your fabric is like a long ribbon on the bolt.
- Yard: Cut 36 inches down the ribbon length. Keep the full ribbon width.
- Half Yard: Cut 18 inches down the ribbon length. Keep the full ribbon width.
- Traditional Quarter Yard: Cut 9 inches down the ribbon length. Keep the full ribbon width. This is a short, wide strip.
- Fat Quarter: Cut a Half Yard (18 inches down the length, full width). Now, cut this Half Yard piece in half across its width. You get a piece that is half the width and the full half-yard length. This makes it more square-like.
This shows why the shape is different even though the amount of fabric is the same as a traditional quarter yard.
Tips For Using Fat Quarters
- Check the Size: Always double-check the listed size of fat quarters when buying. Most are 18″ x 22″ from 44″ wide fabric, but sizes can vary slightly depending on the store or manufacturer.
- Pre-wash? Some people pre-wash all fabric. Fat quarters are small, so they are easy to pre-wash. This can prevent shrinkage later. However, many quilters do not pre-wash small cuts like fat quarters, especially if using many different fabrics in one quilt. They might use a color catcher sheet later.
- Storage: Fold fat quarters neatly. You can fold them in half (9″ x 22″) and then in half again (9″ x 11″) or roll them up. Store them away from direct sunlight to keep colors bright.
- Project Ideas: Fat quarters are perfect for making face masks, small pouches, doll clothes, mug rugs, mini quilts, and fabric scrap projects. They are also great for adding variety to a larger quilt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing Fat Quarter with Traditional Quarter Yard: Do not think that any time a pattern asks for 1/4 yard, you can use a fat quarter. You can only substitute if the needed pattern pieces fit within the fat quarter dimensions (18″ x 22″). If the pattern needs a piece that is 15″ x 30″, you cannot get that from an 18″ x 22″ fat quarter. You need a traditional cut or larger piece.
- Assuming Standard Width: Remember the 18″ x 22″ size is based on about 44-inch wide fabric. If you are using much wider or narrower fabric, the fat quarter size will be different, even if the area is still 1/4 yard.
- Not Checking Measurements: Always use a ruler or measuring tape when cutting fabric. Fabric stores try to cut straight, but sometimes cuts are not perfect. Measure your fat quarters if you buy them pre-cut to be sure they are the correct size.
Grasping Fabric Yardage Conversion
Converting fabric measurements can seem tricky, but it is just math.
- Yards to Inches: Multiply yards by 36. (e.g., 1.5 yards = 1.5 * 36 = 54 inches)
- Inches to Yards: Divide inches by 36. (e.g., 72 inches = 72 / 36 = 2 yards)
- Yards to Fat Quarters: Multiply yards by 4. This works for calculating how many fat quarters total area are in a certain yardage. (e.g., 2 yards = 2 * 4 = 8 fat quarters equivalent area). Remember, this does not mean you can replace 2 yards with 8 fat quarters unless your pieces fit the fat quarter size.
- Fat Quarters to Yards: Divide the number of fat quarters by 4. (e.g., 12 fat quarters is equal in area to 12 / 4 = 3 yards of fabric). Again, this is area, not usability for large pieces.
- Half Yards to Fat Quarters: Multiply half yards by 2. (e.g., 3 half yards = 3 * 2 = 6 fat quarters).
- Fat Quarters to Half Yards: Divide fat quarters by 2. (e.g., 5 fat quarters = 5 / 2 = 2.5 half yards equivalent area).
These simple steps help you manage your fabric measurement units and figure out how much fabric you have or need.
Why Are Fabric Cuts Different Shapes?
The reason for different fabric cuts goes back to how fabric is made and sold. Fabric comes off the loom in long rolls. Cutting straight across the width is the fastest way to measure and sell fabric by length (yard or meter).
The traditional quarter yard cut (9″ x 44″) is simply a short length cut from the bolt. It is practical for the store worker.
The fat quarter cut (18″ x 22″) is a special cut. It was created to be more useful for crafters, especially quilters. It gives a better shape for cutting larger pieces out of a small amount of fabric. It is not a standard cut you get by just asking for “a quarter yard” at any fabric counter unless they specifically sell pre-cut fat quarters.
So, the different shapes come from different ways of cutting the same total amount of fabric.
Interpreting Quilting Fabric Measurements
When you read a quilt pattern, pay close attention to the quilting fabric measurements.
- It might say “1/4 yard.” This usually means the traditional 9″ x width cut, unless the pattern specifically says “cut fat quarters” or gives fat quarter dimensions.
- It might say “1 fat quarter.” This means the 18″ x 22″ size (assuming standard width).
- It might give dimensions directly, like “Cut (2) pieces 5 inches x 10 inches.” You then figure out the most efficient way to cut those pieces from the fabric you have or plan to buy.
Pattern designers usually choose the fabric cut that is easiest to work with for the pieces they need. If a pattern uses many small squares or pieces, fat quarters are often the best and most cost-effective way to buy the fabric variety needed. If a pattern has large background pieces, you will need to buy fabric by the yard or half yard.
Always read the fabric requirements section of your pattern carefully. Look for whether it says “yard,” “half yard,” “quarter yard,” or “fat quarter.” Also, look for specific dimensions of pieces to be cut. This helps you understand exactly what type and amount of fabric cuts explained you need.
The Story of the Fat Quarter
The fat quarter did not always exist as a standard cut. It became popular because quilters found the traditional quarter yard strip (9″ x full width) limiting. It was hard to cut useful shapes from such a narrow piece.
Quilters started asking for fabric to be cut differently. They wanted a piece that was 18 inches long and half the fabric width. Stores saw this need and started offering fabric pre-cut this way. The name “fat quarter” came about to distinguish it from the “skinny quarter” or traditional quarter yard.
Now, fat quarters are a staple in most fabric stores, especially those selling quilting cottons. They are often sold in bundles or individually in bins.
Fabric Measurement Units: Imperial vs. Metric
Let us briefly touch on the main fabric measurement units again.
- Imperial: Uses yards, feet, and inches. Fabric is usually sold by the yard (36 inches). Fat quarters are part of this system, defined by inches (18″ x 22″ or 18″ x half width).
- Metric: Uses meters and centimeters. Fabric is usually sold by the meter (100 cm). Metric fat quarters might be 50 cm x half width.
Most quilting patterns, especially those from the US, use imperial measurements. If you are working with a pattern from outside the US, it might use metric. Be sure to check which units the pattern uses and use the same units when measuring and cutting your fabric. Mixing units can cause mistakes.
If you need to convert, simple math or online converters can help with fabric yardage conversion. Remember that 1 yard is about 0.9 meters, and 1 meter is about 1.1 yards.
In Summary
- A yard of fabric is 36 inches long by the full width of the fabric (often 44 inches).
- A traditional quarter yard cut is 9 inches long by the full width.
- A fat quarter is a piece that is 18 inches long by half the width of the fabric (often 18″ x 22″).
- Both a traditional quarter yard and a fat quarter contain the same amount of fabric area – they are both 1/4 of a yard.
- You get four fat quarters from one yard of fabric, assuming standard width. The dimensions of the fat quarter change if the fabric width is different, but you still get four pieces from a yard.
- Fat quarters are popular because their shape (wider, more square-like) is better for cutting many common quilting and sewing shapes than the long, skinny traditional quarter yard.
- Always check your pattern to see what cut is needed. Do not assume you can swap fat quarters for traditional quarter yards unless the piece sizes fit.
Knowing the difference between these cuts makes fabric shopping and project planning much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fabric Cuts
H4 What is the exact size of a fat quarter?
The standard fat quarter size is 18 inches by 22 inches. This size comes from cutting a half yard of fabric (18 inches by 44 inches) in half widthwise. This size is based on the common 44-inch width of quilting cotton.
H4 Can I get a fat quarter in any type of fabric?
Fat quarters are most commonly sold in quilting cottons. However, some stores might offer this cut in other lightweight fabrics like linen or double gauze. It is less common to find fat quarters in wider fabrics or heavier fabrics like upholstery material. It depends on the store and the fabric type.
H4 Is a fat quarter bigger than a half yard?
No, a fat quarter is smaller than a half yard. A half yard is 18 inches by the full fabric width (often 44 inches, so 18″ x 44″). A fat quarter is 18 inches by half the fabric width (often 18″ x 22″). A half yard contains two fat quarters.
H4 If a pattern calls for 1 yard, can I just buy 4 fat quarters?
Only if all the pieces you need to cut from the fabric can fit within the 18″ x 22″ dimensions of the fat quarters. If your pattern needs a large piece, like 30 inches by 40 inches, you cannot get that from fat quarters. You would need to buy fabric by the yard or half yard to get a single piece large enough.
H4 Why is it called a ‘fat’ quarter?
It is called a ‘fat’ quarter to show that it is wider and shorter than a traditional ‘skinny’ quarter yard. A traditional quarter yard is a long, narrow strip (9 inches by full width). A fat quarter is a more rectangular shape (18 inches by half width). The ‘fat’ refers to its wider shape compared to the traditional cut.
H4 Are fabric measurements always exactly right?
Fabric stores try to cut accurately, but slight differences can happen. Also, fabric can shrink when washed. It is a good idea to buy a little extra fabric than your pattern asks for, especially for larger projects. Always measure your fabric pieces before cutting out your pattern shapes.
H4 What is a fat eighth?
A fat eighth is half of a fat quarter. You cut an 18″ x 22″ fat quarter in half the long way (along the 22-inch side). This makes two pieces that are 9 inches by 22 inches. There are eight fat eighths in a yard of fabric (assuming standard width). They offer small pieces that are less skinny than a traditional eighth yard (4.5″ x 44″).