Do you know what a fat eighth is? Well, I had an idea but really wanted to learn more. So, I turned to our community and posted on The Sewing Loft’s Facebook page: “I buy fat quarters all the time but I’m wondering…. does anyone buy fat eighths?”. And just as I suspected, you did not disappoint.
Some of the responses really made me think and wonder, why am I not buying more of these from my local shop!
Fat Eighth-
noun
- a unit of measure for fabric that is half of a fat quarter.
- a piece of fabric measuring 11″ wide x 18″ high.
A lot of my followers answered that they have never thought of buying anything like fat eights. They said that whenever they need a small amount of fabric they would usually buy a small amount of yardage like a fat quarter. One said that she does not buy fat eights and described them as “little goodies from welcome baskets at events or parties.” She added that fat eights are just a tease to her and are not enough to get her involved.
As I scrolled down read through the responses I could not help but giggle. Comments like: “What does fat quarters and fat eights mean?” made realize that if quilting is not your main form of sewing you may not be aware of this unit of measure.
One said she bought fat eighths by mistake, thinking they were fat quarters. Someone commented that she does buy fat eighths but not use them regularly. She use them for small appliqué pieces and other small items.”
I was pleased to find out that someone in our sewing circle bought a fat eighth bundle and stitched them into a beautiful rainbow flying geese quilt for her daughter. She said, “fat eighths were the perfect way to get a great variety of patterns and colors to complement what I had in my stash!” (Brilliant!!)
After going through all the responses, I came to think of this: of all the sizes of fabrics available in the stores, what size cuts of yardage do people usually buy when shopping for fabric? Fat quarters or larger ones? Or maybe,… ‘fat eights’, anyone?
**Fat Eighths can be found at your local quilt shops or here on line.
Here are more ways to use fat eighth pieces in your sewing.
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Comments & Reviews
The amount of fabric I purchase varies, for I would say that I do buy more fat quarters, but I also buy, jelly rolls, charm packs, mini charm packs, layer cakes, and yardage (usually 1/2 or 1 yard). The only time that I purchase more than 1 yard, is if I have already designed a quilt. The majority of my stash is precuts, followed by 1/2, and 1 yard pieces.
I usually do not purchase fabric in smaller cuts, since I am mainly a garment and home decorating sewist. The amount of fabric required for most of my projects is in multiple yards, hence my average fabric purchase being at least two yards, and often more. There have been a few times I purchased only a 1/2 yard.
I am also thinking that pre-cuts are marked up to higher prices to yield more money per yard of fabric… that last may or may not be true, but it is my impression… which gives me a non-favorable view of purchsing fat quarters.
I have purchased them from both Michaels and Tuesday Morning. I am currently using them to convert some t-shirts into summer dresses for my daughter. I have to admit that I love buying fabric, but I don’t have the confidence in my sewing abilities to do much sewing, so most of it stays stored away.