A Guide to Fat Quarters for Quilters in Australia

Welcome to the vibrant and creative world of quilting, where fabric pieces come together to form stunning artworks! If you're new to quilting or a seasoned stitcher, you've likely encountered the term "fat quarter." In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about fat quarters, and help you see why they are an essential component of your quilting projects, especially for quilters in Australia.

What is a Fat Quarter?

A fat quarter is a pre-cut piece of fabric that measures approximately 18 by 22 inches. This dimension is achieved by cutting half a yard of fabric lengthwise and then cutting it again widthwise, hence the term "fat" quarter. These pieces are perfect for quilters who want variety without needing to purchase large amounts of each fabric.

Perfect For

• Beginner Quilters: If you're just starting, fat quarters are a manageable and affordable way to build a vibrant fabric stash.
• Small Projects: Perfect for making patchwork pillows, bags, pouches, table runners, or any project where you need diversity in colour and pattern without excess material.
• Modern Quilting: For enthusiasts of the modern quilting movement, using fat quarters can help you mix and match various modern quilting fabric styles.

Why Choose Fat Quarters?

Choosing fat quarters allows for a plentitude of design possibilities without overwhelming your workspace. They are great for sampling various fabrics like the exquisitely textured Kona cotton or the vibrant selections from the Ruby Star Society. For instance, the Flowerland Diamonds Balmy by Melody Miller is a delightful choice to infuse some charm into your next quilt.

Tips for Using Fat Quarters

• Colour Coordination: Select fat quarters that complement each other or pick bundles curated by talented designers, such as those by Rashida Coleman Hale or Melody Miller, which you can explore at Rainbow Stash.
• Cutting Guide: It is up to the individual if you want to pre wash your fat quarters to prevent any size mishaps, I personally have never done this and haven't felt the need to. I will put a colour catcher in with the first wash if there is high colour contrast just to be safe.
• Storage Ideas: Organise your fat quarters by colour, designer, or motif for easy selection and inspiration.

Ideas for Projects

For inspiration, think about:

• Quilted Throws: Combine different fat quarters to create patchwork patterns. The Mystic Fable Charm Pack by Alexia Abegg is perfect for creating stunning visual stories in your quilts.
• Bags and Accessories: Use fat quarters with stable interfaces like By Annie Soft and Stable White for making structured bags, ensuring durability and style.
• Pillows and Cushions: Decorate your home with personalised cushions using the captivating Gardening Cactus by Rashida Coleman Hale.

Why Order Fat Quarters in Australia?

If you're situated down under, you'll be pleased to know that accessing quality quilting fabric in Australia and New Zealand is more accessible than ever. The online market places these fabrics at your fingertips, such as at Rainbow Stash where you can find a plethora of modern quilting fabric choices. Shipping is readily available throughout these regions, ensuring that no quilter is left behind on their creative journey.

Conclusion

Fat quarters are a wonderful way to dive into quilting creatively and affordably. They offer an array of possibilities and let you experiment with fabrics you might not usually buy by the yard. So, whether you're in bustling Sydney or residing in a quiet little town in New Zealand, embrace the joy of quilting by exploring a delightful collection of fat quarters.

Embark on your quilting adventure today! Find the perfect inspiration and start crafting beautiful projects with fabrics from Rainbow Stash. Happy quilting!