Last week was a big update for fabric scrap busters (suitable to use up your fat quarters too), this week…it’s Fat Quarters! These are a favorite with quilters since they can be purchased pre-cut in several different prints without having to pay for a full cut of fabric for each.
If you’re not familiar with what they are, here’s a quick rundown:
They measure 18″ x 22″ and are a quarter cut piece from a yard of 45″ fabric. You can see this page from about.com for an image chart and how to cut them yourself.
I’ve organized this page into three groups for easier browsing: Assorted Items; Bags & Totes; Quilts.
As always, this is just the beginning…I’ll be adding new projects to this collection as I come across new ideas so you may want to bookmark this page for future reference. Have fun!
Quilted Tea Cozy: Made with 1 or 2 FQs and felt shapes for embellishment. More projects are found here.
Fanny Pack: Made with 1 FQ, mid-weight canvas, cotton webbing, a 10″ zipper and a 1″ buckle.
Checkbook Cover: Made with 4 FQs (in assorted prints for cover, lining, pockets & binding). More ideas are found here.
Potluck Bowl Covers: These feature an elastic casing in a contrasting color (made with double fold bias tape).
Fabric Folder: You’ll need 2 FQs, ultra firm double sided fusible interfacing and coordinating thread. Tutorial via free pdf download.
Fabric Scrap Baskets: Made with 2 FQs (one for exterior, one for lining) and sew-in interfacing.
Pillowcase Dress: Made with 2 FQs, wide ribbon and thread. More dresses are listed on this page.
Striped Placemats: Reversible. You’ll need 3 coordinating FQs, a yard of solid fabric and matching thread to make these. More placemat projects are on this page.
Party Bunting: Makes 5-1/3 yards of bunting (plus tails). You’ll need 6 FQs, grosgrain ribbon (or bias binding), Lite Steam a Seam to make these (includes a template download).
Garden Apron: Beautiful! Made with 5 FQs, fabric, cotton webbing, rick rack. The master apron collection is found here.
Fabric Rose Buds: You’ll get 7 flowers from 1 FQ, you’ll also need florist’s wire, craft glue and embroidery floss. More fabric flowers are found on this page.
iPad/Kindle Case: Made with 2 FQs, a bit of felt, double fold bias tape, quilt batting, velcro. More cases and covers found here.
Bibs: Made with fat quarters, batting, velcro or snap closure. Free pattern pieces to download. Lots more listed on this page.
Gadget Cozy Tutorial: Works with iphones, ipods & other gadgets too. Made with two FQs, a piece of cotton batting and closes with an elastic loop and button. Lots more found here.
Quilted Pillows: Made with 2 coordinating FQs, 4 more for the backing (or width of fabric), binding, pom-pom trim (optional), buttons and pillow forms. More pillow projects found here.
Bags
These are just a sample of various totes you can make, I have many more listed on these pages: 50+ Reusable Grocery Bags You Can Make and 40+ Free Tote Bag Patterns & Tutorials: {Sewing}.
Handbag: Supplies needed: 1 FQ, fabric for lining, a pair of purse handles, interfacing, magnetic snap and some thread.
Fabric Produce Bags: Requires one fat quarter or one 18″ square. Free pdf pattern download provided.
Cradle Purse: Folds up into a drawstring bag with cord or ribbon closure.
Quilts
Here are a few ideas for making quilts but you’ll find lots more on these pages: 30+ Quilts To Make and 18 Charming Baby Quilts
Baby Quilt: Finished size measures 34″ x 42″, you’ll need 6 FQs, fabric for backing and binding, batting.
Easy Queen Size Quilt: Made with 18 FQs, solid fabric for sashing strips and backing, batting, thread and basic sewing supplies.
So many “Fat Q’s have been collected over the years especially some lovely Christmas ones.Now I’ll have some ideas for there use.
I need an idea for a gift using dish towels No sew ideas please Thank you
I am looking for a quilt pattern I have made a couple of times in the past, but have lost the exact instructions. Made with stacked fat quarters, and cut like a 9 patch but at “wacky” angles then sewn together to make 9 blocks that are each pieced in different orders. Any ideas? thanks
i have several beautiful fabric vests (none are the sweater type) and was wondering if you have ideas/patterns to recycle them? thank you for your time it is appreciated.
Great website -Love all the quilting/sewing craft ideas
wonderful ideas for everyone could not find better thank you so much Scottie.
Love your site! Became a follower right away!
Thank you so very much for everything on your site,and information you forward to everyone.
I’m a crafter, and digging out my real sewing machine again (been put away for years) am taking up my
quilting again,because of things I have seen and read on your site.
Bless you and all you do. Keep up the great work!
Best wishes,
Sharon
I am so happy to find this page.. have been looking for a sewing and patterns. Was wondering if you had ideas for teaching simple things. Have a 10 year old granddaughter that I would like to teach…but I cant find things that are up todate so she would use…can you help??
Do you have directions for the origami style gift bag. I know I was able to follow the link at one time, but now I am not able to see the directions. Thanks for posting these great ideas!
The project appears to be no longer available on the site Lisa so I’ve had to remove it.
I really love these ideas. I will try to do some as soon as I have some free time. It wonderful of you to share these ideas.
Hi
i like your ideas i make religious tote bags and bible covers i am starting new for the spring and summer.Thanks for the pattern.Have a good day
Thanks again
becca
I LOVE YOUR IDEAS VERYMUCH BUT AS I AM WORKING AS A TEACHER I REALLY DON’T HAVE TIME FOR CRAFT , IAM KEEPING ALL THESE WONDERFULL IDEAS TO DO LATER ON IN SUMMAR TIME . THANKS ALOT
These are wonderful,thank you very much.