Got a stack of fat quarters waiting for the perfect project? Fat quarter projects are a fantastic way to turn those beautiful fabric pieces into something truly special.
Here you'll find over 30 sewing projects using fat quarters - budget-friendly, quick to sew, and easy! These will help you make the most of your fat quarter stash.
Table Of Contents
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Why I love fat quarter-friendly sewing projects
- Affordable and Fun: Fat quarters are easy on the budget, so I can stock up on gorgeous fabrics without spending too much.
- Perfect for Leftovers: They’re great for using up fabric scraps. I’ve made quilts (like this free star quilt pattern!), coasters, and even fun little doll clothes with them!
- No Waste: These projects are designed to use up every bit of fabric, so nothing gets thrown away.
- Quick and Satisfying: Many fat quarter projects are super fast to sew, like keychains or headbands—perfect for last-minute gifts.
What is a fat quarter of fabric?
Simply put, a piece of fabric cut in special measurements. Sometimes, people would ask me what are the measurements of a fat quarter, so let's clear that up:
A standard fat quarter is typically a 18" x 22" piece of fabric, cut from a yard of fabric that is about 44"-45" wide.
But (there's always a but, right?) slight variations can occur based on the fabric width, and cutting precision. In other words, if the fabric bolt width is slightly narrower or wider than standard, it may affect the fat quarter's size.
This is why you might occasionally see sizes like 19" x 21" or other slight differences in cutting fat quarters.
These variations can matter for precise sewing projects, so it’s always a good idea to measure your fat quarter before starting.
Sewing With Fat Quarters - VIDEO
Fat Quarter Projects LIST
Sewing projects using fat quarters are easy, creative, and a great way to turn fabric into something special!
Fat Quarter Sewing Projects
Fat quarter projects are easy, creative, and a great way to turn fabric into something special!
A fat quarter is a pre-cut piece of fabric, typically 18" x 22" (46 cm x 56 cm). It’s made by cutting a yard of fabric into four equal rectangles, giving you a larger, more usable shape than a regular quarter yard.
That's simple: cut your fat quarter of fabric in half, and you get a fat eighth of fabric. Tada!
It’s called a fat quarter because it’s a quarter of a yard of fabric, but instead of being long and skinny like a regular quarter yard (9" x 44"), it’s cut wider into a fat rectangle (18" x 22"). This "fat" shape makes it easier to use for quilting and sewing projects.
Quilters use fat quarters because their larger, square-ish shape (18" x 22") is more versatile than a skinny quarter yard. They’re perfect for cutting larger pieces, showcasing fabric prints, and minimizing waste in quilting and small sewing projects.
A long quarter is a 9-inch strip across the full width of fabric, typically 44". A fat quarter is the same amount of fabric but cut into a 18"x22" rectangle - perfect for quilting and smaller projects!
You don’t need to prewash fat quarters - many quilters skip it to avoid distortion and make cutting easier. But if you're using bright or heavily dyed fabrics, a quick wash can prevent color bleeding. Also, if you're mixing them with prewashed fabrics, it's best to prewash to avoid uneven shrinkage later.
More Sewing Ideas
6 Quilty Ideas +BONUS
Love a quick quilty win? Don’t miss THESE!
If you like projects made with a limited and budget-friendly amounts of fabric, check out these too:
A Few Fat-Quarter-Friendly Bag Patterns in our shop
'I’ve made so many of these [Aidens] that I’ve got the sewing down to an hour... Well, cutting and interfacing takes a bit longer, but just sewing took an hour this morning. I was amazed!'Anna M. @docmcanna, about the AIDEN pattern
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This ZARYA hip bag was made by Ulrike @thebusysewingroom in a beautiful upholstery fabric, when testing the pattern. 😍😍
'Love how quickly it comes together!' Ulrike
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'Used my favorite fabrics on this Glam Girl Purse and immediately fell in love with it. It’s so versatile. (...)Most importantly, it’s very spacious!' said Jolly Munchkins, about the GLAM GIRL purse pattern ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Lisa C says
Thank you for all of these ideas! I have a quick question about the napkin pattern.
How do you keep the napkins made from quilting cotton clean? Do you have anything special that you do to launder them? Do they need to be pressed/ironed after each washing? Does it differ if the napkins are single or double layered?
Thank you.
Damjana Jakos says
Lisa hi, I just wash them like regular laundry — cold or warm water, no fabric softener (it affects absorbency), and tumble dry too. I skip ironing unless they’re really wrinkly! Double-layer napkins wrinkle less and hold their shape better after washing- especialy if topstitched. Also, good to use darker prints or patterned fabric for daily use — they hide stains beautifully. 🙂