What Is a Fat Quarter & Where to Buy It in Australia
If you've been browsing quilting fabrics, chances are you've come across fat quarters. They're a favourite among quilters for good reason, offering plenty of creative possibilities without having to buy metres of fabric. But what exactly makes a fat quarter different from a regular fabric cut, and how do you know which size to choose?
TL;DR
A fat quarter is a handy, squarer cut of fabric that gives you more flexibility when making quilt blocks, patchwork and smaller sewing projects. There's no one-size-fits-all measurement, though. Moda fat quarters measure 46 cm × 56 cm (18″ × 22″), while Tilda's come in at 50 cm × 55 cm (approximately 19.7″ × 21.7″). This is because some brands like Moda use imperial measurements and others use metric.
What Is a Fat Quarter?
A fat quarter is a piece of fabric made by cutting a half-metre or half-yard length in half across its width. The name refers to the shape. A traditional quarter-yard cut is a long, narrow strip measuring approximately 9″ × 45″, while a fat quarter is wider and shorter, giving quilters more flexibility when cutting different shapes and patterns.
A fat quarter’s shape and dimensions make it easier to cut quilt blocks and patchwork pieces with less fabric wastage.
Fat Quarter Size in Australia
You might be surprised to learn that fat quarters don't all come in the same size. In Australia, the measurements can vary depending on the fabric brand and whether it uses imperial or metric sizing.
At Cozy Corner Quilts, you'll find:
- Moda fat quarters: 46 cm × 56 cm (18″ × 22″)
- Tilda fat quarters: 50 cm × 55 cm (approximately 19.7″ × 21.7″)
Why the difference? Moda works in yards and inches, cutting a half-yard length of fabric in half. Tilda, on the other hand, uses metres and centimetres, starting with a half-metre length.
It's a small difference, but one worth keeping in mind when planning your quilt. We always recommend checking the fabric measurements before you start cutting, especially if you're following a pattern.
Fat Quarter vs a Straight Quarter-Metre
The main difference comes down to shape. A straight quarter-metre cut is a long, narrow strip measuring approximately 25 cm × 112 cm (10″ × 44″) at Cozy Corner Quilts. A fat quarter gives you roughly the same amount of fabric, just in a squarer shape.
So, which should you choose? Straight quarter-metre cuts are handy for long strips, borders and binding, while fat quarters give you more flexibility when cutting quilt blocks and patchwork pieces.
How Does a Fat Quarter Compare to Other Pre-Cuts?
Other quilting pre-cuts come in different sizes and shapes, including smaller squares and strips:
- Fat eighths: These are typically half the size of a fat quarter.
- Charm squares: These are pre-cut fabric squares measuring 12.7 cm × 12.7 cm (5″ × 5″).
- Layer cakes: These are larger fabric squares measuring 25.4 cm × 25.4 cm (10″ × 10″).
- Jelly rolls: These are fabric strips approximately 6.35 cm (2½″) wide, with lengths depending on the fabric width.
A fat quarter lets you cut your own sizes, which helps when learning how to cut fabric for quilting.
What Can You Make with Fat Quarters?
Fat quarters suit small and mid-sized projects:
- Patchwork quilts and quilt blocks
- Tote and small fabric bags
- Cushion covers
- Table runners and small sewing projects
Coordinated bundles let you try different colours and patterns without buying metres of each.
Where to Buy Fat Quarter Bundles in Australia
Cozy Corner Quilts sell coordinated fat quarter bundles online. Browse our fat quarter bundles, our collection of Moda fabrics for prints to pair with them, or our Tilda fat quarter bundles for metric-cut sets.
Need thread or backing too? See our range of quilting supplies online in Australia.
FAQs
What is a fat quarter, and where can I buy fat quarter bundles in Australia?
A fat quarter is fabric cut from a half-metre or half-yard length, then halved across the width. You can buy fat quarter bundles at Cozy Corner Quilts.
What is the size of a fat quarter in Australia?
Fat quarter size in Australia depends on the brand. Moda fat quarters measure 46 cm × 56 cm (18″ × 22″), and Tilda fat quarters measure 50 cm × 55 cm (approximately 19.7″ × 21.7″).
Is 18×21 a fat quarter?
Yes. Both 18″ × 21″ (about 46 cm × 53 cm) and 18″ × 22″ (46 cm × 56 cm) are recognised fat quarter sizes, usually differing by usable fabric width.
What is the average size of a fat quarter?
A typical fat quarter measures approximately 46–50 cm × 55–56 cm (around 18–20″ × 21–22″), depending on the brand and cutting method.
How many 10×10 squares are in a fat quarter?
It depends on the unit. For 10-inch (25.4 cm) squares, you can cut two from a Moda or Tilda fat quarter. For 10 cm squares, you can cut about 20 from a Moda fat quarter (46 cm × 56 cm) or 25 from a Tilda fat quarter (50 cm × 55 cm). These are maximums, as trimming selvedges or cutting errors can reduce the yield, and sewn blocks finish smaller than cut squares.
How many fat quarters do you need to make a quilt?
It varies. As a rough example, a small baby quilt may need around 6–12 fat quarters, while larger quilts may need several dozen. The number depends on finished size, block size, pattern, wastage and whether backgrounds or borders are bought separately.
