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Fat Quarter
One yard of quilting fabric usually measures 36 inches by 44 inches. If you cut this one yard into regular quarter yard cuts across the fabric’s crosswise grain you would get 4 fabric strips with each measuring 9 inches by 44 inches. Often 9 inches of fabric is too thin to be useful in your craft project so instead fabric distributors use a different method for cutting to provide customers more useable fabric.
To cut a Fat Quarter you would divide one yard of fabric into four large rectangles with each rectangle measuring 18 inches by 22 inches. This rectangle is your Fat Quarter and its shape is very versatile as it allows a larger variety of fabric pieces that can be cut with the extra height and you also get more fabric pieces on the vertical grain of the fabric.
Jelly Rolls
A Jelly Roll is a collection of pre-cut fabric strips that are nicely rolled up and tied together with a ribbon. The fabric strips within a Jelly Roll each measure approximately 2.5" X 44". Quilters and crafters enjoy using Jelly Rolls as they don't have to spend time on cutting fabric. Furthermore, a Jelly Roll usually consists of a variety of fabric designs, coordinated by color or fabric collection. Purchasing a Jelly Roll provides you with an array of designs without having to purchase each design by the yard.
Quilt Squares
Quilt Squares are pre-cut fabric squares that are primarily used in the art of quilt making. Popular quilt square sizes that can be purchased readily cut measure 4" X 4" to 10" X 10". No matter if you are working on a Sunburst, Premium Star or Octagon Quilt Block, a quilt square is the perfect pre-cut fabric type to use.
Honey Buns
Honey buns are similar to jelly rolls except the fabric stripes are 1.5” x 44”.
Layer Cakes
Layer cakes are 10” x 10” squares of fabric. They are similar to quilt square only larger. They are often used by quilters to.
Repeat
A repeat of fabric is the distance between where one pattern stops and another begins. While most fabric patterns are very small often measuring less than 1-2” which is perfect for smaller projects, other designers choose to use much larger measurements of fabric to showcase their artistic talents. A repeat can be several yards of fabric. Larger repeats of fabrics are often used as wall hangings as this is the only way to see the entire print of the fabric.
Bolt
When fabric manufacturers print a color way it's usually between 500-900 yards at a time. Rarely does on fabric distributor order this much so it has to be divided and rolled into shorter lengths so it can be shipped to distributors. Typically, a bolt of fabric measures between 10-20 yards but can be larger. When the fabric is rolled into a 10-20 yard increment it's referred to as a bolt.
Fabric Swatch
A fabric swatch is a small sample of the fabric. You can purchase a fabric swatch from us for a small $2 fee. You will receive a 3" x 44" or 55" depending on the width of the fabric. This will allow you to see different colors in the fabric and prints. Keep in mind that some fabric designs have very large repeats or prints and it's impossible to see the entire print from a 3" swatch. Most fabrics, but not all are available to be purchased from us. Due to the price and rarity of Marimekko and Etsuko Furuya fabrics swatches are not available.
