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When they finally appeared, many people thought they were unnecessary, impractical and even scandalous
Discover the joy of quilting with our fat quarter projects! Fat quarter fabric is available in all the colours of the rainbow, and you can find it with pretty much any fabric style or print you choose.
Whatever your fabric style, there’s a fat quarter out there to give you an instant flavour of it at an affordable price.
But once you’ve stocked up, they can be, well… tricky to sew with at times, as you only get a small, pre-cut piece of fabric. That’s why they’re beloved by quilters as they’re a quick way of building up a fabric stash of coordinating prints for the prettiest of patchwork.
Read on to discover our favourite things to make with fat quarters, from quick-sew accessories to easy DIY gift ideas. We’ve included 25 projects that all use either just one fat quarter or a handful, so you’ll find ideas whether you’ve got one or a cupboard overflowing with fat quarter fabrics to use up.
Your guide to using fat quarters!
Looking for a specific piece of information? Jump straight to the section below.
What is a fat quarter of fabric?
Fat quarters are the most popular standard cuts of fabric and are hugely popular with quilters.
While traditionally, fabrics are bought by the metre or yard. This means if you buy a quarter of a metre, then this is cut off the bolt to produce a long, thin strip of fabric.
However, with fat quarters, the fabric width is divided equally into quarters instead. This produces 4 large rectangular pieces of fabric (which are very similar to squares in shape).
Fat quarters usually come in bundles of coordinating prints from the same collection. They’re also a really neat way of creating unified colourways and themes in quilts.
If you’re new to sewing, learn the ropes with our sewing for beginners guide.
How big is a fat quarter of fabric?
Fat quarters vary slightly in size, but they usually measure 18 x 22 inches when the fabric is cut by the yard. When cut by the metre, they measure 50 x 55 centimetres.
Not sure how to use your fat quarters? Read our guide on how to use a sewing machine.
20 quick fat quarter projects
1. Make your own headbands
Jennie Jones has written a great tutorial for how to make double-sided headbands using just two fat quarters of fabric. They’re a lovely way to wear your favourite prints and make great gifts too.
2. Easy drawstring bag
Show off your prettiest fat quarters with our how to make a drawstring bag tutorial. It uses just one fat quarter of fabric plus a piece of scrap fabric for the front pocket. If you’d prefer to make it a bit bigger, you can add a second fat quarter and increase the size pretty easily.
3. Turn them into handy storage
All you need is 1 fat quarter and some lining fabric to make these quick-stitch storage baskets – a great way to add a pop of colour to any room of your home! Learn how to make fat quarter storage baskets with our free tutorial.
4. Whip up a cute clutch bag
This stylish free fat quarter project is one of our favourites here on Gathered! Our how to sew a bow clutch bag only uses one fat quarter for the bag and another for the bow detail on the front!
5. Quick-sew apron
This free gardening apron pattern only uses one fat quarter and will last you for years. It’s also handy to wear while you’re crafting to keep your notions and essential tools in there.
6. Make teeny tiny baby booties
If you’re looking for things to make with fat quarters, small projects are perfect, as they suit the pre-cut fabric size of fat quarter fabrics. Welcome new arrivals with our how to sew baby booties tutorial!
7. Make an infinity scarf
Love this idea for turning your favourite fabric prints into an everyday wardrobe staple! This one uses six fat quarters of fabric – opt for complementary tones and prints or go full-on glorious clashing for a maximalist effect.
Head over to our how to make an infinity scarf to learn how.
8. Sew reusable fabric gift bags
We’re on a push to be more sustainable with our sewing, and these sweet fabric gift bags are a great way to give gifts without wrapping paper. The bag itself doubles up as part of the gift, as your recipient can reuse it for future gifts or to keep jewellery and other keepsakes in.
9. Make your own bow ties
These DIY bow ties are a lovely way to add a personal touch to DIY wedding plans or to add a unique feel to formal outfits.
Follow our how to sew bow ties tutorial and whip some up in a few hours!
10. Quick-sew sleep masks for sweet dreams
Learn how to make a sleep mask with our easy pattern. We love turning this project into a handmade gift, or making them for yourself to boost your rest levels and recharge for a new day of sewing!
11. Get festive with fabric paper chains!
If you’ve got a couple of Christmas fat quarters squirrelled away, this is a cute idea – turn them into DIY fabric paper chains!
12. Turn your fabrics into a kite mobile
This sweet nursery make is a great way to use up fabric scraps or a favourite fat quarter in your stash. Grab your fabrics and head over to our how to make a kite mobile tutorial.
13. Create playful pinwheels
There’s something essentially cheery about pinwheels – this seaside favourite of our childhood also makes a quick, colourful home sewing project that kids and grown-ups alike will love.
They’re also perfect for fat quarters, as you don’t need much fabric to make them! Use our how to sew fabric pinwheels tutorial to transform your fat quarters.
14. DIY pencil case
Get ready for the new school term with this fun DIY pencil case fat quarter project – you’ll get to practise inserting a zip too.
It’s a great introduction to this technique and will only take you an evening or two to make.
15. Sew up a sunglasses case
Cases and cosies make perfect fat quarter projects, and they’re also practical items that will turn your fabric stash into everyday essentials! We’ve got a step-by-step sunglasses case DIY which is perfect for fat quarter fabrics for you…
16. DIY bookends
Brighten up bookshelves around your home by turning fat quarter fabrics into these eye-catching DIY bookends. We’ve got a quick-sew tutorial to show you how.
17. Easy-make tablet holder made with fat quarters
Tech accessories have come a long way in recent years – the old days of black, boring designs are long gone! Take it up a notch and sew your own tablet holder with this quick and easy fat quarter project to make in just one evening.
18. Make your own pattern weights
One for all those of you who enjoy a little handmade touch in your sewing kit – these DIY pattern weights are a great way of using up fat quarters of fabric to add a unique style to your craft space.
19. Make a bento bag
This clever bento bag sewing pattern uses three fat quarters of fabric and is so easy to sew – it’s one of our most popular patterns, and we can see why.
20. Whip up a velcro wallet using fat quarters
We initially shared this how to make a velcro wallet tutorial with younger sewists in mind. It’s actually useful for all ages as another everyday fat quarter project that you’ll use again and again.
You’ll need one fat quarter of fabric, some Velcro and a few basic sewing supplies.
Get creative with these fat quarter projects
Fat quarter projects are fun, quick, and satisfying to make. You can whip up these sweet projects in one evening with very little fabric and for a very low cost.
Grab your favourite fat quarter bundles and let your creativity run wild!
Discover more unique sewing projects
We hope you enjoy making these fat quarter projects! For more sewing inspiration, head to our round-up of the best sewing patterns for beginners for easy dressmaking projects to try.
