Robert Kaufman Fabrics - Vintage Blueprints Fabric Panel in Parchment

What is a Fat Quarter?

A Fat Quarter is literally a square 1/4 metre of fabric. If you cut half a metre of fabric off a roll of fabric and then cut it in half lengthwise you will have a Fat Quarter. They do vary a little due to the width of the fabric. Cutting it in this way will give you a square piece of fabric rather than a long narrow piece, also known as a Skinny or Long Quarter. An American Fat Quarter is smaller than ours as we measure in metres not yards.

There are a lot of patterns today that are specifically geared towards Fat Quarters and they are a fabulous way of building a collection of fabrics in your favourite colours or themes. A square Fat Quarter is much more versatile than a narrow 1/4 metre of fabric as you can cut larger shapes from the fabric, especially useful for patchwork and applique.

We sell our fabrics in Fat Quarters, Skinny Quarters or in a continuous length e.g.

1 Unit = 1 Fat Quarter or Skinny Quarter
2 Units = ½ metre of fabric
3 Units = ¾ metre of fabric
4 Units = 1 metre of fabric
5 Units = 1 ¼ metre of fabric…
and so on.