Why Do Quilt Stores HATE Fat Quarters?
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- You may not have known this, but quilt stores actually HATE fat quarters for a few reasons. Stick around this week as Teancum fills you guys in on this collective mess we're all in. Whether you love them or don't use them, you need to know this.
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0:00 Introduction
1:04 Let's Cut Some Fat Quarters
2:11 What's Wrong with Fat Quarters?
3:37 The Secret: Revealed
4:33 Solving the Problem
#Quilting #QuiltShop #SewYeah - Навчання та стиль
I love fat quarter bundles. They allow me to purchase a whole collection, and they are usually enough to make a quilt with.
Fat quarters are my favorite
We are glad you love them!!
If there are enough pieces, you can get 2 quilts out of it with enough scraps to make a baby quilt or pillow case! Love the fat quarters too!
I agree. I couldn’t afford more than a fat quarter bundle😩
I do not buy fat quarters. Actually, I rarely purchase precuts. If I like it, I will buy a yard. If I really like it, I will buy 3 yards. If I love it, I buy 6 yards. My concern with a fat quarter is that, when I finally decide what I am going to make, it will not be enough.
That is a good thought for sure. Happens more than ya know too!
I also don't like fat quarters or any pre-cuts and really dislike scraps. I like to cut my own fabric even though it takes little more time.
Same here. I got some bundles dirt cheap, and have no idea what to do with them.
I HATE precuts! There is a lot more waste with them,and some times I need the length of a piece of fabric. But to each his own.
In the U.K. most shops won’t cut you a FQ they will cut you a WOF 1/4 metre.
Wow! I have a new appreciation for the work involved owning and operating a quilt store.
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
@@SewYeahnot just quilt stores. Any body that works with fabric. Ima curtains/ soft furnishing maker.We also have to keep track of how much fabric we use and what is left on the bolt. It is absolutely normal practice.
Sorry for the headaches, but I love fat quarters. I always buy them pre cut, I had no idea a fabric store would cut them for me 🤯🤯🤯
And now you know!!!
Some do and some don’t. I walked into one once (new shop to me) and was greeted with “we don’t cut fat quarters”. My reply was good thing as I hadn’t asked you to. Last time I went into that shop. 🤷♀️
Fat quarters definitely my favorite. They are so versatile and you can get the collection.
Thanks for the info!!
I love charm packs! I can't afford to buy every fabric line I like. Charm packs give me the opportunity to make something with the whole range of a line at an price point that works better for me. It also allows me to purchase a small piece of more fabric lines.
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I like a fat quarter bundle already coordinated. Add some yardage and some background and you have the makings of a beautiful quilt.
Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!
Layer cakes are my favorite. I only recently tried fat quarters and the flexibility of what you can it into is nice. But as a full set of fat quarters can be so pricy, I tend to go for a layer cake if I love the full line.
Good thought
I worked in a quilt store for a long time and the owners loved selling fat quarters. Our biggest money maker.
I really like fat quarters. I've never asked a shop to cut them for me, just assumed if there weren't any already cut, there weren't any. But using a background fabric, I can get multiple lap/baby quilts out of a FQ bundle of the entire line. They are by far my favorite pre-cut. Thanks for the video and the information!
My favorite "pre cut" by far is scrap bundles. They are ideal for a scrappy quilter myself.
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Favorite pre cut is charm pack and mini charms. Great explanation of fat quarters.
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
Sorry T. My favorite precut is fat quarter followed by layer cakes. I love the FQ bundles
Thanks!
I am really loving the vegas strips you guys do.
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
My LQS made a half-yard cut their minimum, and I liked having the extra fabric. They would sometimes turn the ends of bolts into FQs. They also carried a little of pre-cuts in their inventory.
Good info!
I used to own a fabric store and that's exactly what I did as well. No one ever complained
I've graduated from FQ's to Half yard bundles. You are usually left with a FQ after the project, or at least good strips. It's much more economical. If I can, I buy 2 yards, but I usually like the line and that's not affordable. Charms and layer cakes just don't fit my preferred quilts. I cut all my scraps into strips of varying widths.
Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!
My current precut favorite is 1/2 yds, but fq is a close second. Sorry. You guys taught us to love them and we do.
My LEAST favorite is the running 1/4 yd.
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You are so right. It’s their fault🤪.
My favorite precuts are fat quarters and layer cakes!😊
Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!
This is ironic, I rarely bought fat quarters locally, but I'm a frequent customer of your utube shows and am now buying more collections in pre-cuts because of your shows! You always offer fat quarter bundle options and I'm hooked!
LOL. Same here. I buy all my precuts exclusively from Sew Yeah, otherwise it's straight up yardage. Could be because they entice me with their online live sales and I'm a sucker for sales. LOL
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
I love the quilt behind you
Thanks for the great explanation. I don’t buy fat quarters as a rule. I feel like it won’t be enough fabric. I buy yardage, layer cakes or charm packs. Depending on what I am making. I would be fine if no one sold fat quarters. I realize many people love them though.
They really do!!
I love all precuts, but fat quarters are by far my favorite.
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I like fqs but because they give me the opportunity to sample a fabric without spending a lot of money on an entire yard. I’m not a quilter. I make bags and various small items (wallets, scrunchies, hats, etc) that don’t always require a lot of fabric. The biggest problem is that if I like the fabric a lot or if a customer wants an additional item with the same fabric, it can sometimes be hard to find more of the fabric. Oftentimes the fat quarters seem to come from end-of-bolt fabrics.
Thanks for that information!! and thanks for watching!
I love jelly rolls and layer cakes If I purchase ax fat quarter bundle it usually ends up as decoration, they are so pretty 🥰
I'm the fat quarter queen! My best friend owns Stitch n Giggles in Caldwell, Idaho. The previous owner didn't cut fat quarters but had so many quilt patterns that used them. Now there are plenty of fat quarters and the patterns need restocked! 😊
I went to Las Vegas for a couple of days the other day and had to visit your store. Love the store, very friendly and helpful. I also purchased from fabric. I will come back and visit your store again. Thank you
If you're going to complain about the fat quarters, then don't sell them. Or figure out a way to add a sticker with a barcode or something. I appreciate all the work that everyone puts into it. Personally, I don't buy fat quarters bc of their higher price.
I don’t like fq. I usually just buy at least a 1/2 yard.
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As a quilter, I tend to buy for a pattern, not pick up fat quarters. But I worked for my LQS for a short time and fat quarters were a best seller. We sold tons. We would cut on request, but also would cut fat quarters to stock up during slow times. Biggest issue for store is the ever increasing cost of fabric - new lines were coming in where our standard fat quarter price would be less than by the yard. Then it's how to note that increased price to both customer and cashier. Some clerks hated cutting fat quarters, but personally, it was one of my favorite things to do when I had no customers to assist.
You are so lucky in the US. A yard of quilting fabric in Germany costs more than twenty dollars.
O my goodness. This is terrible!!!!! We are blessed for sure!
Simmiĺar in Canada.
It really depends on how big a collection is and if I like all of it. I like FQ & Layer Cakes so I can get a little of everything for big collections. If its on the smaller side or i dont prefer some of the fabric then 1/2 yard bundles or yardage is great.
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Buying FQ’s from my LQS is one of my favorite things to do. Almost always I’m
In there rummaging thru the FQ’s and then buying yardage for the quilt backgrounds. 😉
My favorite precut is a fat quarter bundle. I love that I can get a beautiful collection of fabric and that gives me more options to create. I also love charm packs, they work great to create bags. I think I just love all fabric in general. It does not matter if it's precut or not.😆
My favorite pre-cut fabric is fat-quarters. To make a beautiful quilt with so many different quilt patterns available to make with dozens of colors and prints this is the most logical method of a fabric purchase. The quilt shop can price out their cost and won’t loose revenue. When a customer wants a 1/4 yard of fabric the still have to cut and inventory whether it’s 9” x WOF, fold it, put it in a bag, just like a fat quarter.
Thanks for the reply. We appreciate our customers so much!! Thanks for watching!
My favorite was fat quarters until the layer cakes came out. Then it was layer cakes until the price went up. Now it's fat quarters again. I can get four 9" squares out of one FQ. If I buy 20 FQs, I can get about two smaller sized layer cakes (9" vs 10" squares). BUT I buy them on sale or in small bundles. I just can't afford $13-$20 per yard for fabric. And it's still not as good as the stuff that's in my mom's stash from the 1970s-80s.
Thanks for all that info.
I love FQs, but I also love scrappy quilts. At times I have even cut a chunk of my own yardage and made a couple of FQs. I store mine on DVD shelves in my closet where they are all easy to see at a glance. And, like you mention, they are easy to grab and go. PS. I love how you fold yours with the little tuck at the end. I may have to refold all of mine 😂.
Love your quilt shop!
My favorite pre-cute is the layer cake. You can use them as a 10-inch square or sub cut them. The best feature of the layer cake is that you can cut them into 4 charm packs.
I generally go for layer cakes, charm squares, and jelly rolls. But a good portion of my fabric is by yardage.
Thanks!
Half yard bundles are my favorite
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interesting video!! I like all fabrics, no matter the cut. 😂 but I do appreciate (even more now) the fat quarters, they are great for small projects, or adding an accent to a project. thx for sharing!
Been sewing since the 80's never have I seen a quilt shop cut fat quarters from a bolt I think its awesome of you guys John in Massachusetts
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
I have never asked a quilt store to cut a FQ. I always assumed that if I don't see one, it is not available. I don't have a favorite type of cut so I have FQs, charms, layer cakes, jelly rolls and yardage - all depends on when I see a fabric I like what project I envision doing. Sew Yeah is the first quilt store that I have heard that lets you cut a FQ off the bolt. I can imagine the inventory nightmare. I live a few states away and have ordered online from Sew Yeah - easy to order and shipping is quick. I want to compliment Sew Yeah on the fact that I can order quarter yard pieces of your clearance fabric so I can make potato chip, I Spy, giveaway quilts with some great variety of fabric prints. Just for the record, if I go in a quilt shop and want a FQ and it's not available, I buy a half yard. I enjoy your how to video tutorials and want to thank you for those also.
Just a note: 18x22 is the standard in the states, but in Canada some stores do metric fat quarters (usually if their POS is in meters), so you actually get about 20x22
I’m in the UK with no store near me to buy FQs like you have. If I lived near your store I would be in there ALL the time and would make more quilts than I currently do. I search on line for FQ bundles and rarely see something that grabs me. If I do see a bundle I like, I usually need to break into another pack just for a small amount so it nearly doubles the cost. I’m very jealous!
I had no idea the work that went into fat quarters. I love them , though. I use them a lot for small projects. Thanks for sharing this information.
I love layer cakes! I can get a little bit of everything that way. Also, I make😃 bags as well as quilts and every time I make me a new bag, my mom wants one just like it. So instead of buying charm packs, which the pattern calls for, I buy layer cakes and cut those in half twice, so that I have plenty to make me one, my mom one, and my best friend one as well!
I love charm packs.I pick up two at a time
Wow, I wish I could visit your store!
I had no idea it was this much work. But, if you already have it cut I'll buy it. I don't think I would ask for a fat quarter. If I need it that bad, I would just ask for a half yard. Then I have extra! 😊 I never cared for fat quarters. Now, I love them. My current favorite precut is the charm❤ pack. Thanks for the info, Teancum. 👍
Hey girl how did you survive July 4
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
Being on a budget, fat quarters are great for me, but thank you so much for all that info.
If I ever got my dream fabric shop, I would purchase an extra bolt of each to use specifically for 'precuts'. That one entire bolt would be dedicated to fat quarters, strips for jelly rolls- and in your case, vegas strips😊, charms etc.
Love that idea!!
That would be a significant investment.
Same reason I now hate fat quarters. Huge amounts of waste. I want yardage. Full yardage. And when you need more for a project it’s already sold out.
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I don’t like to buy precuts. I can match my own fabrics. Selecting fabrics that look great together is great fun for me. I don’t want someone else choosing my fabrics for me , tying them into a bundle and doing all the thinking for me.
I am so glad you made this video, because I had not thought about the time it takes to enter it into the "system", employees time, and accounting for the amount taken from the bolt. Knowing this (and I will get screamed at for this), but I think you should charge an additional .25 to .50 cents per fat quarter.
(Actually, I usually buy a quarter to half yard, because if I see something I love, I am afraid of running out, so buy an excessive amount)! And, fortunately, for your guys, I live in LV!
Thanks for the encouraging words!! and for watching!
I like your Vegas Strips!!!!
Thanks !
Sorry fat quarters are such a headache for you but I love fat quarters. There are so many patterns out there that are fat quarter friendly. I find a lot of charm packs, jelly rolls and layer cakes are not true to size. So annoying….
We will get through it lol
I love fat quarters. It's good to see them from the store perspective though. I may have to switch to just buying 1/2 yard pieces instead. It's still equal to 2 fat quarters and honestly if you like the fabric you're probably not going to feel bad about having two. I haven't made any quilts with layer cakes but do like using jelly rolls. Thanks for sharing the facts and figures of the fat quarter phenomenon.
Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!!
Having worked in a fabric store, FW are definitely labor intensive. I have been in both POS and non enviroment. We had one person dedicated to keep up with the FQ. We wrote on the end of the bolt in both instances what about had been removed. Customers do like them however. This has been discussed for a lot of years. Good luck.
Fat quarters are my favorite cut. ❤
Fascinating video - really understand them better now. I tend to buy them as they are interesting / pretty, but then do nothing with them 😀😀
😂😂😂🥰🥰
I know a lot of quilt shops that only cut FQs off the very end of a bolt when 95% of it has been sold. So their FQ inventory won’t necessarily match their current in-stock fabric collections. You can choose from what they have or buy yardage. I’ve never heard of a shop that cuts FQs on demand!
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Pre-cuts are nice because it reduces how much time I spend cutting, but inevitably, there is at least a couple of fabrics in the bundle that I don't like. So I'd have to say I like FQs the best, because then I can mix and match. Although, one of the local SoCal quilt shops will make three-yard bundles and those were nice.
Fat quarters are great for small projects, as well as great stash builders to randomly pick up from time to time. My current project, I pulled colors from my focus print. I then purchased multiple fat quarters in each of the chosen colors to add visual interest to the quilt. A fat quarter gives you greater cutting flexibility, especially as this quilt project, which is a sampler. There are all different sized blocks, many are large ones. I would not have been able, financially, to do this same process if I had purchasing 1/2 yd cuts.
Lol…its agood thing, fat quarters is where its at, next to yardage in my book anyway. Pretty fabrics Teancum….ty for all your cuttings
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I live in Australia. 🇦🇺 Quality fabric is far more expensive than US prices. When I do actually splurge and impulse buy fabric that is not for a specific project, I tend to get at least a metre unless it is an amazing price - like Spotlight selling 10 fat quarters for $20. Even then, I tend to buy a a couple of each pattern/colour so I have more options when eventually I get around to using it.
I don't have a lot of storage space so I like fat quarter. And I appreciate you all so much
We love it. Thanks for watching!
I vote for FQs on request. I'm in your Vegas shop often. Midweek I have the shop nearly to myself. There's plenty of time for you guys to adjust the invèntory. We've got quilts to make; you've got FQs to cut. Lets all get back to work. See ya Wednesday!
I love Fat quarter first Vega strips and last half yard bundles love sewing Yeah❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
I buy half yards off bolt most times but will buy fat quarters only if they have been done and labeled by manufacturer.
I luv pre cuts. My fav being fat quarters followed by layer cakes.
Ok I do love my fat quarters 😂 and your t shirt. I need one for the quilt retreats I attend
I like all precut!
Thanks!!
Thank you for the info. You guys are great.
I think I like to buy yards.
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My favourite pre cuts are charm packs or layer cakes. I have a collection of fat quarters that I don’t use.
You might swap with a friend that loves fat qtrs or sell them. Just a thought!! 😊💕
FQs and layer cakes. I can get 4 charm packs from a layer cake. I'd rather cut my own jelly rolls as they are notorious for not being a precise 2½". Half-yard precuts are great too.
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Fat Quarters are perfect for EPP. You can get an entire row of a hexie quilt out of one FQ. I only will buy FQ's or 1/2 yard cuts. If I love a fabric, I'll buy at least a yard. Thank you for doing this for the customers!!!!
I personally prefer half yard or full yard bundles. ❤
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Same here. I make a large amount of 3 yard quilts, so it's nice to be able to know I have a full yard of a certain color
They have their place, just depends on the project.
Layer cakes are my favorite precut. I make throw size quilts, so I'm not in need of that much of each print that a fat quarter has. But I can see where larger pieces would be more advantageous for a larger bed sized quilt.
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My favorite is the jelly rolls. ❤❤❤
Fat quarter or Fat Half. Love that I don't have to search for all the coordinating fabrics.
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
Layer Cakes are probably my favorite precut. But I truly love fabric.
💕💕fabric!!!!!
Very interesting thanks
And thank you for watching!!
To be honest, when I am starting a new project, the fat quarter is my go to - unless I am going off of a pattern. However, with that being said, when I bring my bolts of fabric to the cutting table I always ask if the shop will cut fat quarters. If the answer is no, then I ask for 1/3 yard cuts.
Personally, I am not a FQ fan... primarily because they are almost never square. To be fair, I have only bought a few sets from an actual fabric storefront. So, allowances made for "buyer beware". Yardage is by far the most versatile. But cakes and jellies are my go-to for incorporating a full line and reducing time spent for cutting.
Thank you for sharing the headache perspective!
Thanks for the input!!!!
Vegas Strips are my new favorite! I do love fat quarters and 2.5 inch strips, as well.
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
i buy different pre cuts depending on what i am doing...
the price per yard on jelly rolls and layer cakes ends up being OUCH, so unless i want to make a jelly roll based quilt, or fast squares or giant triangles? or i really need a wide range of colors but not much yardage? i only buy those when they get discounted or etc.
fat quarters usually hit the middle ground of "enough to work with" and "not that much markup per yard".
since most of my shops will not custom cut a fat quarter, i end up hunting for the fat quarters i can get in a line, and then having to buy a half yard cut of the rest- to cut one FQ for the project and one for my stash.
My favorite precut is a layer cake❣️
Thanks for the reply. We appreciate our customers so much!! Thanks for watching!
Charm squares are my favorite ❤
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Never crossed my mind! Wow. But honestly, I prefer a yard off the bolt.
And that is why we did this video. So the customers are more informed. Most never think about it. We love for people to have what they need~
My favorite now is 10" squares/layer cakes. I have tons of far quarters but rarely use.them...they are pretty thoughj!!
Someone would take those off your hands lol.. You could sell them. Or maybe do a swap with others .
I guess it depends on what I'm buying the fabric for. I like jellyrolls for log cabins but what I buy the most are fat quarters.
Layer🎂, I am looking to work with a Vegas strip and that might become number 1. I 💙💜Sew Yeah!
Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!
In my opinion, I wouldn’t cut fat quarters. I would sell what’s already pre-bundled and that’s it. Start selling 1/2 yard cuts. Use the end of bolts for fat quarters. That’s what our local quilt shop does. It seems like a pain to cut fat quarters even though I like them. However with that being said, to thrive in business these days you need to cater to your customers so it’s not really a win -win situation either. So many patterns call for fat quarters that’s one of the reasons I buy them. Either way your customers appreciate your hard work!
And we appreciate our customers!!!!!
My favorite precut is a layer cake. I occasionally buy individual fat quarters, but don’t use them much.
Thanks!
I mostly buy yardage but fat quarters are my favorite precuts for sure. I often buy them for small projects or if I really like the bundle I’ll buy multiples to make a big project.
Thank you!!!
Yardage is usually my go to but if I want more of a line of fabric I definitely go towards fat quarters as they are more versatile. Jelly rolls and layer cakes are too limited
I love fat quarters. Sometimes, I will refrain from having a bunch of bolts cut at the same time because I don’t want to cause trouble for the employees. If I see fabric that I like but I’m not sure whether I want to purchase an entire yard, I’m MUCH more likely to purchase it if there’s a precut available. I will buy precuts of fabric that I like even if I don’t have a project in mind for it yet.
Thanks for those encouraging words!! And thanks for watching!
I am partial to layer cakes, but do like fat quarters to back a quilt. Six are a great size for a lap top, the largest size I can comfortably manage on my domestic machine.
We love i! Thanks for watching!