Quilting Tips - Fussy Cutting and Fat Quarters
Published by NannetteD on 14th Sep 2023
Quilting is an intricate art form that can be traced back in history at least to medieval times. While it's origins were likely as a form of protection and insulation from the cold, the presence of decorative elements from the earliest days. No surprise, actually. Quilting and surface embellishment allows you to weave your creativity and personality through the fabric.
In today's vibrant world of quilting, one of the most treasured assets is the versatile fat quarter. Measuring 18" x 21" inches, fat quarters offer a wide range of creative options for quilt projects. When combined with the art of fussy cutting, the results can be absolutely breathtaking!
In this blog, we're showcasing the beautiful fabrics created by KerrynB Designs and invite you to explore the many beautiful fat quarter bundles available for purchase on The Textile District!
What Are Fat Quarters?
Before we dive into the world of fussy quilting, let's get to know fat quarters a bit better. A fat quarter is a piece of fabric that measures 18x21 inches, which is typically cut from a yard of fabric. Unlike traditional quarter-yard cuts, which are long and narrow, fat quarters are wider, making them incredibly versatile for quilting and other sewing projects.
Fat quarters are an excellent choice for quilters because they provide more fabric to work with and allow you to create larger and more intricate quilt blocks. The extra width also makes them ideal for fussy cutting, which we'll explore in more detail shortly.
Fussy Cutting: Unveiling the Beauty of Your Fabric
Fussy cutting is a technique that involves carefully selecting and cutting specific motifs or patterns from your fabric to showcase them in your quilt block or project. It's a way to highlight the most beautiful and interesting parts of your fabric, creating a focal point or a visually captivating design element. Here are some tips and hints for successful fussy cutting with fat quarter bundles from The Textile District:
Choose the Right Fabric: Start by selecting fat quarters with large, eye-catching motifs or patterns. The Textile District offers a wide range of stunning prints and designs, making it easy to find the perfect fabric for your fussy cutting projects. Fat quarter bundles are available in designer assortments by colorway for easy mixing and matching.
Use a Template: To ensure precision in your fussy cutting, create a template of the shape or size you want to cut (clear acrylic templates are a handy tool for this step). Place the template over the fabric, aligning it with the desired motif, and then cut around it carefully.
Mind the Seam Allowance: Remember to account for seam allowances when fussy cutting. Leave enough room around your motif so that it won't get cropped or lost when you sew it into your quilt block.
Direction Matters: Pay attention to the direction of the motifs in your fabric. Consider how they will interact with each other when pieced together in your quilt block. Be sure to mix up the motif orientations to create a dynamic and visually appealing composition.
Experiment and Plan: Before you start assembling, experiment with different arrangements of your fussy-cut motifs on a design board or by laying them out on a flat surface. This will help you plan your quilt block and ensure a balanced and harmonious design.
Highlight with Sashing: Use sashing or borders to frame your fussy-cut motifs and make them stand out even more. Choosing complementary or contrasting fabric for sashing can enhance the overall look of your quilt. Common widths are between 1 to 3 inches, but you can adjust it to your preference.
Featured Collection: "Nostalgic" by KerrynB Designs
The images below illustrate the prints and colorways included in each fat quarter assortment shown. Each bundle features twelve 18" x 21" swatches, making it easy to mix and match for patchwork quilting, crafts, and design sampling needs.
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"Nostalgic Summer" Collection
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"Nostalgic Summer" Collection
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"Nostalgic Autumn" Collection
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"Nostalgic Winter" Collection
Quilting with fat quarters and mastering the art of fussy cutting opens up a world of creative possibilities. With the high-quality quilting fabrics and fat quarter bundles from The Textile District, you can bring your quilting visions to life. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting, don't be afraid to experiment, mix and match, and let your creativity shine through in your quilting projects.
Let's Get Started >> Shop Fat Quarter Assortments
How To Order Custom Printed Fabrics on The Textile District:
Each image represents 27" of printed fabric and clicks through to the product page for easy ordering:
- Choose any base fabric (15+ options)
- Select the color way you wish to print (click the icon)
- Enter the quantity you need (all print by the yard)
- Add to cart to order
As always, if you have a question or need help choosing which base fabric option is best for your project at hand, we are here to help. Please send us a note or give us a call. We'd love to hear from you!
Not sure which base fabric is most suitable for your next project?
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