• What is a Patchwork Quilt?
• Patchwork Quilting Tools
• Patchwork Quilting Guidelines
• Patchwork Fabric
• Anatomy of a Patchwork Quilt
• Patchwork Piecing Methods
• Quilting Techniques
• Rotary Cutting

• Buying Patchwork Fabric
• Choosing Patchwork Fabric
• Patchwork Fabric Properties
• Quilt Wadding Materials
• Jelly Rolls,  Layer Cakes, Charm Packs & Candy Squares

• Introduction to Foundation Piecing DVD
• Cathedral Window & Secret Garden DVD
• Making Kaleidoscope Blocks DVD
• Trip Around the World & Bargello DVD

• Free Patchwork Quilting Guides &  Patterns
• Patchwork Quilting Links

Fat Quarters

Most retailers sell fabric in units called Fat Quarters. It is the equivalent in area to 0.25m of fabric, but is actually 0.5m long but only half the width of the fabric. This results in a useful piece of fabric measuring approx. 19" x 21". The alternative Long or Thin Quarter would measure approx. 9" by 42".

Retailers in the UK will usually sell metric Fat Quarters but beware of pre-cut Fat Quarters that have been imported from the US and which will be an inch or two smaller as they are half a yard, rather than half a metre.

Shopping Tips

Neutral Fabrics

Stock up on a good range of neutral fabrics - whites and creams.
They will always come in handy and are usually quite reasonably priced, so buy them by the metre rather than in Fat Quarters.

On-going Fabrics vs. One-off Fabrics

Many fabrics will be part of a one-off fabric collection. A limited number of metres will be printed for one season only, and then the fabric will no longer be available. Each manufacturer also produces a range or ranges of basic fabrics which will be available in the medium to long term.

Patchwork Fabrics that you love

If you find a fabric that you really love, buy plenty of it. Even if you don’t have a project in mind right now, the chances are that you won’t be able to find the fabric again, or get additional supplies if you need it later.

Quilt Backing Fabric

Shop in fabric sales for large amounts of fabric in a range of colours that you can use for backing. Choose plain backing fabrics if you want to highlight your quilting; choose busy backing fabrics if you want to disguise your quilting!