Why Do Quilt Stores HATE Fat Quarters?

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for watching! If you liked this, take a tour of our NEW quilt shop: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHTad2qYmryrh6M

[@laurielasee4489]

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.

[@SewYeah]

That is a good thought for sure. Happens more than ya know too!

[@AnneTrenary]

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.

[@nancy9478]

Same here. I got some bundles dirt cheap, and have no idea what to do with them.

[@MaryMannion]

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.

[@TheInappropriateQuilterZaza]

In the U.K. most shops won’t cut you a FQ they will cut you a WOF 1/4 metre.

[@colleenquiltstoo]

I *really* don’t need any more fabric. But I love visiting quilt shops. So when I do, I will often buy a couple fqs just to support the shop

[@SewYeah]

🫶🫶😂😂

[@ciannacoleman5125]

Same!

[@micheleklein9075]

agree and they are just so pretty in my sewing room to look at!!!

[@b.bailey8244]

yep; same for me. Buying several FQs on my low fixed income helps me feel I'm contributing a bit to the shop as well as bringing home a few little memories of the shop.

[@Weamee]

I completely agree.

[@wandamarsh5861]

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.

[@SewYeah]

👍👍😊💕

[@bearteeka4782]

The other nice thing about charm packs is that, for a relatively small price, you get samples of every print in a collection, and you can use those to decide which prints you want to use for a quilt, and match it to color cards of your favorite solids or blenders.

[@kathryngoodwin6683]

I work at a quilt store and was surprised to hear this rather whiney rant. Each to his own, I get that, but your subscribers deserve a different story. FQs are one of our most popular items. It is not a big deal to cut fat quarters, fold them, and change inventory. It takes about 15 min to process a pile of bolts which we do when the shop is slow, so it doesn’t cost the shop anything extra. We’re already there. Whether we’re cutting fqs or straightening bolts or waiting on customers, it’s all part of a job I love. Also, it keeps us (the staff) busy when times are slow, and we enjoy doing it. If customers cannot find a specific fq that they are looking for we happily cut them on demand. Sew Yeah owners look like nice people and hard workers, so I was disappointed (and curious as to why) that they feel the need to let their customers know that “quilt shops hate fqs” in a video. This is NOT true. I’m sorry you guys feel burdened by a little extra work to do something that most customers love. Folks, keep buying those fqs! Your local quilt shop appreciates your business! Thank you.

[@SewYeah]

The intention was only to show the process. Didn't mean it any other way. We love to serve our customers and they do love FQ . We love that and will always have them for our customers.

[@kathryngoodwin6683]

Then why would you frame it in such a negative way? Maybe the next video could be titled “Why Quilt Shops Love Fat Quarters!” It would probably get even more likes. Local quilt shops are trying to stay afloat. Can we be more positive? Thanks.

[@kathryngoodwin6683]

When your subscribers see this, the next time they go into their LQS, they’ll think how much we hate making something they like to buy. Just something to think about.

[@kathryngoodwin6683]

Just one more thing… when you say “Quilt Shops”, please make it clear you are referring to Sew Yeah, not all Quilt Shops. Would it be possible to put out a new video with this disclaimer? Thank you, guys. Your LQS will appreciate it. 😊

[@notesfromleisa-land]

@@kathryngoodwin6683I don’t shop at local quilt shops. I get more bang for my bucks on line because they have far better discounts. I’m a business person, so I understand what is being conveyed. It didn’t strike me as negative, though I understand your point.

[@lorihuntley836]

Wow! I have a new appreciation for the work involved owning and operating a quilt store.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@Penny-z9b]

@@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.

[@micheleklein9075]

me too!! Great video~!

[@stephenancre]

I'm so ancient I trained on Windows 97, and you could set up little sub-routines to do répétitive tasks even then, so it must be possible to set up a one-click way of losing half a metre off your bolt and instantly gaining two fat quarters in your inventory.

[@SewYeah]

😂😂😂👍

[@anneoreilly4900]

Yikes, I’m more ancient than that, and totally support finding a better way to make that tech work for you.

[@valeriedunne]

I love fat quarter bundles. They allow me to purchase a whole collection, and they are usually enough to make a quilt with.

[@helenbrown5215]

Fat quarters are my favorite

[@SewYeah]

We are glad you love them!!

[@michellecobb8403]

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!

[@lettyf1970]

I agree. I couldn’t afford more than a fat quarter bundle😩

[@UndertheNeedle282]

Exactly!

[@DonnellsStitchery]

My favorite precut is anything I don't have to stand in the cutting line for

[@SewYeah]

😂😂😂

[@carolharris2329]

Yes! I love scrappy and with a full-time job, precuts are awesome!!

[@lindafarnes486]

In olden days I could go to fabric stores and buy 'remnants'. Usually there was a bin full, that you could fossick through. They were very cheap and usually big enough to make shoulder bags or patchwork. I miss those days.

[@SewYeah]

Fun times!!!

[@ghengis430]

"Fossick" ! Excellent word. There's still a shop near me that has a basket, but it's not the goldmine that they used to be.

[@PIXELSURPRISE]

My store still has a big bin of remnants!!! Nova Scotia Canada :)

[@PIXELSURPRISE]

We also have a nice section of fabric that’s all 9.95 a meter, and that’s in CAD, so more like 7.18 USD

[@christinecomeau4677]

@@PIXELSURPRISE where in Nova Scotia? I'm on the Eastern Shore.

[@allikatdreaming]

Great behind the scenes info! Here in Finland, the shops don’t cut fat quarters. You can only buy the precut bundles or a quarter meter and up. Also, quilt fabric is running about 18.45 USD per meter and up. If you want Dear Stella or Tulla Pink, if you can find them, the cost might be 21 USD per meter. I often have to buy what I want from the US and then there’s shipping, which costs around 55$, plus tax at Finnish customs. VAT, or value added tax includes tax on the cost of shipping too. So, in my opinion, American consumers have a lot to be thankful for.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks so much!!! We do have a lot to be thankful for!!

[@DH-qz2so]

Here in Canada, a metre of fabric (39 inches by WOF) starts at $23 for Moda...

[@michellehawkins5193]

Yes, crazy prices for premium fabric in Canada. ​@@DH-qz2so

[@elliebelle5315]

I used to manage a fabric department, and I ordered specific bolts just for fat quarters. That was all I used that bolt for, so I didn't mess with my other yardage inventory. I also processed the entire bolt into fat quarters right after it was received so the bolt never had a chance of being shelved and becoming yardage inventory. It was efficient and worked really well us.

[@SewYeah]

👍💕🥰

[@michellehawkins5193]

Excellent advice

[@cindysakala9641]

I like a fat quarter bundle already coordinated. Add some yardage and some background and you have the makings of a beautiful quilt.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!

[@RoseSimpson1111]

I know this is an older video but wanted to comment. 30 yrs ago I worked at a fabric store for many yrs before precuts were a thing. I enjoyed scrappy quilts even then so i would just buy 1/2 yards which alowed me to build a stash. I still do it. Although i will buy precuts for some projects its usually fat quarter bundles. My studio shelves and cabinets are so full right now i buy mostly just yardedge for borders as well as batting and backing fabric by the bolt. Im a very busy quilter. 😊

[@SewYeah]

It sounds like you have a great system for managing your stash! 😊

[@gailrodgers3079]

I have always loved making scrap quilts and so over the years after making a quilt or anything out of 100% cotton, I do pre-cuts. I cut the three sizes that I use the most, and if I have odd sizes I trim them to a usable size. But once I could no longer work and ended up on fixed income disability I don't shop at quilt stores anymore. I shop at the thrift store. I buy other's leftover fat quarters, or other quilting leftovers. This leaves me able to pre-cut these pieces and I know I don't have anymore of the fabric, so I use it frugally. I still remember one day picking up a fabric at the thrift store that didn't really appeal to me. but once I cut it down and was making some blocks I ended up needing a 4" square of fabric that would go with the main fabric I was using. I grabbed that fabric and wouldn't you know, the fabrics went together beautifully! I would have never bought that fabric at $14/yard, but was willing to pay 25 cents for it. So I will say that as someone on a fixed income, please send your unloved fat quarters, or partially used fat quarters to your local independent thrift store (mine turns all its profits into helping those in our community) and keep a quilting sister or brother quilting. The other day I picked up a special fabric that would go with a piece my 5 year old granddaughter was making at my house while she was on vacation. She was thrilled. She is going to take the quilting world by storm when she is older. Back when I could shop at quilt fabric stores I got some money for my birthday and did buy a bunch of fat quarters. Buying them that way means I don't have to think about how much to buy when I have no plan for it.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the comments. We do what we can to continue sewing for sure!!!

[@Redshandler]

I also use opp shops (thrift store for US folks) for fabric, Men's cotton shirts are wonderful to use for soft quilts.

[@jacalynstaten5607]

Thank you for taking the time to educate us on this process. I have purchased 100s of fat quarters! When I first started quilting I wasn’t confident in selecting what fabrics looked good together or calculating how much fabric I needed. As I became a more seasoned quilter I quit purchasing fat quarters and now will purchase a minimum of 1 yard of fabric and a minimum of 5 yards of basic colors like white, beige, and black.

[@SewYeah]

We appreciate you taking the time to share this and for seeing it as what it was meant for . To inform customers about the process!!

[@tracyw1123]

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!

[@SewYeah]

Thank you

[@getmotivated1707]

What size do you make your finished baby quilts? Just wondering which of the various sizes is most popular 😊

[@tracyw1123]

@@getmotivated1707 generally, I make mine around 42 x 38 or 42 x 42 inches.

[@michelleswistak1389]

Fat quarters definitely my favorite. They are so versatile and you can get the collection.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the info!!

[@jkhegarty857]

I LOVE ❤️ fat quarters!!! I live in an apartment and do not have the table width to accommodate anything from half a yard or more. It is very convenient. When you buy a bundle, you have a nice size quilt from baby, crib, to twin size.

[@SewYeah]

Yes!!!

[@PIXELSURPRISE]

I work at a fabric /quilt store and the warehouse brings us piles of fat quarters that we cut and then we fold and then they go back to the warehouse to get packaged with a label and price. So when we’re up at cash and/or it’s a slow day, it’s kinda nice to be able to fold brand new fabrics we haven’t seen yet :)

[@SewYeah]

It does sound like a pretty good thing 🫶🥰

[@lynnheath4945]

Fat quarters let me go into a quilt store and make a "mercy" purchase if I don't see anything I like. When I travel, I like to visit every store I see, and fat quarters are a cheap, fun souvenir I'm likely to use. They're also easy to carry with me if I'm looking for "just one more" print. Thanks for going to the hassle for all of us! PS: I never buy any of the manufacturer's precuts or kits. I do scrap quilting and at the point in my life, ANY fabric I buy is just for fun, because I have a supply going back 40+ years to use up.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for those encouraging words!! And thanks for watching!

[@thesparrowsnest8343]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for that information!! and thanks for watching!

[@sheribarnett3180]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Good info!

[@stitchersdelight]

I used to own a fabric store and that's exactly what I did as well. No one ever complained

[@AvivaHadas]

My LQS turns the ends into fat eighths. :o)

[@wandabailey3292]

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

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for coming by!!!! We appreciate you!

[@amydavidoff4900]

Can you work with your POS provider to print bar-coded labels every time you cut and log a fat quarter that you could stick on the fat quarter? The POS/inventory control system would also update the fat quarter log so you wouldn't have to log them separately and would be able to track them.

[@SewYeah]

That is a good idea!!

[@MicStitchesinIndiana]

Well that says alot about your view in what a customer may like. As a scrappy quilter and an Applique artist I would prefer the FQ. Also enjoy them as a quick purchase when the cutting table is backed up. I'll be sure to spend that money at a shop who believes in the customer satisfaction

[@SewYeah]

We never meant this as we hate FQ or don't want to have them for our customers. It was only meant to show how they are done and what process brings them to the floor. That is all. We love our customers and are very thankful for each of them. Thanks for watching!!

[@MicStitchesinIndiana]

You use the word HATE in your title. And empashize it and then are baffled as to why anyone would think that.

[@andreamaclachlan980]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Love that idea!!

[@jerricarter4909]

That would be a significant investment.

[@Kim-tl4wz]

I normally use Lori Holts method of keeping a larger portion then gutting into easily usable "precuts". I have drawers for each size so it's always prepared. I have a 20 drawer cabinet full of my own precuts.

[@sunneedaze57]

Layer cakes! Love them.

[@SewYeah]

Who doesn't!

[@sunneedaze57]

Me too! They are versatile.

[@melindamckenry6368]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the encouraging words!! We appreciate you!

[@researchin]

I didn't know this either!

[@clmclark1]

I will go into my local quilt shop just for fat quarters but ALWAYS end up buying more than I intended. It's like the impulse displays like candy. Worth it!

[@SewYeah]

💕💕

[@gardencat4952]

My favorite "pre cut" by far is scrap bundles. They are ideal for a scrappy quilter myself.

[@SewYeah]

👍👍💕😍

[@cynthiacoronado185]

I love to buy straight yardage. I do like jelly rolls because I can use them for binding, pillowcases, bag handles. I feel like FQ's are what people "collect" they look cute, but I'm not imaginative or experienced enough to know I can make something out of just a single FQ. My absolute favorite purchase is a marked down remnant. Most shops don't do remnants anymore because they'll make a FQ from the last bit of yardage. 😂😂😂 And FQ are more expensive per yard than straight yardage is. 😮😮😮

[@SewYeah]

😊😊💕💕Thank you for watching!

[@gailfisher4767]

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!

[@nursekate6772]

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

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@johnniekuykendall2696]

I love visiting quilt shops when we travel. I have discovered that some quilt shops have a minimum cut rule. I don't need large pieces of fabric so I usually buy several fat quarters at each shop I visit as a souvenir of my trip. I do not quilt but I do make junk journals. Fat quarters are perfect for junk journaling!

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michelleduncan4923]

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!

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the encouraging words!! and for watching!

[@rosie0970]

UK, I find fabric remnants in stores and make colourful hair scrunchies, patchwork thermal shopping bags, small quilted rugs for winter traveling, recover armchairs and bed headboards in a patchwork of amazing colours, the next project is two patchwork sofa's.

[@SewYeah]

That's a big project. We would love to see pictures on our FB page

[@sharonlyman3029]

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.

[@SewYeah]

😍😍😍👍

[@KateBerggren]

You are so right. It’s their fault🤪.

[@susanowen1709]

I've not heard the term "running 1/4 yard" and Google is not helpful. Is that what a 9" x WOF piece is called, or is it something else?

[@marycolven5430]

love hearing the inside scoop on running fabric store! thanks for sharing - love charm packs and jelly rolls! never understood why people wanted fat quarters

[@SewYeah]

Thanks so much!! 🙂

[@MonaStorck]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!

[@lesliethegal4339]

As a beginner, I like cutting my pieces from the smaller FQs. We only have one income so I have to buy smaller cuts or shop at thrift stores, so I really like FQs, especially the ones on sale. Maybe don't cut them on demand of it bothers you. Oh, I thought the quilted toilet paper quilt in the bathroom in Vegas was hilarious and very well done.

[@rhondajschlottman4262]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the reply. We appreciate our customers so much!! Thanks for watching!

[@SpringStarFangirl]

During COVID, I found that fat quarters are actually the perfect size to make a face mask. I went with my mom to our local fabric store to pick up fat quarters and muslin for straps quite a few times.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for sharing and thanks so much for watching!!

[@kirstib1]

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! 😊

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for your reply! And thanks for watching!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Amazon used to sell Free Spirit fat quarter bundles for about $22 for 20. That was an incredible bargain and I bought several. Alas no more.

[@karensparrow1529]

Since the popularity of 3 Yard Quilts has risen the favorite precut in the quilt store where I shop is the 1 yard quilt. Talk about grab and go! The store even puts together a 3 yard bundle of fabrics that work well together for a great grab and go experience.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for sharing!! and for watching!

[@donnamurray4675]

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 🤯🤯🤯

[@SewYeah]

And now you know!!!

[@lynettewoide6794]

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. 🤷‍♀️

[@cyndib511]

​@lynettewoide6794 I wonder how some LQS stay in business. I was on the hunt for a specific fabric line, needed several different fabrics, totaling several yards. Went to my 2 favorite shops and they didn't have it. Went to a shop in a neighboring town and they had it. I picked up 4 bolts and walked to the cutting table, stood there for 20 minutes being ignored. There were 4 employees that I could see with name tags. One was straightening inventory, one was standing at the register at the front of the store, the other 2 were carrying on a conversation with a customer about an upcoming event (I could hear every word). I made eye contact with all of them, and eventually left the bolts lying on the cutting table and walked out. I've never been back, and I ordered the fabric I needed online. All that to say, you only have one chance to make a first impression. If you come across like you don't want my business, I will not be back. There are too many options available to us. My project was delayed about 4 days, but I saved about $10 buying online. I would pay the extra gladly, because I love to feel the fabric before I purchase, but I am perfectly happy buying online.

[@lynettewoide6794]

@@cyndib511 wow. I am so sorry! But you make such a great point - we are the customers and we have choices. Totally agree that I’d rather give the LQS the business but I also have a few online shops I give business to as well. Sadly across the board customer service have gone. I think I’d call the owner and tell them what happened that day. I’ve worked in a LQS and we’d have been fired if that happened.

[@Kim-tl4wz]

@@lynettewoide6794wow! That is nuts! They may as well have said we don't accept customers. Get out.

[@rhm5105]

Layer cakes, charm packs, and jelly rolls are my go to. I rarely buy fat quarters. If i do then it normally stays on my shelf for a very very long time. Thank you for putting this video out. Great info 👍🏻.

[@SewYeah]

Thank you!

[@baseballquilter8984]

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. 👍

[@dcwatashi]

Hey girl how did you survive July 4

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@michellehawkins5193]

I love kits that have the pattern & all the coordinating fabrics included.

[@SewYeah]

💕💕🤗

[@zorina831]

Sorry T. My favorite precut is fat quarter followed by layer cakes. I love the FQ bundles

[@SewYeah]

Thanks!

[@TheDougnlis]

Favorite pre cut is charm pack and mini charms. Great explanation of fat quarters.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@caronlittle3539]

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.

[@SewYeah]

🤔🤔😒😊💕💕

[@Wanda6308]

I started buying fat quarters because they were less expensive for me then to buy 7 different fabrics of blending qualities, I understand quilt shops have higher count in threads of fabric that is why the prices are high. but if I buy smaller amounts like in fat quarters, I can afford it better. Most of the time being on a fixed income, I buy from regular fabric stores, but I do also like layer cakes.

[@SewYeah]

Thank you for your input and for watching!

[@Wanda6308]

@@SewYeah You're very welcome and thank you for the tutorials. I feel as if I learn something new every time I watch tutorials. And I appreciate each and every person who takes their time in preparing them for us. I don't take it lightly as I know all that goes into making them. God Bless

[@bonneyfinnegan8514]

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.

[@SewYeah]

😂😂😊🥰🥰

[@cindiperron]

Great video! Thanks so much for the behind the scenes look at this. My favorite pre-cut is layer cakes, very versatile 🙂

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for watching!

[@annablock8037]

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.

[@SewYeah]

They really do!!

[@salemtrip]

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

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@afkeyes]

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!

[@SewYeah]

👍👍👍👍💕💕💕

[@cindymiller7364]

What is the name of the pattern for the quilt behind you? Do you have a tutorial for that? I love it!

[@SewYeah]

Thimble Blossoms Coastal Quilt Pattern It is on the website. Thanks for watching!

[@laris2328]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for all that info.

[@ConnieKresinCampbell]

Fat quarters are my favorite, especially bundles! It is a great way to get a whole collection.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@KiyomiY]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Good thought

[@raylouis7013]

For various reasons, I often buy fabric online. I often buy fat quarters as a way of getting a sample of the fabric that i can see and touch, before buying more.

[@SewYeah]

👍👍🫶😂

[@unclelahr1]

When I buy fabric, I buy a minimum of 2 yards. I don't want to run out of a print. I would prefer to store the fabric and have it later when I need some for a project rather than have one tiny sample that will not satisfy what I need. I also think the industry pushes pre-cuts so that we end up with a bunch of tiny bits we cannot make use of. I have some fabric that is 30 years old that I just have found a use for, but it is yardage not some tiny strip.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for watching and for the input!!

[@AvivaHadas]

I use those tiny strips in log cabins and string quilts. I work with value, so 100 different light strips (White on whites from the 1990's when I started to todays "low volumes" work together when their role is "light") works fine for me. I almost ran out when I used 1 background, so I choose to work scrappy and I've never not had enough since.

[@grandam195]

Since I did not find any precut fat quarters I really liked. I need two for a quilt since it has a lot of white. I instead bought a yard of each of the fabrics I liked and cut them into quarters and folded and bundled them. The two extra go In to my stash for a future quilt Yes they are convenient. However, I think I will create my own mostly in the future

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicolebrunzel6608]

You are so lucky in the US. A yard of quilting fabric in Germany costs more than twenty dollars.

[@SewYeah]

O my goodness. This is terrible!!!!! We are blessed for sure!

[@debbiewood7718]

Simmiĺar in Canada.

[@marvellousmrsmoller]

Australia too. I cannot afford to buy until a shop decides these bolts (or these fat quarters) are not selling well enough so they discount to clear them. If finances were not a factor? Fat quarters are eye candy. I want all of them, and buy much more than if I was buying yardage.

[@chrissimon397]

I love fat quarters, both as a quilter and as a shop employee. You just need at least one employee who loves cutting them and is super fast at it. Hint: a little sliver cut with the ruler and rotary cutter next to the fold only takes off about 1/8 inch or less of fabric and saves a ton of time vs. scissor cutting each one.

[@SewYeah]

🤔👍🫶🫶

[@MichelleMoreland-sf4pb]

I am really loving the vegas strips you guys do.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@donnaendresen6184]

I Like most all Pre-Cuts ( FQs, Jelly Rolls, 10 inch SQ's, Charm SQ's).There are neat patterns to use for all these Precuts. Then, of course, there are the new Vegas Strips. This opens up a whole new set of way of thinking of what to make.

[@SewYeah]

Yes they do ! Thanks for watching!

[@natashasvetlana]

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.

[@SewYeah]

💕💕💕💕👍

[@cruznk9]

Listening to this explanation it's easy to understand why FQs are more expensive. I don't buy them often but a coordinated batch of small pieces is ideal for scrap quilts, millefiore designs, English paper piecing techniques and mosaic quilts. It allows sewists on a tight budget to support their favourite designers and quilt stores too with a more versatile piece of fabric than the 1/4 yard across the WOF.

[@SewYeah]

👍🥰🤗😉

[@ddobbins777]

Some may call this a whiney rant, but I can't bc I appreciate the knowledge of what goes on behind making them happen. I consider it more an FYI-kind-of-thing as I assumed they were preordered that way by the store. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thanks for educating those of us who love all the choices for our small projects! Honestly, it doesn't change whether or not I continue to seek them out, but I now have a newfound respect for the extra steps one goes through to appease me. 👍🏻💯

[@SewYeah]

Thank you for sharing. We appreciate it and you nailed it!!

[@carriebryan1211]

From a small online shop, I ordered 2 yd of a beloved fabric no longer available at my usual sources. They told me they no longer had the yardage advertised on Google, but they did have 8 fat quarters of it. They sent them to me for the yardage price! You've explained to me now why their invoice said they sold me only 4.

[@SewYeah]

👍🥰🤗

[@judytruitt6703]

I never buy fat quarters. I just buy the fabric off bolt! That way I get the full list of information about the fabric!

[@SewYeah]

👍😊🫶🫶 Thanks for watching!

[@PinkyJapan]

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.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for those encouraging words!! And thanks for watching!

[@kendranewton9071]

My favorite precuts are fat quarters and layer cakes!😊

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!

[@tracyburkart2950]

I love FQ bundles and charm packs. I use 2 charm packs as leaders and Enders while sewing something else to make a baby patchwork quilt for a ministry I donate to.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!!

[@paulaneary7877]

Well, I can't feel badky for fabric and quilt stores. They are making PLENTY of money. They make more on fat quarters he even said so. They pay the employees by the hour, so you really can't factor that wage in, and call it"more work" when it is part of their job and they are in the shop anyways. Fat quarters are expenive and they make money on an item a customer wants. Stop making people feel badly about buying something you are chosing to make available in your store. If you don't want to make them available, then don't. Don't complain about it to the customer, not good PR.

[@SewYeah]

Not our intention at all. We only wanted people to know the process........We love to make fat quarters for our customers.

[@cindycarnes6441]

I avoid quilt stores. $15/yard for fabric is ridiculous

[@cindycarnes6441]

But your title is why quilt stores hate them

[@paulaneary7877]

@@SewYeah As someone else also noted and commented, the title is:Why quilt shops hate fat quarters. So, saying you love to make them is a contradiction of the title itself. The tone of the whole video is how difficult fat quarters are to deal with, not how wonderful it is that your customers spend their hard earned money in your shop and how great they are. Still don't feel badly for you guys.

[@UndertheNeedle282]

Y'all are taking this way too seriously. They were just stating that FQ's are more work for a quilt shop than yardage, which they are. Nobody should find that offensive. There are far greater issues in this world to be offended about than the inner workings of a quilt shop.

[@wendyf8262]

It seems to me if grab and go is a novel idea why don’t quilt stores have a row of 1/2 and 1 yard cuts you can grab and go with like the deli has ! 😊

[@SewYeah]

It's a great idea!

[@pamkahmann3833]

I generally go for layer cakes, charm squares, and jelly rolls. But a good portion of my fabric is by yardage.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks!

[@stephaniestuff]

My favourite pre-cuts are charm packs. I typically buy 2 of the same one at a time and then supplement with complimentary fabrics when making quilts

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for sharing!

[@valmartinez-west9725]

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….

[@SewYeah]

We will get through it lol

[@gibbitygabbitystudio1932]

Thanks for showing the process.

[@SewYeah]

And we appreciate you for letting us know !

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.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for that reply. We appreciate our customers so much!!!

[@Lissasloves]

I am in love with charm packs!😊

[@SewYeah]

💕💕

[@Teresa-L.2024]

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.

[@SewYeah]

💕🪡👍😊

[@Laura-gt7op]

I love FQ. I like how your store you have the FQ on the shelf with the line. That would make shopping so easy. Wish one was close to me.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for the encouragement!!

[@donaldfinch1411]

Never crossed my mind! Wow. But honestly, I prefer a yard off the bolt.

[@SewYeah]

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~

[@amandabibble5070]

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!

[@SewYeah]

You are great to your people!!!

[@amandabibble5070]

I try! Lol

[@bethkoch11]

I love all precuts, but fat quarters are by far my favorite.

[@SewYeah]

💕💕

[@user-mfyfe]

Great video! Have you heard of the quilters bundle? I love these and it would be great if more shops offered them. :)

[@SewYeah]

Something to look into!!

[@jilldoemer1634]

I don’t like fq. I usually just buy at least a 1/2 yard.

[@SewYeah]

👍👍👍

[@simoneclift3155]

As someone who is new to sewing, this was really interesting. Thank you.

[@SewYeah]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michellefrazier7499]

Half yard bundles are my favorite

[@SewYeah]

👍😊💕👍

[@candyshoppeyarns]

I am a yarn dyer and one of the products I sell a lot of are mini skeins of yarn. They are the equivalent of fat quarters of fabric. They are more labor and time intensive and cost more when you add them up to the equivalent amount of yarn in a full skein, but just like fast quarters, they are bite sized nuggets of joy! Don’t have a lot of space? Mini skeins or fat quarters take up less space! Don’t have a lot of money? You can still get some of your fabric fabrics/colorways in a smaller amount! Do you need a wider assortment to choose from but not in as large of quantity? Fat quarters and mini skeins are the answer! Want to tuck a little extra something in a crafter’s gift? You already know the answer! Want to sample a new collection for a fraction of the cost of buying full skeins or full yards? Get a fat quarter or mini skein in each colorway! So I appreciate the extra headache and work as a consumer and as a business owner because the benefits are great!

[@SewYeah]

Yes!!!

[@kendrat8413]

Way to make your customers feel like a nuisance and feel like we're being an inconvenience for a product you provide

[@SewYeah]

Never our intention. It was only to let people know how things happen behind the scenes

[@researchin]

Dramatic much?

[@SuzetteG316]

I rarely buy FQ's. You look like you sell them individually and I love that! Unfortunately the quilt stores I do and have shopped at sell them in bundles, and that comes with a very steep price tag. So I either buy off the bolt or go with Layer Cakes or Charm Packs.

[@SewYeah]

You are one smart shopper! 😊

[@barbdecker6497]

Whine, whine, whine. I like fat quarters. Usually that’s all I need. If it’s a problem for you, I can go to another store.

[@SewYeah]

Thanks for watching

[@catherineleslie-faye4302]

My favorites are the 1 yard and 2 yard precut pieces. I can take a 2 yard piece at 45 inches wide and get a nice drawstring skirt from it.... if I want a tiered skirt I buy 1 of the 1 yard in pattern A 1 of the 2 yard in pattern B and 1 1 yard + 1 2 yard in pattern C giving me 3 prints and 3 premeasured tiers that I cut into 15 inch strips for my tiered skirt. Yep I'm that type of quilt fabric buyer... a calico cat!

[@SewYeah]

😂😂😂😂😍😍

[@stefaninafla]

I am not a quilter, but I do make doll clothes. I like fat quarters because of the specific dimension it is. That 18 x 22 will allow me to make trousers and dresses for a 24-28 in doll without doing weird piecing to make it look right.

[@SewYeah]

That's great! We know they are used a lot, but it's good to know that other things besides quilting makes FQ popular. The doll clothes is unique . Thanks for sharing!

[@candrasowder8236]

I worked at a quolt shop that started out not having FQs, but soon found out she was missing huge sales. It is the best sales tool most shops have for variety and convenience. If people buy them and you have uncharged for them, what's the problem?

[@SewYeah]

There is no problem. We only wanted to show the process Thanks for watching!