Quilters often wonder how many fat quarters they need to make a queen size quilt. The number of fat quarters needed depends on the quilt pattern and layout. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of fat quarters, provide standard queen size dimensions, and give estimates for how many fat quarters you’ll need for different quilt designs.
What is a Fat Quarter?
A fat quarter is a quarter yard of fabric that has been cut to be more square. While a regular quarter yard of fabric is 9″ x 44″, a fat quarter is 18″ x 22″. The “fat” comes from the extra width – it’s almost twice as wide as a regular quarter yard.
Fat quarters are popular with quilters because the 18″ width allows enough fabric to cut multiple pieces for blocks and patches. At the same time, the fat quarter is small enough that quilters can collect a variety of fabrics affordably. Fat quarters are often sold in pre-coordinated fabric collections so quilters can easily mix and match.
Standard Queen Size Bed Dimensions
To determine how much fabric you need for a queen size quilt, you first need to know the dimensions of a queen size mattress. Here are the standard sizes:
- Queen mattress width: 60 inches
- Queen mattress length: 80 inches
So a queen size mattress is 60″ x 80″. For the quilt, you’ll want to make it slightly larger than the mattress to allow drape over the sides.
A typical queen size quilt length is 90″ to 92″. The width is usually around 86″ to 88″. However, you may want to make your quilt larger or smaller depending on your personal preference.
Here are some common finished queen quilt sizes:
| Quilt Size | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Small Throw | 60″ | 80″ |
| Medium | 84″ | 90″ |
| Large | 104″ | 104″ |
How Many Fat Quarters for a Queen Size Quilt?
Now that we know standard queen quilt dimensions, let’s estimate how many fat quarters you’ll need for different quilt designs:
Pieced Quilt Top
For a pieced quilt top made up of different blocks and patches, you’ll need approximately 25-30 fat quarters. Some tips:
- Aim for 30 fat quarters if you want a very scrappy look with lots of fabric variety.
- You can get by with 25 fat quarters if you don’t mind repeating some fabrics.
- Stick with just 2-3 fabric collections or color schemes so the fabrics coordinate.
Medallion Style Quilt
A medallion style quilt has a central motif or panel with borders surrounding it. For this style, you’ll need:
- 1 fat quarter for the central block or appliqué piece.
- 1/2 yard cuts of border fabric, estimate 3/4 yards total.
- 18-22 fat quarters for the pieced background around the central motif.
Wholecloth or Embroidered Quilt
For a wholecloth quilt with no piecing or a heavily embroidered quilt, you’ll need:
- About 6 yards of fabric for a solid wholecloth quilt.
- 4-5 yards of fabric for an embroidered quilt.
Figuring 1/4 yard per fat quarter, you’d need 24 fat quarters to get 6 yards of fabric.
Tips for Fat Quarter Queen Quilts
Here are some tips to help you use fat quarters efficiently when making a queen size quilt:
Mix Prints and Solids
Combine printed fat quarters with solid color fat quarters to create different looks in your quilt blocks. Printed fabrics showcase the design while solids recede and let the prints pop.
Vary Scale
Fat quarters often come in coordinated fabric collections. Pull out a mix of large and small scale prints to add visual interest.
Focus on Key Fabrics
While you want some variety, choosing 6-8 key fat quarters to use throughout your quilt will help tie it together. You can supplement with other fat quarters.
Add Borders
Borders are a great way to increase the finished size of your quilt. 1/2 yard cuts of border fabrics frame the pieced top.
Conclusion
So how many fat quarters do you need for a queen size quilt? On average, you’ll want around 25-30 fat quarters for a pieced quilt top around 84-90 inches. This gives you enough fabric variety to create an interesting quilt design. Supplement your fat quarters with some 1/2 yard cuts of fabric for borders to complete your queen size quilt. Have fun selecting your bundle of fat quarters and piecing together your one-of-a-kind quilt!