Do you have a pretty new bundle of fat quarters that you are dying to use? I have that problem all the time! Lucky for all the FQ loving quilters around, I spend a lot of time dreaming up sewing projects that will make the most of a fat quarter. These aren’t projects that use just a 10” square of fabric (although those are fun too!), but sewing projects that use up most of 1 or more fat quarters.

Here is a list of my fat quarter projects that use up most of (up to a whole bundle) fat quarters. If you have more than just a fat quarter, check out 50 Free Sewing Patterns for a Yard of Fabric.

What is a fat quarter?

I’m glad you asked! Imagine taking a yard of fabric and cutting it in half widthwise and then lengthwise to make 4 pieces of fabric (kind of like how you would cut a pizza in fourths). That’s a fat quarter. A fat quarter of fabric is a piece that is 18” tall by 20-22” wide.

In contrast, a quarter yard of fabric cut the traditional way from the bolt is 9” x 42”, or more depending on the width of fabric.

Fat quarter bundles are quilt fabric stacks that contain lots of different fabrics, usually from the same collection. When you purchase a fat quarter bundle from a quilt shop, you may be getting enough fabric for your next quilt.

Now on with the list… If you are looking for a fat quarter friendly quilt for your next quilting project, I will start with the quilts!

Fat Quarter Friendly Free Quilt Patterns

My newest fat quarter friendly quilt pattern is the Fat Quarter Whirlwind Quilt. It’s so much fun and fast to sew.

Sew a Bow Tie Baby Quilt. Are you a quilter? This adorable fat quarter friendly quilt uses 4 fat quarters and some backing fabric. Sweet!

I know you have been searching for a fast and fun quilt pattern to use up your fat quarter stash… here it is! Sew up this beautiful throw quilt using 9 fat quarters plus a little more than a yard of background fabric. The patchwork segments can be arranged in so many different ways. Get the free Fat Quarter Fancy quilt pattern here.

My first Fat Quarter Fancy quilt pattern (above) is one of my most popular free quilt patterns… and now you get a sequel! Fat Quarter Fancy II, a Free new Fat Quarter Bundle Quilt Pattern.

Sew my beautiful Moroccan inspired quilt, Enchanted, using your favorite fat quarter bundle!

The Fat Quarter Fizz quilt pattern lets you play with light and dark values while using easy fat quarters!

Fat Quarter Sewing Projects to Beautify Your Home

This Pocket Pod Basket Pattern will help you organize things in every room in the house! I love these storage pods in my sewing room for notions and tools. They make great craft containers and look adorable on a peg board, in the living room, and on a bedroom nightstand. I think I’ll make another one to use in my car.

I know you’re going to love sewing my free Mug Caddy Pattern – it’s the perfect gift to give yourself or your best friend! I used just 2 fat quartersfor each mug caddy.

These Fat Quarter Sized Fold Up Baskets are made from 1 fat quarter for the exterior and 1 fat quarter for the interior, with a layer of interfacing in between. Hardly any waste!

Everyone who visits the bathroom next to my sewing room loves my Patchwork Shower Curtain using fat quarters. This adorable shower curtain uses 20-25 fat quarters – so grab that bundle of fat quarter fabric and get started!

Did you also know you can make your own kitchen towels from your fabric stash? Use my free pattern for sewing a Tea Towel from 2 Fat Quarters. So pretty!

You can also make DIY cloth napkins from fat quarters. This tutorial shows you two different methods: a regular method and a speed sewing method.

Pouches and Bags to Sew With Fat Quarters

This Boxy Zipper Pouch Pattern is easy enough for beginners and just right for organizing supplies, cosmetics, or small things when you travel. Thrill any of your friends with this beautiful gift. It utilizes foam stabilizer to make it sturdy and has two small exterior pockets. The finished size is approximately 6’’ wide, 4 1/2’’ tall, and 3” deep.

I recently discovered that this pattern is perfect for using up a fat quarter. You can make 2 cute dumpling shaped pouches with 2 coordinating FQ’s!

Everybody loves sewing, gifting, and using my Tiny Bag! But did you know that the pattern is totally fat quarter friendly?

This fat quarter friendly pattern takes one fat quarter for the exterior, one for the interior, and some scraps for the handles – get to work sewing my Chubby Lunch Tote pattern!

Speaking of bags, let Jennifer Heynen show you how to make some Quick gift bags from a fat quarter – this one is genius for the holidays!

The Peek a Boo Pouch is an adorable organizing pouch can be sewn entirely from 1 fat quarter  – but I think it’s more fun to switch up the fabrics and make 2 at a time with coordinating prints.

Or sew yourself a beautiful Travel Jewelry Case with 3 coordinating fat quarters! That pattern is free too, just like all the rest.

Need a cute bag for lingerie, shoes, make-up, scraps, buttons, or a little bag for any other reason? Sew up my delightful Drawstring Ditty Bag!

Sew up my fast and easy Snappy Tote Bag with some cute fat quarters. It snaps shut and is perfect for holding just a few essentials to grab & go!

Grab your favorite fat quarters and sew this awesome cross body bag with 2 main pockets, a slim third pocket, plus a zipper pocket on the back!

Make your own cute DIY Long Zipper Pouch that is long enough to hold pencils, markers, sunglasses, cosmetics, ‘girl supplies’, and more!

Last of all, you can also make your very own face masks that have adjustable ear loops!

Have you read all the way to the bottom to hear my secret??? Well I’m very excited to share that my newest book just came out – Crafty Little Things to Sew!

It has a ton of projects you can make with fat quarters, so I’m sure you’re going to love it.

xoxo,

P.P.S. If you liked this post, I think you’ll like my 14 Tote Bags You Can Sew in an Afternoon. 🙂