Patterns, patchworks and projects
As promised in this post, I’m giving away a copy of Quilting Makes the Quilt book. Though published back in the 90’s, it’s still worthy of a place in your craft library. Why else would it still be listed on Amazon’s Best Seller list?
To get a chance to win, leave a comment on this post and tell me something about yourself and your creative life. Contest ends August 14, 2015, 11:59 PM, CST. Only contiguous U.S. and Canada entrants allowed.
Good luck!
If you’ve ever stood at the fabric counter doing mental maths while trying not to look confused, you are definitely not alone. Fabric yardage conversions sound simple until you’re halfway through a project, your pattern says you need 5/8 yard, and your brain suddenly forgets how many inches are in anything.
It happens to the best of us.
A good fabric yardage conversion chart is one of those sewing room basics that saves time, reduces mistakes, and makes fabric shopping feel a whole lot less chaotic. Whether you are quilting, sewing from scratch, or trying to work out if that leftover cut is enough for binding, backing, or blocks, having the most common yardage measurements at a glance is incredibly helpful. Quick yardage-reference charts are popular because they solve exactly that problem for sewists and quilters.
Patterns often list fabric in fractions of a yard, but many of us think more easily in inches once we start cutting. That little gap between “what the pattern says” and “what I actually need to cut” is where mistakes creep in.
A yardage conversion chart helps you quickly convert common cuts of fabric into inches, so you can:
And let’s be honest, most of us already have enough mystery fabric in the stash without accidentally adding “bought too much because fractions are rude.”
Here are the most common fabric yardage conversions every quilter and sewer should know:
These are based on the standard fact that 1 yard equals 36 inches, which is the basis for quilting yardage calculators and printable converter charts.
Here’s the quick-reference version you can include directly in the article:
| Yardage | Inches |
| 1/8 yard | 4.5 inches |
| 1/4 yard | 9 inches |
| 1/3 yard | 12 inches |
| 3/8 yard | 13.5 inches |
| 1/2 yard | 18 inches |
| 5/8 yard | 22.5 inches |
| 2/3 yard | 24 inches |
| 3/4 yard | 27 inches |
| 7/8 yard | 31.5 inches |
| 1 yard | 36 inches |
That’s the sort of chart worth printing and taping near the cutting mat. Right beside the rotary cutter you can never find when you just had it in your hand two seconds ago.
For quilters, this kind of chart is especially handy because so many projects are built from repeated cuts.
You might need:
Having a chart nearby means you can quickly convert those amounts into inches if you’re cutting from folded fabric or checking leftover pieces.
It is also helpful when combining stash fabrics. You might think you only have “a small leftover,” but once you measure it and realise it is actually 18 inches, that half yard suddenly looks a lot more useful.
This is the part that catches a lot of beginners out.
When we talk about yardage, we are talking about the length of fabric you buy. The width of the fabric is separate and depends on the type of fabric.
Most quilting cotton is usually sold in widths around 42 to 44 inches, while other fabrics may be wider or narrower. That means if you buy 1/2 yard of quilting cotton, you are usually getting a piece that measures about 18 inches long by 42–44 inches wide. Fabric calculators and quilt references often assume standard quilting cotton widths when discussing cutting and planning.
That’s why yardage charts are useful, but they are only part of the story. You still need to know the fabric width if you are calculating how many strips, squares, or blocks you can cut.
Sometimes the easiest way to understand yardage is to picture actual cuts.
A quarter yard is 9 inches long. If it is quilting cotton, it will usually be about 9 x 44 inches.
That can be enough for small patchwork pieces, applique, linings, or accent fabrics.
A half yard is 18 inches long. In quilting cotton, that is usually around 18 x 44 inches.
This is a very common amount for small projects, bag linings, binding, and feature fabrics.
This one trips people up because it is less common in everyday life but very common in sewing patterns.
5/8 yard = 22 1/2 inches.
That extra bit beyond a half yard is often included because it gives enough room for slightly larger pieces or for layouts that need a little cutting wiggle room.
Three-quarters of a yard is 27 inches.
This is a useful cut for borders, simple bag pieces, garment sections, and medium-sized sewing projects.
If you ever forget a conversion and do not have your chart nearby, here’s the easy rule:
Multiply the yard amount by 36
For example:
It is simple maths, but not always the kind of maths your brain wants to do when you are knee-deep in fabric choices and already trying to remember whether you needed background fabric, border fabric, or both.
A conversion chart is not just handy for cutting. It can also save money.
When you understand yardage properly, you are less likely to:
It also makes it much easier to substitute fabrics from your stash instead of buying new cuts every time. And that is always satisfying, especially when the stash starts acting like a second craft room.
The handiest place for a fabric yardage conversion chart is near your cutting table or pinned to your sewing room wall. Many sewists also save these charts to their phone for fabric shopping trips, which is exactly how printable quilting charts are often used.
You could also:
Because yes, fabric shopping absolutely counts as preparation.
A yardage conversion chart tells you how many inches are in a cut of yardage.
A fat quarter chart is different. A fat quarter is usually cut as approximately 18 x 22 inches, rather than a long narrow quarter yard. That difference matters when planning quilt blocks and strip cuts. BeccaBug also separates these into different printable charts, which shows they serve different uses.
So if you are quilting, it helps to keep both charts handy:
There are some tools in a sewing room that feel optional until the day you really need them. A fabric yardage conversion chart is one of those.
It is simple, practical, and genuinely useful whether you are a beginner learning the basics or a more experienced quilter who just wants to stop second-guessing fractions at the fabric shop.
And honestly, anything that helps us buy fabric with more confidence deserves a permanent place in the craft room.
I would love to learn more about quilting from the “Quilting Makes the Quilt” book and appreciate a chance to win a copy. I am a fabricalcoholic and have been sewing since age 6. The most fun I had quilting was piecing a watercolor quilt. Still need to quilt it though.
I have just finished my first quilt, and I and I cannot wait to make another!! I’ve been reading up online to learn what I can. There’s a lot to learn, and I’m enjoying every minute of it!
I love to quilt it takes my mind off of the everyday stuff and puts me at peace with life
!I quilt, garment sew, craft, rock hound, prospector in his spare time !LOL, gardener.
I want to learn how to make a quilted art piece yet, I think this book would help me to improve my skills as a quilter. Thank you for the chance to win this book
I have made a few quilts but would love to learn more about how to quilt them together! Other than sewing, I love my 3 Poodles and gardening. It would be great to win this book!
I have only quilted wall hangings & table runners and that was just basic quilting. Would love to win a copy and become more knowledgeable and adventurous! I have been sewing for over 50 years, but not quilting that whole time. Got bit by the quilting bug from my Mom who sadly has passed away. I keep doing it mostly to feel closer to her. Thanks for the opportunity.
book looks interesting, very colorful.
I’m just getting started with quilting.I finished what I call a “hankypanky” quilt which, after collecting 125 hankies, was hand quilted. Still need to finish completely with suggestions from my sister who is an avid quilter with some of the most beautiful quilts ever!
I’m not a big quilter, but have been trying to complete some quilt blocks that my mother started before she passed away.
Some blocks are just a couple years old, some are 10 – 15 years old. Then my sister-in-law machine quilts them. Some are saved for the next generation of kids or given away to the veteran s hospital or nursing home and used as lap quilts.
Thanks
Greetings from Montana! Love the inspiration of the surrounding Rocky Mts. for design, for color changes and fresh sweet air to breathe while designing! Thank You!
I enjoy piecing a quilt but not quilting it so much.
love doing all kinds of crafts including quilting always looking for new ideas
I too would love to win this quilt!! Whenever I am finished making a quilt top I am always stumped as to how to quilt it! This book sounds like it would help! Thanks for the chance!
Paulette
I love quilting, although I’m relatively new to it…..I’m still at the stage where I welcome any and all tips/techniques from more experienced quilters, so I would be very appreciative of this book, if I were lucky enough to win a copy 🙂
I became a self taught quilter a couple of years ago after buying a new Baby Lock. I use books and online resources for ideas and to learn techniques. So far I have made five quilts–one for myself and four for my grand-kids.
I’m making a quilt for myself. It is all purple prints. I’ve cut a gazillion five inch squares and now am ready to sew it together. Next thing is to figure out how to quilt it. That’s why I would like this book.
I’m currently a Country Girl who currently knits and crochets, and volunteers to teach a knitting and crochet class once a week. I’ve always wanted to quilt, and have dabbled in it, but really want to get my feet wet!! Even though this book is a few years old, those are the books to be cherished!! Most of the times, the older directions turn out to be the best, as well as sometimes the most detailed. Thank you for the great giveaway!!
I started quilting 2 years ago and am loving every moment of. I’m still learning and improving everyday.
I’m an eco quilter- I’m an avid quilter but I only use recycled and reclaimed fabrics, to add an extra challenge to my creative process! I could really learn from what this book has to offer!
I do just about every craft type out there, but sewing, especially quilts, is my favorite. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book!
I love to do just about every kind of craft, I own an etsy shop! and I love quilting and embroidery the most!
Hmmm..I have been sewing since I was 10 when my father gave my 2 brothers mini-bikes and I got a sewing machine. Boy, was I mad!!! It turned out to be the best present ever because I taught myself how to sew and even made my first pair of jeans and that machine lasted years longer than the mini-bikes! I have always been creative and love to dabble in all sorts of art forms.
Looking for new patterns. This would be great for my library.
I love to quilt but I also love birds, lots of birds. I live in NC so I am limited to just Ruby Throated Humming Birds but yesterday I had 50 on my front porch. Such a treat for me. The back yard is full of finches, cardinals, woodpeckers, bluebirds, you name it. I am a bird addict.
I would love to expand my quilting skills and i am sure this book would help. When not quilting, i can be found tatting or knitting or any variety of needlework. That is, when i am not spending time with my green winged macaw, named Murphy.
I am slightly above Beginner as far as quilting…tried a few small FMQ things with my reg. machine. would Love to learn more tho..& feel braver to quilt a big quilt! Thanks for chance to win this book! 🙂
I make a lot of quilts, and I do my own quilting. However, I need a lot more practice and ideas. I am always looking for tips and ideas. dahlgren0609 at gmail dot com
I really enjoy quilting or rather making the quilt top now when it comes to the quilting I am really intimidated one could say. I have quilted a couple of quilts and was not real happy with the outcome. I know that we are our own worst enemy when it comes to being critical. So I am happy to get knowledge everywhere and anywhere.
I tend to stop after I’ve created the top. I guess I don’t know what to do next. This book could help! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I have been sewing since I made my first apron in 4-H, when I was eight years old. I love crafting, quilting, sewing, painting, beading, anything creative. I love to be inspired, and look for ideas everywhere.
I enjoy all different types of craft work. As far as quilting goes, I especially enjoy piecing the quilt top. But when it comes to binding and quilting, I am very intimidated by it all. I would love to win this book to not only add it to my library but to also expand my knowledge and skill base. Thanks so much for this opportunity.
My creative life started at the age of about 5, I would set on my Grandma’s lap at the treadle machine and sew, I progressed through 4-H, Home Ec., Prom Dresses, Baby Clothes and now I am a beginning Quilter! I love the creativity of quilting and learn something new with every project!
I knit, learning crochet, do some quilts, cross stitch, paint, craft etc. I like to say I’m a Jill of all crafts and Mistress of none!
This is The Book that got me into quilting. Can’t say enough good things about it ? If I win the giveaway,I’ll give it to my newbie quilting friend.
There aren’t many crafts I haven’t tried … or want to try. Thanks for the chance to win this great book
I love to make things. It makes my heart smile. I love fabric, but like working with other things too. I have been doing a lot of changes to our home by redoing furniture, lamps, new wall art, etc. But I also love to paint, sew, quilt, really just make anything.
New to quilting and would love to win the book. Used to sew but had medical problems and quit. Kept the medical problems but decided I would like to try quilting.
[email protected]
I always wanted to learn to quilt but I thought it would be to expensive. So when I turned 50 I decided it was time. And started out using other people’s scraps or thrifted material. My first quilt was totally thrifted material and it turned out beautiful. Very scrappy but beautiful .
I’m not a big quilter….yet! I’d like to make sure each of our kids get a quilt and then start working on making for grand babies to come!
I have been quilting off and on for about 7 yrs….I love the whole procedure from cutting to finished produce. I love to learn new things.
I love to sew and are new to quilting, would love to learn more!
Looks like a fine quilt book even though published a while back.
Deb. Agree it’s an oldie but goodie. The most valuable aspect of the book was being able to see 5 tops quilted differently. –Scarlett
I agree so much with the title of this book! I have been a quilter for 30 years and my skills in this area as well as imagination are sorely lacking! Now that I am retired I have time to work on improvement!