How to Use Focal Fabric That You Don’t Want Anymore

Raise your hand if you have a big stash of focal fabric that you know you will never use. This video from Create with Claudia gives you 16 ideas for it.

Focal, or focus, fabric is that fabric you buy that often has a large and/or colorful pattern. It is the piece that quilters refer to when buying fabrics for a quilt. For example, if you have rainbow fabric as the focus, then the colors of the rest of the quilt would match the colors in the rainbows on the fabric.

I know that I used to buy loads of focal pieces. I always loved novelty prints. I’d buy a yard with grand intentions of designing a quilt around it. Unfortunately, it never happened.

From stuffed animals to donations, this list will help you clean out some of your unwanted fabric.

Click here to watch this video list: 16 Ways to Use Focal Fabric

[photo from Create with Claudia]

Check out this book, Scrap Fabric Quilting Book

Next Quilting Pattern:

Let’s be honest — quilting is a joy, but it can also be an investment. Fabric costs have crept up over the years, and many of us want to stretch our quilting budget as far as possible without compromising on quality or creativity. That’s why I love Fat Quarter Shop’s Precuts of the Week Monday sale. It’s smart shopping at its finest.

Each Monday, a single precut is offered at a special price. It might be a seasonal collection, a bestselling designer, or a new release you’ve been eyeing. Precuts are already efficient — coordinated, pre-cut, and ready to sew — and a discount on top of that makes them even more appealing.

If you’re looking for smart, budget-friendly quilt inspiration, these CraftGossip resources are must-reads:

What I appreciate most about precut deals is that they eliminate the overwhelm. Instead of comparing dozens of bundles, you get one curated offer to consider. It takes the hesitation out of buying and makes it easier to build your stash intentionally.

It’s also a fantastic way to shop ahead for holiday sewing, baby quilts, hostess gifts, and charity projects. Precuts lend themselves beautifully to fast, reliable patterns — especially strip quilts and charm square designs. If you need inspiration, this list is a great jumping-off point:

Beginner-friendly quilt ideas

If you enjoy stretching your quilting dollars while still working with high-quality fabrics, add the Monday Precut sale to your routine. It’s a little moment of joy and practicality rolled into one.

Shop smart this Monday

Next Quilting Pattern:

Have you read?