What does "fat quarter" mean?

[Writer78]

Quick and possibly dumb question - can someone tell me what the term "fat quarter" means?  I"ve seen it applied to fabrics on craftster, but I'm not sure what it means.

[LaughingLark]

Not a dumb question. My understanding, and I imagine a quilter will wander in here soon to confirm this, is that a fat quarter is a precut piece of fabric that is a bit more than 1/4 of a yard. They are a handy size for for patchwork, and a great way to buy a small amount of fabric without waiting in line at the cutting table. They are sold folded into small, neat squares, big enough that you can see the pattern of the fabric, but small enough that the fabric store can have a bunch of colors grouped together in a neat display.

[loves2experiment]

Hey Writer78!

A Fat Quarter is a piece of fabric that measure ~ 18 inches by 22 inches

[Writer78]

thanks, both of you fine ladies!

loves2 - missed ya, baby!  hope you're having fun crafting and swapping.

[loves2experiment]

Writer78, I missed your nagging smothering excellent organization skills too   That was one heck of a swap!  Hope you're well!

[kmsmaverick]

my mom said if you measure 1 yard of fabric, then fold it in half and half and cut; wahlah- four blocks, 17 or 18ish by 22ish. that's why some fabric stores won't cut single fats at the bolt counter.  especially if it's a print that won't sell again as an F.Q. it leaves them with a fat scrap (i just noticed that that looks funny fat scrap hee hee hee).

[mwoollard]

I have just been looking on ebay at fabrics and noticed the phrase "fat quarter" or "fq"

can someone explain what this is please 

[fabeins]

It's a pre-cut square of fabric used for quilting.

[bemaha]

1/4 yard of fabric. Quilters love these.

[paroper]

In surface area it is 1/4 yard but it is 1/2 yard long and cut to the center fold instead of being cut all the way across...hence, a fat quarter.