January 05, 2010
I am going to buy batik fabric for a Queen size Bargello Quilt. I do not have a pattern as of yet but would like to collect pieces of fabric as I come upon them. How much fabric would I need for say a quilt with 12 colors?
January 5th, 2010 at 7:47 am
All sewing involves simple math. First, get the measurements for a queen-size quilt. That’s where you need to start. Measure one you have, measure on your bed where you would like the quilt to sit (drop, etc) or look up the measurements in a catalog that sells queen-size quilts.
Once you have that, figure out how many pieces across your quilt will be. You need to add seam allowance for each piece. The seam allowance total for a quilt that’s 5 pieces across is quite different from one that is 12 pieces across. Are you experienced enough to work with 1/4″ seam allowance? If so, add 1/2″ for each piece. If you’re more comfortable with 1/2″ seam allowance, add 1″ for each piece.
Use a calculator if needs be, and figure out how much fabric you need for the width. Then, do the same for the length. It’s not hard. In fact, it takes more time to describe the process than it would to actually do it. Work in inches and convert later.
Once you have the figure for the amount of fabric you need, divide it by 36 to get the number of yards you will need. If you are buying fat quarters of some sort, remember it takes four of them to make a yard. That’s why they’re called fat quarters. Each is 1/4yd.
January 5th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Bargello strips are usually cut 3.5″ and cotton fabric is usually 44″ wide (less selvage) – allow 42″ for the width.
Never use the selvage as it will pucker.
1 yd will provide 10, 3.5″ strips x 12 colors = 120 strips @ 3.5″ x 42″.
Sewn: 3″ x 10 x 12 = 160″/2 for length = 80″ x 80″ finished.
January 5th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Find a few Bargello quilt patterns and see what they require. I would get the MOST that is required by any pattern. That way you’re sure to have enough.
Here’s just a few.