How to calculate Fabric

[Althea-in-FL]

Hello everyone,
I just joined today and have a question that I hope someone might be able to help me with.

I made a 12 1/2 unfinished block (Drunkards Path) and liked it so well that I would like to make a Full/Queen size quilt with it.

Now my question/problem is this: I know how much material I need for the one block, but how do I multiply this to buy enough fabric for the whole quilt? I know this can be done, but I am at a loss as to how to actually calculate it.

Has anyone does this? Taken one block that they really liked and calculated it to make the correct size quilt they want?

All help would be greatly appreciated.

PS - I am using the Eleanor Burns "Egg Money Quilts" book that show how to make the ONE block (Drunkards Path), but she doesn't list how to make this into a queen size quilt.

Thank you - Althea

[Kittyquilt9292]

Welcome to the Forum, Althea. You'll have bunches of fun here. Be sure to read through all the categories of posts and you'll see everything that we do together, sew, laugh, cry, support, remember, look ahead, do swaps, sew alongs and sew-ins on weekends. Be sure to join in everything you can and post things about yourself as you go along.

To your question: I looked in my Egg Money Quilts book and cannot find the Drunkard's Path block. Which one are you referring to? You might take a look in the BOS's and Swaps section, there are some members doing an Egg Money Quilt, block by block. You may find the block you're referring to there. If not, I'm sure someone will be on here to answer your question.

My best guess: multiply the requirements for each fabric by 12. but don't take my word, I'm not real experienced in doing these things. Check back this evening when the gals get home from work and you'll see some responses, I'm sure.

HUGS and welcome again, carol/kittyquilt

[Althea-in-FL]

The Drunkards Path is called "Old Maids ??" in the Egg Money Quilt book. I can't remember if it's Old Maids path, but it starts with Old Maid something.

Thanks for the reply, suggestion and welcome.

Hugs to you, Althea

[Itchn2Bstitchn]

Althea -

Welcome to the forum!

Try this....

http://search.quiltshops.com/calculator ... ulator.htm

Hope it helps. I haven't used it yet.

Jan

[Tulpje]

*smile*

Welcome Althea. I hope you will have loads of FUN here.

I am not good at this but....If you know the fabric requirements for one block, and know how many blocks you need, then multiply fabric of one block by the number of blocks.

I am not making any sense am I? Oh well, lol I had to take a stab at it. There are very experienced quilters on here that I'm sure will be willing to give you a better answer.

Take care, cause I care.

***Tulpje*** (Susanna(

[mic-pa]

Hi, I do not know how to calcualte how much fabric you need. But!!! most queen size quilts use about nine yds of fabric. So if it is a two color quilt I would buy 4 yds of one and 5 yds of another because one of the colors will be used for border and binding. When I first started quilting I always got to the end of my quilt and never had enough for binding. So I do figure on that part in the beginning. Good Luck. Marge

[Althea-in-FL]

Thanks Itchn2Bstitchn (Jan) for the fabric calculator link. I tried it and it gave me what I needed. Only problem is, is that I had already bought 6 yards of the 1 fabric; calculator said that I only needed 2 1/2 yards...soooo, guess I'll be making lots of quilts with all my left over fabric. LOL (Can't really say that this is a problem can I) LOL.

Thanks again Jan.

Althea

[Itchn2Bstitchn]

Althea -

You could always use that extra for backing! lol

Jan

[Quilter7]

This is one way to compute the yardage needed. I will assume that you will be making 35 blocks or 5 blocks by 7 blocks. I have read this method and it does seem to work. I always add some (1/2 yard) in case I mis-cut. (Use 40 inches for a 44" wide bolt of cloth.
Old Maid's Puzzle (Page 74-81)
Background requires 2 5-1/2" squares for each block x 35 blocks = 70 squares. 40" fabric divided by 5-1/2" = 7 squares/strip cut.
70 squares needed divided by 7 squares per strip = 10 strips.
10 x 5-1/2" = 55 inches or 1.53 yards.

Background fabric also requires 2 7-1/4" squares so you would do the same thing. 40" divided by 7.25 = 5 squares/strip.
70 divided by 5 = 14 strips
14 strips x 7.25 = 101.5 inches or 2.82
So for the background you need 1.53 + 2.82 = 4.349 round up
to 4-1/2 yards. As I said I would add 1/2 yard and purchase 5 yards.

It may seem complicated, but it should work. Hope this helps.

[AZQuilter]

I agree with using the remainder on the back. I do that all the time. Piece whatever is left and then add neutral fabrics to finish off the size. Sounds like you will have a good start on the backing.