dumb question from a newbie

[claudiamac]

Hi All,
I am new to modern quilt methods-in the past my style was much closer to the Gee's Bend ladies-pieced together bits of castoff clothing to create something to keep my kids warm. I am exited and eager to get started with a gorgeous new pattern from Eleanor ( Day and Night)
but I have a general question. It's probably something that most quilters know but I cannot seem to find answer 2--anyways, whenever I see a pattern in a book or magazine, the yardages are listed, but not
the width of the fabrics. Is it a general rule of thumb that it is 45"
wide?
Thanks for your understanding,
Claudia

[knitnoid]

At one time you might have gotten 45" of usable fabric but today I wouldn't count on more that 42" and I've seen some fabrics where only 40" was usable. Current patterns take into consideration that the fabric is narrower (I suspect it's narrower because it's more tightly woven than it used to be, but that's only my opinion and I could be totally wrong).

If I'm designing my own pattern - either to use myself or to pass along to others, I tend to figure yardage based on 40". It means that I buy more fabric than I really need -- I might get an extra 2 1/2" square from each strip than I counted on -- but I'd rather have a bit more than not enough.

[purrfect-lady]

Claudia - welcome to the group! My answer would be the same as Knitnoid's, and I think she covered it very well. I just wanted to say welcome to the group!! Mary Z

[cindyg]

Ditto Knitnoid.

Welcome to this imformative and helpful site.

[claudiamac]

Wow! Thank you all so much for your very warm and informative welcome-Knitoid, I appreciate the educations so much-I never would have considered that 45" could be a bit short like that, and the pattern I have stresses that I need at my strips need to be minimum 43"-now I know to buy a bit extra, this will save me from the potential of a discouraging setback right at the start! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!

[TheKid]

Welcome to the group. No question is out of line. We all learn from each other and all are eager to help. We all can learn. Have fun, and always get answers from this link. Great people.

[lesew]

hi everyone i am new to quilting and live in gt britain just signed up and watch e.burns on rural tv have made 2 crib quilts on 3rd following book of "quick trip quilts" have yet to master machine quiting but enjoying very much.

[Geneva2]

In quilting, more is always better. You always need extra for those great scrap quilts.