The 3 yard rule

I think this time we're just going to get right down to it.  The tip this week is about the 3 yard rule.  Obviously it pertains to fabric.  This is a very simple rule.  If you see a fabric that you really like buy 3 yards, even if you don't have a project in mind for it.  Why?  Well, 3 yards will border out a queen sized quilt.  3 yards at 36" = 108" length.  Perfect for not having to piece your border.  You can even get a nice 8" border and perhaps a 10" border providing the selvages aren't taking up too much space.  If you go with a smaller border such as 6" you should have enough for binding.  You may want to do the math yourself to make sure and if you have doubt an extra yard certainly won't hurt.

A side note here, typically a queen sized quilt is around 90x108, or at least that is how the prepackaged batting is sized.  I realize that at 3 yards we are getting exactly 108", so you would want to put your two long sized borders on first so that you don't use up all 108" or close to the 108".  Hopefully I've worded that in a way that makes sense.  If not, leave us a comment and we'll try to make it a little clearer.

I know 3 yards can seem like a bit of a commitment when you may be used to only purchasing fat quarters or half yards or maybe a full yard if you really like it, but those fat quarter quilts and scrappy sensations will need a nice border to tie them all in together.  Or, perhaps you will find some inspiration in those border prints as you look for your next project.  You can use that border fabric to shop your stash and build a quilt around the colors in the border.

At least that is one way to think about it.  I didn't always adhere to the 3 yard rule.  Instead, I was one who purchased a yard here and a yard there of those fabrics that I really liked.  Now I have some nice big chunks of fabric that I can use for borders.

Oh, and if you are somewhere that is having a great sale on fabric and you want to stock up on backing fabrics - you would want to get 7-8 yards.  Just in case you were wondering. 

At the shop this week we are playing catch up on getting some customer quilts finished.  Our waiting list is starting to grow a bit, but we should have things cleared out soon.  Stop in and see us!

Happy Quilting!