The Penny QAL - How Much Fabric Do I Need?

Thank you for joining in with the Penny Quiltalong! Today I will be discussing fabrics - specifically how many different fabrics you need.


The Penny Quilt Pattern - Kitchen Table Quilting


In the pattern, you have four different types of fabrics: A, B, C, and D. Fabric A will be the smaller squares, Fabric B will be in the middle, and Fabric C will be on the outer edge. Fabric D is the slim sashing fabric. 

The Penny Quilt Pattern Fabric Guide - Kitchen Table Quilting


How much do I need of each fabric?


The Penny Quilt Pattern Fabric Requirements

Since most of us are going to making the lap size version of the quilt, I will discuss that in particular. For the lap size, you will need 7 DIFFERENT fabrics for Fabric A, 7 DIFFERENT fabrics for Fabric B, and 7 DIFFERENT fabrics for Fabric C. 

Ok, well you could technically use one fabric for each A, B, and C but you will need more than is listed in the table and your quilt would end up looking something like this.

The Penny Quilt All One Color Mockup - Kitchen Table Quilting

You might be feeling like that seems like a lot of fabrics - 21 different ones for the lap size plus the sashing fabric. But notice that there is not a ton of Fabric D required for the pattern - this pattern focuses more on the prints/colors of your featured fabric and less on background/sashing fabric.

As it is written, you will end up with a nice amount of fabric variety to give your quilt lots of movement and wow your friends and family (that's why we're doing this, right? - I kid!). 

The Penny Quilt Pattern Block Guide - Kitchen Table Quilting

Can I make the quilt scrappy? 

If you have larger scraps, you could probably make this scrappy but your scraps are going to have to be pretty substantial. I would recommend using a single fabric for Fabric D and not making that scrappy. What you could do is pull a "scrappy" collection of fabrics from your stash and go for a hodgepodge look instead of a more curated color scheme.

Can I use fat quarters for the twin size?

Yes, but you will need 12 of each for Fabric A, B, and C instead of just 6.

Where are the instructions for using fat quarters for Fabric C? 

I will be sharing those in the email next week. It will require us to construct the blocks differently. I much prefer making the quilt the way the pattern is written so I don't necessarily recommend going the fat quarter route, but I wanted to provide those instructions in case you need them. They will be included as a PDF download for subscribers of the email list. 

Tomorrow I will have a list of shops that are carrying quilt kits for the pattern - I wanted to share this info early enough in the QAL that you still have time to order! 

8 comments

  1. I've picked out fabrics, but would like some input on them. Do you have a Facebook page or do I post them here? Jdahlgr at yahoo dot com

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    1. Do you have an Instagram account? I am hoping that we can get people to give feedback to each other. If you post it and include the hashtag #pennyqal, I am hoping we can help each other. You can also email me if you aren't able to post on Instagram.

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  2. If we are going to use fat quarters for Fabric C, do we need 7 of them for the lap size? I want to use Stay Gold like your gorgeous sample, but it's not available in yardage yet.

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    1. Yes, that is correct! I am working on getting the fat quarter instructions ready to send out in the email on Friday (hopefully!).

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  3. I have peaked at cutting instructions I am a little confused as to how to cut the large square and the other pieces out of fabric A. Knowing you will be all over this and I just need to be patient.

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    Replies
    1. I have a video coming in the email tomorrow - it will show me cutting all of the shapes so hopefully it answers your questions. If not, let me know!

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  4. For Fabric C I was thinking you could cut a fat quarter lengthwise into five strips at the required width. Two of those are long enough as they are, and the other three could be pieced together into a single long strip, then subcut for the two longer pieces required. Or am I totally out to lunch here?

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    Replies
    1. You could do it that way, but I am sending out instructions for tomorrow using fat quarters that won't require any extra seams.

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