Purchasing fabric and navigating your way through the various cuts available can be confusing so we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions. We hope this information is of assistance to you.
Fabric Guide
The majority of our fabric is 100% cotton which is suitable for patchwork, dressmaking, bag making and small home furnishings such as cushion covers, lightweight curtains and accessories.
Fabric is usually supplied as a bolt, which is a cardboard centre around which the fabric is wrapped. The length of fabric is usually a minimum of 5 metres up to a maximum of approximately 14 metres.
We will always try to supply fabric orders in a continuous piece. If, however, our stock of a particular fabric is spread across two or more pieces, we will always contact the customer prior to shipping.
In addition to continuous lengths of fabric cut from the bolt we sell a variety of pre-cut fabric packs, namely fat quarters, strip rolls and colour collections in 5 inch and 10 inch squares. We also sell die cut shapes for patchwork or appliqué. Look out for the various shapes we offer on the pre-cuts and kits page.
What is a fat quarter?
It is a term used in Patchwork where a metre of fabric is cut in to four square shaped pieces. A fat quarter is much more versatile than a thin quarter metre of fabric and there are lots of patterns that are specifically designed with fat quarters in mind. Fat quarters are available as individual cuts or as bundles and they are a cost effective way of building a stash of fabric in particular colours or designs.
Occasionally, when the pattern of the fabric is across the bolt from selvage to selvage we will recommend a thin quarter cut so that you do not lose any of the detail. Where this applies, please look out for our notes. Despite this stipulation you are welcome to order a fat quarter if you wish by clicking on the drop down box and making your selection.
The diagram below shows how all the various cuts of fabric are measured.
A fat quarter is where half a metre is cut off the fabric bolt, then cut in half again parallel to the selvedge – finished size is approximately 20” x 22” (50cm x 55cm)
Strip rolls usually contain 40 fabrics measuring 2 ½ inches x the width of the bolt. They are often taken from one complete fabric collection or alternatively in co-ordinating colour ways.
Colour collections are a great way of buying an entire fabric collection or increasing your fabric stash in a particular colour way. In each colour collection you will find either 20 or 40 fabrics cut to either 10 inches square or 5 inches square.
Do you offer samples?
We do not offer samples at this time. We understand that ordering fabric online can be tricky and have taken great care to display our fabric in complete collections together with plains and tonals where available.
We make every effort to display and describe our products as accurately as possible. However, colours can appear differently dependent on individual screen settings.
We are happy to help with any queries or questions you may have. Please email us.
To prewash or not to prewash!
It is a commonly asked question in patchwork and quilting circles and it really comes down to personal preference.
If you are mixing fabric types in your quilt then you should definitely prewash as some fabrics may shrink more than others.
If you are making a quilt for a child that will require regular laundering, prewashing the fabric will confirm the colourfastness of all the fabrics you wish to use.
We would definitely suggest customers avoid washing pre-cuts such as strip rolls and colour collections etc., as these will fray and distort in the process.
Classes and Workshop Booking Terms and Conditions
All bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid disappointment please book early.
All participants must be 18 years or over, unless otherwise stated.
Classes are held at St. Andrews Church Centre (Rainbow Room), Beaulieu Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton SO45 4PT. There is a free car park at the rear of the St. Andrews Church Centre accessed via Oak Road. It is requested that you don’t park in the front car park which is used for drop-off’s etc., for the creche and other church events.
If within one week of the commencement of the class fewer than 3 students have booked then, at the discretion of the tutor the class may be cancelled. If the class is cancelled you will be notified immediately and a full refund will be given or an alternative date suggested.
Fees – Full payment of the class fee is required to secure your place. Payment should be made via the website to ensure your place.
Sewing Machines – It is strongly suggested that you use your own sewing machine if at all possible. Where you are attending a class over a number of weeks then sewing may be necessary between the classes and therefore that continuity is important to the finish of the project. If you wish to use one of our fully serviced workshop machines they are available at £5 additional fee per class. There are only 4 available therefore please ensure you request a sewing machine at the time of booking the class. They will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. If using your own machine it should be PAT tested. It is strongly suggested that you bring with you the manual for reference, all the required feet and have a new needle inserted. It will not be possible for the tutor to offer any guidance on tension or the facilties of your own machine during the class – the exception being the Know Your Sewing Machine workshop.
Cancellation – Workshop fees are only refundable if you can give at least 14 days’ notice. Cancellations which qualify for a refund will incur an administration fee of £8. We will allow one transfer request only.
Coronavirus – Please do not attend a class if you have any symptoms of Covid 19.