How much do I need?

[Jessica Juracich]

I recently started English Paper Piecing and I love it! I think I'm now ready for my first big project: a quilt for my daughter when we move her from a toddler bed to a twin around Christmas. I want to do it in either 1/2" or 1" hexies, but haven't decided on that yet (I'll probably end up with 1" since I already have several templates cut already).

I have 2 questions:
1) how much fabric will I need for the quilt top?
2) How many hexies will it be (approx)?

Thanks!

[Bubby]

Jessica...You will have to do the math....but I use a 2 1/2 square of fabric for each 1" hexagon. The completed "block" takes 7 hexies, one for the center and six for the circle around the center. The total measurement of each block is 5 1/4". So, measure the bed and add the overhang you want all around and divide each measurement by 5.25. That will give you the approximate number of blocks you will need for the width and length. Then multiply these two numbers together and you will get the total number of hexie blocks you will need to make.

From one yard of fabric you should be able to make 37 hexies (not including the center which is usually a contrasting fabric). I figured it this way: Divide 36 inches (1 yd of fabric) by 2 1/2" (strips) = 14 strips. Then, 14 strips X 40" width in each strip = 560inches. Divide 560 by 2.5 (the amount needed for each block minus the center) = 224. Then divide 224 by 6 = 37.

I think you can take it from here.....Barb

[REH]

I just got a great book to save on the math--it is the revised Patchwork Minus Mathwork, A Quilters Guide to Planning and buying fabric without a degree in mathematics from House of White Birches It now has charts for precut fabrics as well as yardage.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I just got a great book to save on the math--it is the revised Patchwork Minus Mathwork, A Quilters Guide to Planning and buying fabric without a degree in mathematics from House of White Birches It now has charts for precut fabrics as well as yardage.

That sounds like a dream come true for most of us--I'm math challenged, but can usually figure stuff out, but a book with it already figured sounds great! Thanks for sharing the title!