You probably have a stash of fabrics lying around, maybe a few fat quarter bundles too. But what exactly you can do with these colourful little squares without feeling overwhelmed?

Fat quarter bundles are a brilliant way to start sewing, especially if you’re just starting out with crafts or want some quick-win projects that don’t require hours of commitment. I’ve put together my favourite 10 easy projects you can play with fat quarter bundles and perfect for beginners or anyone looking for something fun this summers.

Why Fat Quarter Bundles Are a Great Starting Point

First of all, if you’re new to sewing, you might wonder what actually is a fat quarter bundle? Basically, a fat quarter is a piece of fabric cut roughly 18 x 22 inches—big enough for small projects but not so large it feels intimidating. A fat quarter bundle is a set of usually coordinated fabrics that match or complement each other. This saves you hours hunting for matching prints or colours.

Fat quarter bundles are like little treasure boxes for crafters. They’re pre-cut fabric packs that take all the guesswork out of fabric shopping. Each fat quarter measures roughly 18x 22 (or about 45cm x 55cm) which is perfect for loads of small projects. What I love the most is someone else has already done the hard work of coordinating colours and patterns – no more standing in the fabric shop for hours trying to work out what goes with what and blah blah!

I remember starting with a few fat quarter bundles and quickly realising how versatile they are. From tote bags to simple napkins, there’s loads you can create without feeling like you need pro skills or fancy machines.

10 Easy Projects to Try with Fat Quarter Bundles

Let’s jump into the projects! I picked these because they’re beginner-friendly, quick, and useful — and you’ll likely already have everything you need to get started.

1. Simple Tote Bags

Tote bags were my gateway drug into sewing, if I’m being completely honest. They’re practical, relatively forgiving, and you can actually use them – which isn’t always the case with early sewing projects! A basic tote bag uses just one fat quarter, though I often use two for extra strength or to create a contrasting lining. The beauty of fat quarters for tote bags is the size – you get a lovely, useable bag without it being enormous. Perfect for popping to the shops or carrying your knitting. Here’s my simple approach: cut your fat quarter into two rectangles (about 15 x 12 each), sew up the sides and bottom, add and you’re done. Takes about an hour once you get the hang of it.

2. Cloth Napkins

One fat quarter easily makes four generous napkins, or six smaller ones if you prefer. I usually go for the larger size because they’re actually more practical. The brilliant thing about napkins is that they’re very forgiving – if your stitching isn’t perfectly straight, nobody will notice once they’re on the table.

My method is simple: cut your squares, then hem all around with a narrow double hem. I use a zigzag stitch because it prevents fraying and looks quite professional. The key is taking your time with the corners – they can get a bit bulky if you’re not careful.

3. Headbands and Hair Accessories

Fat quarters shine here because they offer loads of colour options. I once made a set of hairbands for a friend’s birthday and they were a hit! You just need a bit of elastic and a simple sewing pattern. And if you’re curious about the little extras like what kind of thread to use, embroidery thread works wonders for the finishing touches.

Hair accessories are perfect beginner sewing projects fat quarters because they use small amounts of fabric and come together quickly. My teenage daughter thinks I’m quite clever when I whip up a headband that matches her outfit!

For a basic fabric headband, you need just a strip of fabric (about 20″ x 4″) and some elastic. The fat quarter gives you plenty of fabric to experiment with different widths and styles. I often make several at once in coordinating patterns.

4. Fabric Coasters

One fat quarter makes loads of coasters – probably more than you’ll ever need, which means they’re great for gifts. I usually make sets of four or six in coordinating patterns from the same bundle.

My go-to method is quite simple: cut two squares per coaster (about 4.5″ each), place them right sides together, sew around three and a half sides, turn right side out, and topstitch around the edge. The key is leaving a gap for turning – I learned this the hard way on my first attempt!

For extra absorbency, I sometimes add a layer of batting in the middle. It makes them slightly thicker but much more practical for hot mugs. Just cut your batting slightly smaller than your fabric squares so it doesn’t get caught in the seams.

5. Patchwork Pillows

Patchwork pillows are where fat quarter bundles really shine. You can create gorgeous, coordinated pillows that look like you spent ages planning the colour scheme, when really the bundle did all the work for you!

My favourite approach is a simple nine-patch design – three rows of three squares each. One fat quarter usually gives me enough squares for one pillow, sometimes two if I’m careful with my cutting. The key is consistent seam allowances – I use my seam guide religiously now after some wonky early attempts.

Adding a simple envelope closure on the back means you don’t need to faff about with zips. Just overlap two rectangles and you’re done. Much less intimidating than invisible zips, which still make me nervous if I’m honest!

These pillows are brilliant for practising your quarter-inch seams, which you’ll need for proper quilting later on.

6. Fabric Book Covers

This one’s a personal favourite. If you’re a bookworm or want to protect your favourite journals, fabric covers are a stylish, easy solution. Fat quarters give you plenty of choice for quirky or classic prints, and these covers are super quick to whip up.

7. Zipper Pouches

I’ll be honest – zips terrified me when I started sewing. They seemed so complicated and professional. But once I tackled my first zipper pouch, I realised they’re not nearly as scary as I thought!

A basic zipper pouch uses most of a fat quarter and is perfect for holding all sorts of bits and bobs – makeup, coins, sewing notions, snacks for the children. I’ve made dozens over the years. Start with a simple rectangular pouch before attempting anything fancy.

Cut two rectangles from your fat quarter, buy a zip that’s slightly shorter than the width of your rectangles, and follow a basic tutorial. The key is taking your time and using your zipper foot properly.

8. Reusable Produce Bags

These little bags are brilliant for shopping and so much better for the environment than those plastic bags at the supermarket. Plus, they’re a great way to use up fat quarters while doing something good for the planet.

One fat quarter makes several produce bags, depending on the size you want. I usually make mine about 10″ x 12″ finished, which is perfect for apples, potatoes, or loose vegetables.

The fabric is ideal because it’s breathable but strong enough to hold a decent amount of produce. The construction is simple: cut rectangles, sew up the sides and bottom, add a casing at the top, and thread through some drawstring cord

9. Quilted Placemats

If quilting sounds intimidating, fat quarters are a gentle introduction. You can sew a few pieces together for unique placemats — perfect for brightening up your dining table. Even if you’re new to quilting, these are manageable and fun.

Placemats are a step up from coasters but not too intimidating for beginners. They’re a lovely way to practice basic quilting techniques without committing to a full-sized quilt. I usually make my placemats about 12″ x 18″, which uses most of a fat quarter for the top

10. Fabric Key Fobs

Last but not least, these are tiny projects that make great gifts or personal treats. Key fobs don’t take long at all and fat quarters provide enough fabric for multiple fobs in one bundle.

Key fobs are probably the quickest project on this list – perfect when you need a small gift in a hurry or want to practice a new technique without much commitment.

The trickiest part is turning such narrow tubes right side out – a loop turner or large safety pin helps enormously. I often make these as little gifts for family and friends, especially when I’ve made something larger from a fat quarter bundle. Nothing too complicated – just little touches that show you care.

Some Handy Tips for Sewing with Fat Quarter Bundles

If you’re like me, it’s tempting to just dive in without prepping properly — but a few small steps save a lot of frustration.

First, always prewash your fabrics. It’s amazing how much they shrink, and you don’t want your finished project to go wonky after the first wash. I once skipped this step and regretted it when my napkins shrank!

Cutting fat quarters is straightforward, but having a rotary cutter and cutting mat really makes a difference — much less hassle than scissors. If you’re stitching, don’t be shy about using pins or fabric clips to keep everything in place.

And about thread — using good quality embroidery thread for topstitching or accents really lifts the look of your project without costing a fortune.

Conclusion

If you want to explore fabric choices and maybe grab your own fat quarter bundle, learn more about Fat Quarters here — they really do open up a world of creativity.

So, whether you’re after a cute tote, a handy pouch, or a splash of colour in your kitchen, fat quarter bundles have you covered. Now, what project will you start with?

Thanks