What is a Fat Half?

For the image shown above, the entire rectangle (both the blue and the gray) represent one yard of fabric. The blue area shows the amount of fabric in a Fat Half.

Fat Half Width: one half (1/2) the Selvage Width
Fat Half Length: 36 inches

FYI: Selvage Width: Determined by the manufacturer when the fabric is woven at the factory.

Some standard selvage widths (shown in inches):
   ...32 ...43 ...51 ...55 ...59 ...67 ...71.

Hand-woven fabrics and some specialty fabrics may come in unique selvage widths not shown above. When buying fabric, always check the Selvage Width to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.

Fat Half vs Half Yard

Some stitchers confuse a Fat Half with a Half Yard. While each cut results in a half-yard of fabric, the final dimensions for each are different.

Half Yard Width: always 18 inches
Half Yard Length: the entire Selvage Width

Example:
Some linen fabrics have a selvage width of fifty-five (55) inches, resulting in a Half Yard cut with an 18" width and a 55" length.

A Fat Half of the same fabric would have a 27" width and a 36" length.