A Guide to not so Common Quilt Sizes
Do you ever stare at a stack of fabric with a pattern in mind and wonder what size is a throw quilt really? Quilts come in all sizes and vary to some degree in shape. Mattresses and sheets sets have industry standards for size. Couches have industry standards based on numbers of cushions or seats. Why is there no industry standard size for quilts?
Quilt design and purpose ultimately determines the size of quilt.
The size and number of blocks, sashing or borders all affect the final dimensions. Therefore, quilt sizes have a range that they can fall in – a bed size quilt will be anywhere from 5”-10” larger than the mattress size. Does the quilt cover the pillows or tucks under your pillows? The length of the quilt will need to be longer depending on how deep the tuck under the pillows are. Does the bed have a headboard and/or footboard? Bunk beds? The final destination of a quilt is just as important to consider as what size a quilt should be.
Not every quilt is destined for a bed.
Baby and crib size quilts are small and often quick to finish making them ideal for a gift. Baby quilts are always smaller than crib size quilts. Both baby and crib size make great play mat size quilts.
Throw size quilts are the goldilocks of the quilt world… not so small you cannot curl up with it and a great book, and not so large that it’s too much to wrestle over the arm of a chair while relaxing.
Classic bed size quilts are large enough to cover the top of the mattress and wide enough to cover it completely.
Modifying Quilt Size
Adding or removing quilt blocks is the first step in changing the size of the final quilt. Add sashing in between blocks and adding borders is another way to increase the size of the final quilt. Conversely, removing quilt blocks, or removing sashing or borders will result in a smaller final quilt.
Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules for what size a quilt needs to be or should be. The next time you are staring a stack of fabric and wondering exactly what size is a throw quilt anyway…
Use this reference when designing your next quilt.
Download Common Quilt Sizes pdf
Happy Quilting!
