03/12/09
|
|
|
|
Have you ever been in the process of designing a quilt and stopped dead in your tracks trying to remember the dimensions of quilt sizes? Or have you ever wondered how small you can make a quilt and still call it a baby quilt without it looking like a pastel-colored wallhanging? I know I have! Quiltmaking isn't an exact science; it's an art. So, although there are no hard and fast rules that apply to every quilt every time, there are some guidelines that are fairly standard. And of course, there's an exception to every rule. :) |
Many, many times the width you cut your border pieces depends on the size of quilt you're aiming for and you don't want to wait until
after you've cut out all your pieces and begun the sewing process to find that your quilt size is going to be shorter (or longer) than what you had planned for.
Here are approximate dimensions for quilt sizes, given in inches. If I can get within an inch or so of the width and length, I'm happy.
Measurements are shown with the width coming first, then length. For
example, 36" x 45" means the quilt is 36" wide and 45" long.
MINIATURE: Usually less than 36" square.
WALLHANGING: Any size can qualify for a wallhanging.
BABY: Usually between 36" X 36" and 52" X 52". This size can depend on whether the quilt will be used in a crib.
CRIB: Usually between 30"x 46" and 36" x
50". COT: Usually between 58" x 90" and 72" x
108". TODDLER: Approximately 42" x 60" for a
comforter; approximately 46" x 70" for a quilt. A toddler bed
most often uses a crib mattress, however not always, so it is best to
measure first. PREEMIE BABY QUILT: Usually between 24" and 36". No longer than 40". It is best to call your local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for measurements. The hospital local to me uses 30" x 38". Also inquire about specifications. Most require that a flat batting be used and, of course, no embellishments (such as buttons, lace, or even a "tied" quilt). BUNK: Usually between 66" x 89" and 74" x
103". WHEELCHAIR LAP QUILT: Approximately 38" x 47".
LAP: Usually between 52" - 68" wide and the length can be from about 52" - 78".
TWIN: Usually between 64" - 72" wide and the length can be from about 86" - 96".
FULL: Usually between 70" - 88" wide and the length can be from about 88" - 100".
QUEEN: Usually between 88" - 99" wide and the length can be from about 94" - 108".
QUEEN WATERBED: Approximately 76" x 104".
KING: Usually between 94" - 108" wide and the length can be from about the same, 94" - 108".
CALIFORNIA KING: Usually between 100" x 98" and
114" x 117". KING WATERBED: Approximately 88" x 94".
Remember: These are just close approximations. There are several factors that can influence your decision on the quilt size. Here are a few:
What's the block size? Sometimes the size of the block determines how wide and/or long your quilt will be. You can always add borders and/or sashings, but some quilts look better (and are meant to be) without borders and/or sashings.
What's the overall design/layout of the quilt? Perhaps the design of the quilt hampers your ability to get the exact size you want. If the blocks are meant to be set on point, they sometimes look silly and out of place if they aren't. Always, always, always, allow your design/layout to enhance your quilt. Never let the size of the quilt interfere with your original design. Make adjustments somewhere.
What's the size of the bed the quilt will be laying on? This one has a simple solution. Measure the bed. :) Or refer to the chart below:
BED MATTRESS SIZE
Crib 23" x 46"
Cot 30" x 75"
Toddler
30" x 57" or 30" x 75"
Preemie Baby Varies according to different hospitals; call for specifications.
Twin 39" x 74"
Full 54" x 75"
Queen 60" x 80"
Queen Waterbed 60" x 84"
King 76" x 80"
California King 72" x 84"
King Waterbed 72" x 84"
What's the final resting place of the quilt? Is it going to be a coverlet (like a comforter) or take on more of the role of the bedspread? If it's a coverlet, don't allow for the 'drop' (the portion of the quilt that hangs off of the top of the bed). If it's intended use is as a bedspread, allow enough in your measurement to give the quilt an ample drop on each side. A comforter usually allows for a 13" drop and a 12" pillow tuck, while a full bedcovering usually allows for a 21" drop to the floor and a 12" pillow tuck.
Whatever the size of quilt you make, above all, enjoy it. If it's pleasing to you, that's what matters the most.
©
