Quilt sizes: How to Measure for Specific Projects

One of the first steps in designing your own quilts is to decide on the overall size of the project. If this quilt is meant to be a wall hanging only, then you can make it any size that will fit in the space where it will be hung. However, if this quilt will be used to cover a bed and keep people (or dogs) warm, then you need to start with the mattress.

If possible, I always measure the bed where the quilt will be used. Begin by measuring the width and length of the mattress top. Next decide how much of a “drop” you want on the quilt. This is the length you want the quilt to hang down on the sides.

Depending on the bed height, whether I want side rails to show, if a dust ruffle will be used, etc. I generally use a drop of 10 – 16 inches. If the quilt is just for show, then it’s all about that, but if people will actually sleep in this bed, then you want to make sure there is room for them under the covers and for the quilt to still hang over the edge a bit.

I also usually plan for the quilt to be either flush against the headboard with pillows/shams on top, or to start right at the edge of the pillows. This depends on the design and how important it is to see that upper border. If you are making a lightweight quilt that will be used as a bedspread (that is with pillows tucked inside the quilt) then you will need to allow for this as well.

When I’m making a gift, I sometimes have to rely on standard sizes. Unfortunately mattress sizes are less standard than they could be – especially when it comes to how deep they are. The Mattress depth can range from 9 to 16 inches  and box springs and the bed frame will raise the whole bed even farther off the floor. Additionally toppers like memory foam or pillow top can add 2 – 4 inches to the depth of the mattress. Despite these challenges, here is some information that will help.

Mattress Sizes

Description	Size in Inches
Crib (Baby)	27 to 28 x 50 to 52
Twin	39 x 75
Twin XL (dorm bed)	36 to 39 x 80
Full (double)	54 x 75
Queen	60 x 80
California King	72 x 84
King	76 x 80

Commercial Quilt Sizes

Description	Comforter	Bedspread	Packaged Batting
Crib (Baby)	36 x 54		45 x 60
Twin	65 x 88	81 x 107	72 x 90
Twin XL (dorm bed)
Full (double)	80 x 88	96 x 107	81 x 96
Queen	86 x 93	102 x 112	90 x 108
California King
King	104 x 93	120 x 112	120 x 120

Fons & Porter Standard Quilt Sizes

Description
Crib (Baby)	30 x 54
Twin	65 x 95
Twin XL (dorm bed)
Full (double)	80 x 95
Queen	86 x 100
California King
King	106 x 106

When designing your own quilt, be sure to allow for shrinkage of the quilt due to the quilting. Depending on how densely the quilting is done, you can expect between 3 and 5% shrinkage. Fabric requirement calculations also need to allow for fabric shrinkage. Remember that cotton fabric should be washed before cutting. Again you can expect up to 5% shrinkage depending on the quality of the fabric. Finally, remember that cotton fabric on the bolt may not be true to grain. This means that when it is cut at the shop the ends may look straight. However, when you take the fabric home and wash it, it will go make into its true shape. This can also cost a bit of yardage. I general allow for up to two inches on either end of a cut piece of fabric that may need to be discarded.

The same basic measurement guidelines can be used to plan for any quilting project, like this couch throw. My one rule of thumb – a bit too big is better than too small when it comes to a quilt.