Do you know what size bed they have? Do you know how many sizes of beds there are? Check here to learn more about beds, then come back here to find out How Many Blocks You Need. Now you know what size bed you're making the quilt for, I'm sure you are asking how many blocks you need. Again, I will say there are other things to be decided before I can answer your question. What size blocks do you want to use? Do you plan to use sashing between the blocks? Do you want to add borders and if so, how many? Have you already picked out a block? Let's say we're making a quilt for a double bed, and we want it to hang over the edges 12 inches on both sides, plus at the bottom. We don't want it to cover the pillows, since we plan to make matching pillowcases. Most double beds measure 54 by 75 so that's what we will use. That means we want the quilt to be at least 78 by 87.
If we make a different quilt for that same double bed, only this time using 9 inch blocks and a cut 2 inch sashing between the blocks and as an outside border. The sashing is cut 2 inches, but “finishes” 1 1/2 inches when put in the quilt. Five 9 inch blocks and the sashing would measure 54 inches across the quilt, the exact width of the double bed. (5X9=45 6X1.5=9 45+9=54) Seven 9 inch blocks and the sashing would measure 75 inches, the same length as the double bed. (7X9=63 8X1.5=12 63+12=75) A quilt center that finishes at 54 inches by 75 inches might cover the top of the mattress when you lay the unquilted top on it. But depending on how much quilting is done, it will shrink some. Just something for you to take into consideration. If that will really bother you, make your sashing bigger, or add more blocks. Just something for you to think about. Here are diagrams of the quilt before and after borders. With the borders added, this quilt would cover the top of the mattress and the borders would drape down enough to cover any mattress that is eight inches tall. The third quilt also allows cover for the pillows but isn't as wide so wouldn't hang over the sides much as the second quilt.  
 So you can see, there isn't really a strait answer to the question how many blocks do I need or what size either. Both questions require more questions before they can be answered. I hope I've helped you a little and not confused you too much. As a starting quilter is can be confusing, but don't give up. It is so rewarding if you just stick to it. Keep asking questions, it is the only way you will learn. It's how I learned, one question at a time! The content on these pages, including text and images are the sole property of the Delaware Quilts and may not be used in any manner without consent. All Rights Reserved. Posted October 13 , 2025 |Home| Quilts| Email| |
