What Size?       A question I was often asked was “What size do I need? That made me ask several questions myself because there was not one answer. Did that person mean what size quilt should she make, or what size block to go in that quilt? Or did she mean what size diagonal half square did she need to make a certain size block?       Another question was “How many blocks do I need? Which made me ask even more questions. What size quilt are you making and what size blocks? Will your quilt have sashing and borders, and if it will have borders, how many and how big?       So you can see that asking “What size? is a loaded question and will take many answers. Let's start with beds sizes, do you know what size bed you are making it for. (And if it's “just a lap quilt” I always ask “how big is the lap? Is it for an adult's lap or a child's?) Below are charts and diagrams showing different sizes of mattresses. They vary just a little, but I wanted to show you that they do vary some, and some include mattresses others do not.       Some of these sizes I never heard of. Although I did learn about Twin XL when my sons went off to college.       By the way, those measurements are just the top of the mattress. If you want to make a quilt to cover just the top, that's your size. You need to decide how much you want to hang over the sides. There aren't any “rules” about that, it's totally up to you. Someone told me you double the width of the quilt. I'm not sure if that applies to every quilt or not, but I personally like to measure to decide.       Do you want the quilt to cover the pillows? Did you want to tuck a little under the pillows too? How many pillows? Do you want a lot to hang off the end of the bed, or is there a foot board, so it doesn't matter? So many questions, and so much to decide.       Honestly, when I start a quilt, those are not things I think about right away unless I am making it as a gift for someone. When I made a wedding quilt I wanted a general idea of what size bed, the overhang and the pillows. As I progressed on the quilt, I made sure I had enough fabric to cover all of the above, and when it was finished, I even had some leftover fabric.       When I was teaching and started a quilt it was most likely a sample for a new pattern. All of my samples were lap quilt or baby quilt size, 36 to 45 inches square or rectangle. Now when I start a quilt that is not a gift, I don't worry about what size it's going to be, just that is will be useful to someone as I know it will be either sold or donated to charity. OK, you've decided what bed you're making a quilt for and all that other stuff, now you want to know "How Many Blocks Do I Need?" I will answer that here question ASAP! This pattern can be used for personal use only and can not be used commercially without the owner's permission. No copies may be made without the owner's permission. This includes the patterns as well as any graphics and/or instructions that are associated with a pattern. 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. What Size? © Delaware Quilts October 12, 2025 Updated October 12 , 2025 |Home| Quilts| Email|