how to measure a bed for a quilt

2) Double this measurement and add to the side measurement {or the first number listed}- this will allow the quilt to drape the sides of the mattress. At the head of your bed, how do you like to style your pillows? Measure the width and length of the top surface of the bed. Measure across top edge, including borders, and cut two 2in-wide strips to fit. First, measure your mattress. This is your initial ideal bed quilt size. For a 60 x 80 top, you'll need 300 squares - … 10 squares required divided by 4 per strip = 2.5, or 2 strips plus about a half strip, each 9-7/8 inches wide. Stop at the edge and do not add the drop to your first measurement; it will be added next. I don't sew with prewashed fabrics. Step 4 Sew strips of like fabric around the work, creating a second frame of contrasting fabric. This post is part of a series:  the Big Bed Quilt-Along. When joined this way, they make a piece 63in wide by 84in long (less a little for the seam). While we are all familiar with the terms twin, double, queen, king and California king. Use this quilt on a hospital bed for added warmth and cheer, or as a lap quilt when sitting in chairs or wheelchairs. Press the seam open to keep the backing flat. Measure from edge to edge. Take your initial ideal quilt size and add 5% to determine your planned quilt size. Measure across the longest part of your quilt and across the shortest part. Are you just not going to do all that work? Measure the bed before beginning. In our example, instead of 12 x 17 blocks, you'd use 13 x … I needed 4" to cover my pillows without a pillow tuck. Maybe that's just fine? Measure as far down the side of the bed as you want the quilt to drop from the top edge. 1. Mine is 15" wide, to be tucked under my mattress. If you can’t measure, add 18″ to the … 1. For example, if your bed is 48 inches wide, and you want a runner that is 18 inches wide, you would mark a 74-inch (48 inches + 26 inches) by 19-inch rectangle. Add up the total dimensions in width and in length. Take a look at your quilt sketch. Choices, choices. They really are the easiest way to hit an ideal quilt size without going crazy. You may wish to overlap with a bed skirt or even to make the quilt hit the floor. Press the quilt back with your iron and then lay it on your floor, right side down. Size is a personal preference that deserves careful consideration. Full or double mattresses measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. When making a bed quilt, it’s important to consider the bed. I haven't decided if I'm going to use borders on my Facing East big bed quilt. When planning a bed quilt there is much to consider. If you place pillows on top of the quilt, you don't need to add to your current dimensions. 3. With an extra 5% for shrinkage, I should shoot for a quilt about 96" x 103". Consider the direction of blocks, the design of the borders, and the finishing effect along the bottom. If your quilt is square, then the length and width measurements will be the same. This quilt is large enough to drape over three sides of the bed, giving a “valance” effect. Cut the yardage in half and then re-join along the long edges using a slightly larger seam than usual. Allowing your measuring tape to lay as a quilt would. 2. Having the right size bed sheet can make the difference between a night's sleep and a good night's sleep. As the second step in how to make a patchwork quilt quickly, determine your quilt’s dimensions. As others have mentioned, one thing to consider is whether you want it small enough to carry around (just barely big enough to cover the bed) or whether this is a quilt that can go with them to their big girl/boy bed. Stop at the edge and do not add the drop to your first measurement; it will be added next. If your bed has a header and footer, then it’s best to have drapes only on the two sides – this way the quilt looks neat and making the bed is easy! You can measure in inches or centimeters. Measure the foot quilt drop, how far down the end of the bed you want the quilt to drop from the top edge. For the Quilt2018 April Project, we are focusing on Traditional Bed Quilts. Rotate your quilt, so the next edge is closest to you. Answers will vary widely depending upon the architecture of the bed. Rarely will you find a pattern in your precise planned quilt size. Here's how to calculate your ideal bed quilt size. Measure the length of the completed work and cut and sew the same fabric to the remaining sides, creating a frame of like fabric around the original square. Add extra size at the head of the quilt if you cover pillows or prefer a pillow tuck (where the quilt is tucked under the pillow edge quite a bit to create a neater look). If the sheets are too big, they will slide, tangle and end up on the floor. When measuring, have the blankets, sheets, and pillows on the bed that will be used with the quilt. Note how the clever border design really frames the bed. If you are unable to measure the bed, use this chart as a helpful reference. Stitch to side edges of quilt and press seams towards borders. Don't toss this sketch until you're finished with this project. Deciding on what size quilt to make is a first step in planning a new project. Instead you will need to make adjustments, adding blocks, sashing and/or borders to bring your quilt up to size. You'll need to know the bed height. (See images for visual details on how to measure.) It's pretty tempting at the bottom where the quilt will be tucked under the mattress anyways. Here you'd probably want to plan the same drop as your side drop for symmetry. As you make decisions on these matters, refer back to your quilt sketch. Below you will find some tips, helping you to obtain an accurate measure of your bed skirt and fitted sheet. Pin or baste the 3 pieces together. Some experts suggest buying a quilt or doona that is one size up from your bed, especially if you and your partner tend to compete for the covers.. Quilts are encased using two main styles - channelled and boxed - sometimes called baffle boxed. Ask yourself (or your giftee) to locate a blanket that fits the bed in the same way as an ideal quilt. Expect about 5% shrinkage. What this means for you, the Quiltmaker If the size you’ve chosen just barely covers the mattress, and covering the mattress is important to you, consider adding a block to each row or column for insurance. 50in) and cut two 2in-wide border strips to fit (join pieces if necessary). Step 1: Measure the length and width of your quilt top. Either is fine as long as you stay consistent and use the same measurement throughout this process. Your sketch will help you envision how the choices you are making will effect your enjoyment of the quilt. "Drop" is the part of the quilt that extends over the edge of the mattress. The quilt drop is an important design space. The difference is your pillow addition. Use hashtag #BigBedQAL to share your progress! When making a quilt, you will need to decide if you want the quilt to … It will help you adjust your pattern and plan for backing. Measure a long side edge of your patchwork (it should be approx. 40-inch width of fabric divided by 9-7/8 inches = 4.05, or 4 squares per strip. There’s nothing nicer than a custom-made quilt that perfectly fits your bed. We're sewing along February - April 2018, but you can use the resources anytime to help you make a large quilt. Standard dimensions for a twin quilt provide for a 15-inch drop on both long sides and the bed end. Repeat, … But, if you are making a quilt which will go on a bed you need to make decisions. This will provide a nice, secure tuck that won't come loose with kicking. Add these additional inches to the length of the quilt. Maybe your block's dimensions results in a quilt 2" narrower than you wanted. It is perfect for a hospital bed due to its size. Add one long, thin rectangle at the bottom, to signify the foot drop. 20 triangles divided by 2 (the number that can be cut from a 9-7/8 inch square) = 10 squares required. This is the portion of the quilt that will be viewed on the top of the bed. Draw a long, thin rectangle along the top of your quilt sketch to signify the pillow addition, if any. Add this measurement to the quilt’s length. 3. Mine are 15" wide, for an 15" drop from mattress to below my bed's side rail. Most beds will require seaming fabric to create a top that is wide enough for the bed. Stop at the edge and do not add the drop to your first measurement; it will be added next. For a quilt that just covers the pillows, measure from the foot of the bed to the head of the bed with pillows in place. For a pillow tuck, add 10" for your pillow addition. You may wish to cover the bed's side rail or to show it. If you have access to the bed you wish to cover, give it a quick measure so you don’t have to guess. Measure the top and create a top, allowing seam allowances for adding side drops on the bedspread. A twin bed may require only one length of fabric. There are only loose standards in this area, which can make things rather confusing. Do you have any size quandaries? You will want to measure it from the exact edge.Step 2, Grab a retractable measuring tape. You should measure the bed it's going on, though, because it might be different. Measure the width and length of the top surface of the bed. If the sheets are too small, they won't stay on the bed properly and you'll end up on a bare mattress. The normal drop, or overhang for a bed quilt is 8.” Calculate the number of 4”squares needed for your project, then cut fabric into 4.5” squares, which allows ¼” seams. Maybe you don't have access to the bed in person? Step 2: Add an extra 8 inches to both the length and width of your quilt if it’s going to be machine quilted, that’s 4 inches on each side and 4 on the top and bottom. These sizes are approximate and can vary 4" - 8". You'll need to buy a quilt or doona that covers your whole bed (single, double, queen or king). Do you want the quilt to tuck under the end of the mattress? Add two long, thin rectangles to your quilt sketch, which signify the side drops. It generally is a crib mattress on a small bed frame. My initial size was 91 x 98". Divide the additional sides so that they are even on each side. The top-of-the-bed measurement is an important part of your quilt design. For a pillow tuck, add 10" for your pillow addition. If you can, measure exactly how deep the pillows are. While smaller than the queen size, these beds are adequate for a single child, teen, adult or two small adults. Measure the width and length of the top surface of the bed. The thread count is much higher in sheeting than in common quilting fabric. If the end of the quilt will be hidden, this is a good place to personalize the quilt with an embroidered message, signature, or date in the bottom border. This is your drop measurement. Step 3: Take your measurements, add them both together, and divide it by 36. Here's something I didn't know - multiple readers report that shrinkage can transform a finished big bed quilt from perfect to disappointing. Because it doesn't get in the way of tubing, there is … When taking these measurements, remember to add length for the quilt to hang off the edges of the mattress. As you did before, overlap your square ruler over the line you already cut with your long ruler. My mattress is 61" x 79". Three-quarter beds are even smaller at 48 inches wide by 75 inches long, though they use the same size comforter as the full. 2. Typically, a coverlet for a full-size bed is 86 inches wide by 101 inches long, but this includes 10 inches for the pillow tuck. You may ask a friend to help you hold the measuring tape if it does not lock into place.Step 3, Keep a pen and paper nearby to write down the measurements for future reference. Will it drop to the floor? How far do you want the quilt to fall at the foot of the bed? Then line up the edge of your square ruler with the vertical edge of your quilt top. "Tuck" is the part of the quilt that folds under the pillows should you want your quilt to cover them. This is the amount of yardage you will need. Generally, you'll want to do the work to make your quilt slightly larger than planned, rather than smaller. As soon as you try to choose a pattern for your bed quilt, you'll bump into the size question. Base the quilt size on your bed size. However, knowing exactly how to measure correctly can be a challenge. If you want a pillow tuck, add an extra 6-10″ for a pillow tuck. how to Prep Your Quilt Top for Longarm Quilting. Measure the bed for which you are making the quilt. The top-of-the-bed measurement is an important part of your quilt design. If so, add 4-6″ for a mattress tuck. How far do you want the quilt to fall on either side of the bed? A full length quilt drops to within 1/2" of the floor. No need to draw it to scale! Compare this measurement to the measurement of simple mattress length. If a bed as a footboard, Decide how far you want the quilt to go down the end of the bed. Next, place the unrolled quilt batting on top of it. Allowing your measuring tape to lay as a quilt would. Lastly, don't be shy about borders! Step 1, Strip the bed of all bedding. Draw a rectangle on your note pad and label the dimensions. Measure the width and length, but don't worry about how thick it is. A coverlet drops about 3" below mattress bottom to cover the top of the dust ruffle. To figure the width of the quilt, double the drop measurement and add it the top-of-the-bed width. 2. SIZE & CASING. You will be able to use these measurements to see what type of bed you have in the next … To plan your ideal quilt size, you need a measuring tape, the bed in question and a note pad. It covers the legs, but doesn't come up too high on the bed. Although it's tempting to use a bed sheet because of its size, sheets don't make good quilt backs. Step 4 Cut on your marks to make two matching strips. Even if you do, battings typically induce shrinkage anyways. Knowing the right way to measure a bad can make all the difference when it comes to getting the perfect bedding set. Write down the measurements. For a quilt that just covers the pillows, measure from the foot of the bed to the head of the bed with pillows in place. These indicate the standard size of the mattress. Measure from edge to edge. WARNING: Bed sheets for quilt backings aren't recommended! Measure from edge to edge. This is why it's best to make these plans on the actual bed in question. Measure that blanket to determine your quilt size. King — For your king-size bed, you'll want a coverlet that measures at least 108 inches / 274cm by 108 inches / 274cm for nice coverage all around. Simple and As Is. The difference is your pillow addition. If you will be adding a headboard or a footboard to your bed later, take this into consideration when measuring for a quilt. Don't assume anything about quilt size. If you want to cover just the top of the mattress, without ANY of the pieced part hanging over the side, the dimensions of a standard queen size mattress are 60" x 80". If you use pillow shams or decorative pillows, then you are finished measuring your bed. On a bed without a footboard, the quilt literally cascades off the end of the bed, just as with the side. Looking at your sketch, you realize that reduces your side drop by 1" on each side. Quilt sizes vary because bed sizes vary. This is enough for the length of the quilt. Mark a rectangle measuring 1 inch wider than your desired finished width by the width measurement you made. The most accurate way to estimate how much extra length you need is to make up the bed with a bedspread covering the pillows, then use a tape measure to measure from the tuck where the bedspread is folded underneath the pillows, up and over to the back of the pillows. If your bed has a footboard and your quilt will be tucked under the mattress, measure your mattress thickness and add 4-6" to that. 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