Quilt Size Calculator
Determine the ideal dimensions for your next quilt project based on your bed size and desired drape. This calculator helps you account for mattress height, side overhang, foot overhang, and even a pillow tuck.
Extra fabric beyond the mattress edge on each side.
Extra fabric beyond the mattress edge at the foot.
Length needed to tuck over pillows at the head of the bed.
Recommended Quilt Dimensions:
Quilt Width: inches
Quilt Length: inches
Understanding Quilt Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating a quilt is a labor of love, and ensuring it fits your bed perfectly is key to both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. A quilt that's too small looks skimpy, while one that's too large can overwhelm the bed and drag on the floor. This Quilt Size Calculator is designed to take the guesswork out of determining the ideal dimensions for your next project.
Why a Specific Quilt Size Calculator?
Unlike buying a pre-made quilt, when you're crafting your own, you have the freedom to customize every aspect, including its size. Standard bed sizes (Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King) provide a starting point, but they don't account for crucial variables like mattress height, the type of bed frame, or your personal preference for how much drape you want. Modern mattresses are often much thicker than older ones, which significantly impacts the required quilt dimensions.
Key Factors Influencing Quilt Size
To achieve the perfect fit, several measurements and preferences must be considered:
- Bed Width and Length: These are the foundational measurements of your mattress. You'll need to measure your specific mattress, as dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers.
- Mattress Height: This is perhaps the most overlooked but critical factor. A thick pillow-top mattress requires significantly more fabric on the sides to achieve a good drape compared to a thin futon. Measure from the top of your mattress down to where you want the quilt to end on the sides.
- Desired Side Overhang: This is how much extra fabric you want to hang down past the mattress edge on each side. Some prefer just enough to cover the mattress, while others like a generous drape that nearly touches the floor.
- Desired Foot Overhang: Similar to side overhang, this dictates how much fabric extends past the foot of the bed. A longer foot overhang can provide a more luxurious look or allow for extra warmth.
- Pillow Tuck Length: Do you want your quilt to extend up over your pillows at the head of the bed? If so, you'll need to add extra length to accommodate this. If you use shams or decorative pillows and don't tuck the quilt, this measurement can be zero.
How the Calculator Works (The Formulas)
The calculator uses straightforward logic to determine your ideal quilt dimensions:
-
Calculated Quilt Width:
Bed Width + (2 * (Mattress Height + Desired Side Overhang))
This formula accounts for the top of the mattress and the drape down both sides. We multiply by 2 because the quilt hangs down on two sides. -
Calculated Quilt Length:
Bed Length + Mattress Height + Desired Foot Overhang + Pillow Tuck Length
This formula covers the length of the mattress, the drape over the foot, and any extra length needed for a pillow tuck.
Example Calculation
Let's say you have a Queen-sized bed with the following measurements and preferences:
- Bed Width: 60 inches
- Bed Length: 80 inches
- Mattress Height: 14 inches (a fairly thick mattress)
- Desired Side Overhang: 3 inches (to just clear the bed frame)
- Desired Foot Overhang: 6 inches (a nice drape)
- Pillow Tuck Length: 12 inches (to cover standard pillows)
Using the formulas:
- Quilt Width: 60 + (2 * (14 + 3)) = 60 + (2 * 17) = 60 + 34 = 94 inches
- Quilt Length: 80 + 14 + 6 + 12 = 112 inches
So, for this specific bed and preference, you would aim for a quilt approximately 94 inches wide by 112 inches long.
Tips for Quilt Sizing
- Measure Your Actual Bed: Don't rely solely on standard bed dimensions. Mattresses vary.
- Consider Your Bed Frame: If you have a very high or low bed frame, or one with side rails, adjust your desired overhang accordingly.
- Account for Shrinkage: Fabric and batting can shrink slightly after washing. It's often safer to make a quilt slightly larger than needed.
- Mock It Up: If unsure, use a sheet or blanket to drape over your bed and visualize the desired overhangs before cutting your fabric.
- Batting Size: Remember that your batting will need to be slightly larger than your finished quilt top to allow for quilting and trimming.
By using this calculator and considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautifully fitted quilt that enhances your bedroom decor.