Creating homemade quilts can be a lot of fun – it’s something useful that you can make on your own, and it allows you to recycle a lot of disused clothes and bedding that you might have lying around. It can be even more fun when done with others.
However, the last thing you want is to start creating a quilt and run out of fabric halfway through. If you’ve never made a quilt before, that’s not an unlikely scenario. It’s a likely scenario even if you have made a lot of quilts before.
Figuring out the yardage you need is difficult, and even the most experienced quilt-makers can get confused about these matters.
Well, today I’ll help you out with planning your quilt and figuring out exactly how much fabric you’ll need to make it!
Let’s get started!
The first thing you need to do is to figure out how large your quilt needs to be – and it’s not as easy as it might seem at first!
You need to take a look at the size of the mattress that you want to use it on, and then make it a bit larger. You also need to look at the height of the bed though, since it will need to cover it all without dragging on the floor too much.
Here’s a chart which roughly matches the size of your mattress to the size of the quilt need for it, provided that your bed is of roughly average height (around 25 inches).
As you can see, an ideal quilt will be around a bit wider than the mattress, by about a third, and a bit longer than it, by around a quarter or a fifth of its length.
Now, once you know the size, you also need to know the way you’re going to construct it to figure out the amount of fabric you will need.
How many quilt blocks will it have? Will it have borders? Will the blocks be straight set or placed on point? These are all things you need to ask before you start making a quilt.
The seams you want to use are also important – for example, if you need to make a quilt that’s less than 60 inches wide, you can use a horizontal seam for your backing, which will save fabric a lot.
If it is more than 60 inches wide though, a vertical seam will hold better and save more fabric.
Next, you need to decide on how many blocks you want on your quilt-top. The more you want, the more complicated the quilt will get and the more fabric you’ll need.
You also need to consider the batting you’ll use – will it be something that won’t make the quilt too thick or will it be something heavier?
Do you need your quilt to be thick or are satisfied with it being a bit thinner? If you want thick and heavy batting put in it, you’ll need stronger seams and, thus, more fabric.
Once you figure all this out, you can use a calculator to get you started on how much fabric you might need, but you’ll also need to make some calculations of your own, which I’ll get to in just a minute.
Well, it’s difficult to say right off the bat but here’s a rough estimate for how many squares you can get out of one yard of fabric – you should be able to figure out the rest.
Roughly speaking, one yard of fabric is equal to around 90 3.5-inch squares. You’ll usually need around 9 squares to make one block, though that can vary.
If you want to do something more complicated than simple 9-square blocks, you’ll need to do a bit more calculating, but that’s not really what you should do when you’re just starting out.
Always make sure to have at least ¼-inch of seam allowance when you’re quilting to avoid running out of fabric. You can’t make perfect Cat Quilts if you run out of material halfway through!
So there you have it – you should now have a basic idea of how much fabric you’ll need to make the quilt you want.
However, just be sure to always have some extra just in case something goes awry. Making a quilt, in theory, is one thing, but making it in practice can be completely different, and a lot of unexpected things can happen – I’ve learned that the hard way.
Once you make a quilt or two, you’ll already get the hang of it, and you’ll know better exactly how much fabric you need even without doing complicated calculations.
I hope I managed to help you out and be sure to pop down into the comments if you need to ask some questions – I’ll be there for you.
See you next time!
A well-organized walk-in wardrobe design is important for maintaining an efficient and visually appealing storage space, especially in Indian homes. In India, where space is limited, a walk-in wardrobe allows for optimal space utilization and customization that allows for the proper arrangement of clothing and accessories, ensuring that every item has its designated place. A […]
Types of door handles play a pivotal role in both functionality and aesthetics, offering diverse options to complement various architectural styles and personal preferences. Understanding the plethora of choices can help in selecting the perfect door handle for any space. From traditional lever handles to modern electronic ones, the market boasts an array of designs […]
Baluster design plays a crucial role in architectural aesthetics, particularly in structures like staircases, balconies, and railings. These vertical supports not only provide structural integrity but also contribute significantly to the overall visual appeal of a building or space. Baluster design also vary widely, ranging from simple and utilitarian to intricate and ornate, reflecting different […]
The 21st century has ushered in significant transformations in the design of school buildings, reflecting shifts in educational philosophies, technological advancements, and societal values towards sustainability and inclusivity. This evolution in design is not merely aesthetic but represents a profound rethinking of the role physical environments play in education. Gone are the days of stuffy […]
In kitchen design, functionality and practicality are everything. Design and aesthetics are secondary, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a kitchen that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Calling a kitchen remodel company is ideal before starting your kitchen renovation project, as they can provide valuable insight on how to successfully redesign your kitchen. […]
Texture and Colour are powerful tools for creating a unique and functional space. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also create an ambience that resonates with style and purpose. These textures and colours can be sleek and modern or rustic and inviting, allowing you to infuse your personality into the walls. They serve […]
The evolution of car parking design for homes in residential architecture influences plenty of factors such as urbanization, technological advancements, environmental concerns, and changing lifestyle preferences. Early architecture did not consider car parking design for homes, but the rise of automobiles in the early 20th century led to the incorporation of garages or carports. Post-World […]
Wardrobe interior ideas are where functionality meets style and organization, intertwined with creativity. It is about a treasure trove of wardrobe interior ideas that transcend mere storage solutions. Your wardrobe isn’t just a repository for clothing; it’s a curated space where daily rituals unfold and personal style finds its expression. From clever storage hacks and […]
A wardrobe is not just a piece of furniture constructed in the house. There are types of wardrobe one builds in the house according to their needs and requirements. Choosing the right type of wardrobe can be a critical task at times. While designing the house, one always thinks about the kind of storage space […]
Compact homes and furniture for small spaces have become today’s trends in designing a home. However, affordability is not the only reason for choosing a compact house with furniture for small spaces. They are also easy to maintain and reflect simplicity in daily life. For furniture for small spaces, their ideas and designs are more […]