Kryssa

I'm totally at a loss about what the best size to make this quilt would be. How large should I cut the strips? What should the finished size be? Square or rectangle?

I know the real answer is "anything goes" but I'd really like to make a quilt that can get a lot of use, maybe not in the bed (I'm sure this baby will have a coordinated bedding set) but just around the house, in the car, around town, ect. I don't have any children so I'm not sure if moms prefer smaller quilts for the portability or larger quilts because they can cover larger areas.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

justwannaquilt

36x36+ is a good size to lay on the floor for a baby to hang out on, it is also a good size to throw over a car seat while going from the house to the car during cold or wet weather. I crib matress is 27x52.

I just did one that is 39x57 and that sucker is HUGE. I used a "baby quilt" pattern to make it and I think it is unreasonably large!

katier825

Most baby panels are approximately 36 x 45 - that gives you an idea of a rectangle size. I think most new moms would be thrilled with any baby quilt, whether square or rectangle. I've done both. If it's for the crib specifically, I'd try to make it to fit. If it's for general use, laying on, hauling around, then whatever you're favorite pattern calls for is great too!

Bluelady

I made for my niece's baby that was about 38 x 38. Her son is now almost three and still loves it because he can carry it around with him.

GrammaNan

I have made several baby quilts and blankets using 45" x 45"
and have never had any complaints.

wvdek

I'm with grandma Nan - 45 x 45" is a great size for napping, watching tv, playing, picnicking. They will grow into it quickly.

BKrenning

Any size from 36 x 45" up to 48 x 60" is a useful size for babies up to kindergarten.

As for block size, I prefer to keep it 9" or under for baby quilts. So, if you're doing a nine patch, cut the strips 2.5 inches for a 6" block or 3.5 inches for a 9" block. I like to make Billie Lauder's, "There's a Dog on my Quilt" for new babies and that pattern calls for cutting the strips 3" wide which makes the blocks 7.5" finished. Very simple quilt that is so cute when it's finished. http://www.easymade.com She also has patterns for cats, elephants, snakes and I don't remember what all in the newer pattern, "Look Who is on my Quilt."

fuail

I have 7 kids and i grandbaby (!!!) and really, any smallish size will do. I think a 36 x 45 or 45 x 45 would be great.
Just a note, when my daughter had her showers, she got LOTS if onesies, diapers, t-shirt type things, but the quilts got the most "OOO"'s. Not ONE frilly fluffy dress!! (If I didn't have 2 kids getting married plus us moving, I would've made some!!)

imatopper

We make baby quilts for all babies that get baptized at our church and we make them 40" square. If you make it 40" square or less, you can get by with one length/width for backing. If you make it bigger, you have to buy more backing fabric.

pieces

I usually make my crib quilts about 37 X 45. It really depends on the pattern. But with this size you can use 1 cut of fabric for the backing since most fabric is about 42 inches wide.
And a 1 1/2 yard cut works for the length. By the time fabric is washed and cut straight and allowing some for quilting loss. Work out a block size and see how it works out as a finished quilt. Don't forget to fiqure in the extra seams in the D9P.