For my first quilting project, I'm making a twin-sized quilt for my daughter. The pattern I chose is a 12-inch sailboat block. Using traditional twin quilt dimensions, that translates to 5 blocks across by 7 down, with 8 inches widthwise and 4 inches lengthwise left to fill with a border/binding.

So here's my question -- I have a hunch this quilt would look better with borders between all of the blocks. Either I can make the whole quilt larger, or I can use one fewer block per row and column (4 across, 6 down), and use the extra space on borders. But for some reason, I think a quilt with an odd number of blocks going across would look better than one with an even number. That way, there'd be a center row of blocks to be able to center on the bed.

So, which would you do -- make a bigger quilt or fewer blocks? I guess there's also the option of scaling down the block size, but that's a little more complicated than I'm willing to contemplate right now.

Oh,and if I'm overthinking this or otherwise making myself look dumb, I apologize in advance. I'm pretty much flying by the seat of my pants here, and I'm not even sure I'm asking the right questions

Sailboat quilts are fun! I made one years ago to commemorate Hurricane Hugo, with the center boat sinking. Members of mt ex's family all got to name a boat. The quilting was done in waves on the water part, swirls in the sky, and ditches on borders and boat.

I'd go ahead and make it a little bigger.

I'd make it bigger, too. Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye, or so I was always taught.

I'd add sashing between the blocks and just make it bigger. You can use the extra length to tuck over the pillow and let the sides fall to the floor. Or if it's going to be waaay too long with sashing you could use 6 rows down instead of 7. I also like the look of odd numbers of blocks across but lots of times use and even number going down because the proportions are better that way.

I hadn't thought of shortening the quilt but not changing the width. I really like the idea, though. I may do that.

You could also instead of sashing use a coordinating fabric and just make alternating 12" squares.
It would be sailboat , 12"sq, sailboat, 12" sq, sailboat
the next row would have the opposite blocks underneath . That Would still give you 5-12" blocks across and with seven down you will still end up with the row starting with a sailboat the same as the top row.
Then you can just add borders.
Good Luck, let me know if you have questions.
Deb

I agree, usually the odd number of blocks is more pleasing to the eye. Sometimes to widen a quilt you need to add two blocks to balance it and then it's too wide. Sashing is a good way to do it. I sure wish I had made some of my quilts wider and longer. Now with the really think mattresses, they barley cover. I've added to a couple but that is real pain to do.