One lady told me that quilting helped get her through those lonely times when her DH was put in the nursing home. I work in the nursing home, different ones for years and the sizes previously stated works well. I am iffy on the ties, they get tangled up in the laundry or get wrapped around the wheel if to long and can be construed as a restraint, which is a big no-no. Think of the batting and quilting or tying process AND then think of how many washings it will go through, will it hold up in the long run? I have seen many made with the old double knit fabric. They hold up well and the color lasts, besides the recycling factor of not throwing it away. GOD BLESS!!!