Table of Contents
How to Use This Book ............................. 1
Planning a Quilt .................................. 2
Standard Mattress Sizes......................... 6
Suggested Quilt Sizes. .......................... 6
Quilt Sizes and Number of Blocks
Straight Set. .................................. 7
Straight Set with Sashing. ....................... 8
Straight Set with Alternating Squares ............. 10
Diagonal Set. ................................ 11
Diagonal Set with Sashing. ..................... 12
Diagonal Set with Alternating Squares ............ 17
Figuring Yardage
Rectangles .................................. 19
Squares. .................................... 20
Half Square Triangles ......................... 22
Quarter Square Triangles ...................... 23
Figuring Yardage (cont.)
Sashing Strips ............................... 25
Diamonds (60 degree)......................... 26
Diamonds (45 degree). ........................ 26
Borders. .................................... 27
Quilt Backing. ............................... 27
Binding
Double-fold ............................. 28
Single-fold .............................. 28
Diagonal Measurement of Blocks.................... 28
Bias Binding .................................... 29
Batting......................................... 30
Metric Conversions .............................. 30
Quilt Worksheet. ................................ 31
Shopping List ................................... 33
How to Use This Book
Patchwork Minus Mathwork is a collection of charts to help you plan a quilt and figure yardages without doing the math.
Go through the steps in Planning a Quilt, pages 2 to 6, along with the Figuring Yardage charts, pages 19 to 30 and use the Quilt Worksheet, pages 31 and 32, to figure yardages you will need for your quilt. Then write the amounts on the Shopping List (inside back cover) and you're ready to go to your local quilt shop or fabric store.
Although it would be impossible to include every size in the Quilt Sizes and Number of Blocks charts, pages 7 to 18, there are enough choices that you will surely find one that suits your needs. These are meant to be guidelines for planning your quilt, not hard and fast rules. Once you have chosen a block, look through the charts and find a size that is compatible with your needs. The chart will tell you how many blocks you will need, what size they should be and anything else (sashing strips, sash¬ing squares, plain squares, or setting triangles) you will need to complete your quilt. Keep in mind, the quilt sizes in the charts do not include borders. If you want to add borders to make fewer or larger blocks, you can still use the information in the charts. A quilt with a specific block layout will have the same information no matter what size the block is. For example, a diagonal set quilt with a block layout of 4 x 5 will always have 32 blocks and 14 setting triangles as noted in the chart on page 11. Just be aware that your quilt measurement may not be the same as our example.
The yardage charts in this book are based on a fabric width of 40". This allows for variances in fabric width off the bolt and shrinkage from washing. Simple layouts shown with the charts show the most efficient use of fabric. It is easiest to use a rotary cutter (also, the appropriate mat and ruler) to first cut strips the correct width, then cut into squares, rectangles, triangles, or dia¬monds. If using templates, use the same layout and butt up the edges of the template right next to each other to use as little fab¬ric as possible.
The Border and Binding Yardage charts include several sizes of borders, but if the size you want is not included, you can still use the charts. Just go to the next widest border and buy the suggested yardage knowing that you will have a little leftover. Also, if the perimeter of your quilt is not one of those listed in the chart, always go to the next highest number and use that yardage.
Remember: A good rule of thumb is that it is always best to add at least V4 yard to all measurements for insurance. It is always better to have leftover fabric than it is to run out of a particular fabric and not be able to purchase more.