This one? http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t185165.html

yes, that is the one...handy little thing isn't it?

Mattress size
 

Are these measurements for the top of the mattress only . What if you want the quilt to be 15" over each side? I'm new to this so I want to make as few mistakes as possible.

In my humble opinion, calculating the number of blocks you need is easy. 1. You need to know how big you want your quilt to be (your mattress size plus the drop on all sides). 2. Then you need to know your finished block size. 3. Then divide the width of the desired quilt by the block size and divide the length of the desired quilt by the block size. 4. Multiply the answers you got in 3.

Example: I want to make a crib quilt that is 48 inches by 56 inches. My blocks are 8 inches square, finished size. 48/8=6. 56/8=7. 6x7=42. So I need to make 42 blocks, if there are no borders.

Example 2: I want to make the same quilt, but with 4 inch borders on all sides. So the actual blocks sewn together will be 40 inches by 48 inches. 40/8=5, 48/8=6 and finally 5x6=30. I would need to make 30 blocks, and sew 6 rows of 5.

You don't need to buy books or information sheets. You just need to know what dimensions you want your quilt to be, and what the FINISHED size of your block is.

Maggiem - good and complete answer!

Basic math/arithmetic does have its uses!

Thanks for all the good info! I usually just put the semi-finished top on the bed and see how it looks. Then add more rows or borders if needed. Lol! My method is not very helpful to anyone else.

That's my usual method, too.

I do start out with a guesstimate, though.

Example:

Queen size mattress top: 60 x 80
Drop on both sides and bottom: (60 + 15 + 15 ) and (80 + 15) - which ends up being about 90 x 95
Then I start deciding how to 'make it work'

I usually prefer having the set be odd x odd or even x even. Especially if using alternate blocks. Sometimes it doesn't matter.

This info was exactly what I needed. Thanks so much!

I am sewing about six month. Would like to make large block queen size quilt. I have been reading about the nine square rearranged. .can I use nine ten inch blocks ,( when cut would be 5 inch) would that formular fit o.k I want to use suttle change in color( batisk what amout of each color would be good.thanks lori

I don't understand the way you have this done. I am making a quilt for our king size bed and the squares are 15 X 15, so do I need 35 blocks, or what?