How do you determine what size quilt to make.

I have seen some odd sizes of quilts - I guess I came from the old school of thought and my mind set is that If it wont fit a bed - I havent made it!!

Please let me know how you come up with what size to make your quilts. I am not sure what is a good size for a lap quilt etc.

I am going to try to make quilt(s) for my DGD fund raiser at school but didnt know what size to make it so that it sells well. Please help :cry: I am totally confused :lol:Thanks Cheryl :thumbup:

I like a 60" X 72" for a lap/utility quilt.
They are big enough to wrap up in and tuck under your feet :D:D:D

Well, for me, when making lap quilts I take into account the size of the person it's for.

Alma's size is about right for me also, but PJisChaos is also true....it depends on the size of the person I'm making it for to allow them to be able to be wrapped up sufficiently to enjoy the lap/snuggle quilt.

I would do what ever you fancy. After all, quilts double as wall hangings or table cloths, in fact anything you want.

There is no perfect size for a quilt. A generous lap size, 60" X 72" is very versatile because it's great for snuggling up in and it can also be used as a bed topper on a single bed. It's probably the best size if you aren't sure who will be using it. That's also a size that won't take forever to finish and you can quilt on most domestic machines.

I don't worry about size since everything I make is BIG. My quilts start out being a normal size but somehow down the line they tend to grow. They have to be big enough to sleep under and/or wrap up in .......... just a quirk.

When I make lap quilts they're usually around 50-60x70 which is generous, and larger than most pattern books will show.

If you're doing it for a charity auction, etc. I wouldn't worry so much about size as colours and design.

That being said, it's really hard to know what would be appreciated by others as we often get surprises, don't we? :)

Another thing to consider is whether the group has had similar donations before and how well they have profited from them? Or if it's been a disappointment?

I'd hate you to put all your time, effort, and the cost into making your quilt and then discover that this group won't pay a reasonable $$ for your donation. Just something to think about!

Good for you for wanting to do this ... just be sure it's the "right" place and time, so you are not disappointed! :)

When I make lap quilts they're usually around 50-60x70 which is generous, and larger than most pattern books will show.

If you're doing it for a charity auction, etc. I wouldn't worry so much about size as colours and design.

That being said, it's really hard to know what would be appreciated by others as we often get surprises, don't we? :)

Another thing to consider is whether the group has had similar donations before and how well they have profited from them? Or if it's been a disappointment?

I'd hate you to put all your time, effort, and the cost into making your quilt and then discover that this group won't pay a reasonable $$ for your donation. Just something to think about!

Good for you for wanting to do this ... just be sure it's the "right" place and time, so you are not disappointed! :)

Me too.

and I also like to make baby quilts rather large 48x60 this is big enough for them to use for a long while! However it really depends on the person I am making the quilt for. I have a friend who is of a smaller build that I could make a 48x60 nap quilt for. My husband I have to almost make a double bed size quilt for him to nap under, he likes the cover under his chin and still tucked under his feet! He is 6'6".

You have given me some very good thoughts to ponder!!! Maybe a quilt raffle would be a better choice. I will have to ask some of the sponsors to see if they had ever done it before!!! I may go with a few cheaper items made with fabrics I already have lol maybe small quilts they could take to football games etc. , placemats or tabletoppers.

Thanks for your input - keep it coming!!! :thumbup:

I call mine Nap Quilts. They have to be long enough to cover and wide enough so that the person can turn and remain covered.

alil

I took your advice and it seems that the quilts arent selling (even in a raffle situation) like they thought they would - I guess the economy is too tough right now). May have to rethink the donation aspect. If I do a quilt it may have to be something that is tied!!! thanks for your suggestion - it sure helped me make some decisions :thumbup: :D

I once donated a couple dolls I made to a fundraiser once. It was to a be a silent auction. They were very nice 22" tall with nice ruffly clothes, and hand crocheted accessaries that matched. I was selling my dolls for $30 each at the time.

I went to the auction and didn't see my dolls out anywhere. I spoke with a person who worked with setting up items and she told me, "oh, xxxx thought it would be a great present for her granddaughter so she donated $5 and kept them both."

[quote=emsgrannyI took your advice and it seems that the quilts arent selling (even in a raffle situation) like they thought they would - I guess the economy is too tough right now). May have to rethink the donation aspect. If I do a quilt it may have to be something that is tied!!! thanks for your suggestion - it sure helped me make some decisions :thumbup: :D[/quote]

Oh what a disappointment for you ... though I'm glad that my nudge helped you do some research, so you wouldn't be disappointed later.

If you're wanting to "make" something ... what about some mug rugs with the verse that was posted the other day?

They'd be more affordable for most ... and usable at home or at work or as nice littel gifts for Mother's Day coming up!

My quilts end up the size they end up. By that I mean that I can never "plan" a size because it just won't happen. I pick a block and plan the block. Based on that, I do a layout on grid paper until I have the right proportions (intuitively). Once that is sewn, I decide on the borders. Again - intuitive decision coupled with how much fabric I have. And yes, I have ended with some odd-sized tops before. lol

That sounds good to me!!! I am beginning to change my thought process and not be stuck on "bed" size quilts. I like the idea of snuggle time and making it specifically for someone!!! Thanks for all your input cheryl :thumbup: :D

Mine that is in the process will end up 91x91 *LOL* queen size and if it doesn't fit then hubby will have to be cold tee hee hee ........Rita

What did you decide about the fund raiser?

I completely ignored the first question about size and went straight into the fund raiser portion...

I make quilts for 2 groups-QFK's are about 45x50 for younger kids and 50x60 for older kids/teenagers.
and QOV's- 55x60

When I make baby quilts for friends I try to make them 40x45-50 so I don't have to piece the backs.

Fund raiser projects that migh be good: pot holders, tote bags, coaster sets, small things that can sell for less then $10 are good...

Unfortunately people go to these type of sales looking for bargains and not so much for qualtiy.