Help with a twin size string quilt, using 6 1/2 inch blocks
 

I am wanting to make a couple twin size string quilts. I am using bleached muslin as my foundation and the size is 6 1/2 square. I am beyond horrible at math and would like some help on estimating how many blocks I will need to make a twin size. I will put a 4 inch border around the blocks.

I am using strips and strings from my collection of 1930's reproduction fabrics. This is my first attempt at making a strip/string quilt.

If I understood your question correctly - you are cutting the foundation pieces 6.5 inches square - and the blocks/units will finish at 6 inches square?

What do you want the finished size to be?

Ordinary twin mattress size is 39 x 75

If one adds a 12 inch drop on three sides (I prefer to put pillows on top of quilt instead of covering the pillows with the quilt or spread) then the finished size would be about 63 x 87

subtract 8 inches from the length and width for the four inch borders - 55 x 81

Figure 6 inches as the finished size of each square - 55/6 = 9.18 and 81/6 = 13.5
So if you go with a 54 x 84 inch center it would take 9 x 14 blocks or 126 blocks.

Depending on how you set your blocks - if you make them into diamonds, I would use an even number of blocks both directions.

If the diagonals are all going the same way, I don't think it matters.

I use the "put the pieces on the bed and see how it looks method" after I think I have about enough blocks made.

Thank you! I will probably put the center strip, which is white, on the diagonal and make a diamond shape with it. Having an idea of approximately how many blocks I need really does help.

Make your foundation a bit larger than the block you want to end up with. Better to square up than have them shrink a bit with all the stitching.

If you haven't cut out your foundations yet, a rectangle gives a different look to the top than squares do.

Bearisgray is right on. I put the squares on the bed too. I usually don't make a twin size. If a pattern with a sure size I just go by the instructions. I am trying to make a good size just to cover up with. Not everyone wants a quilt for their bed.

This is such a fun quilt to do - just finished a couch throw size - well, it will be finished as soon as I get the rest of the binding on. The quilt is named "what was I thinking". I pulled all the fabric from my stash that was totally ugly, or less than a fat quarter. It turned out to be such a bright quilt. Everything, including the batting and the backing came from my own stash. God luck with your quilt. I light the suggestion of making one with rectangles - might try that next time.

I always aim for 60 inches wide for a twin...which at finished size would be 10 blocks across with no border..I make the length about 80 inches..This seems to work well for all the ones I have made.

I am really enjoying working on these quilt blocks. I love not having to worry about perfectly straight seams and whether or not the colors work well together. One of the quilts will be for my youngest DD's bed and the other will probably go into our new travel trailer on one of the bunk beds.