When my children were small, they liked small blankies that they could carry around. Sometimes smaller is better, it can be held and loved more. I wouldn't worry too much if yours is smaller than recommended.

I put fleece on the back of most of my Project Linus quilts, and the stretch doesn't seem to be a problem if I quilt with a walking foot.

One of my grandsons dragged around a satin pillowcase - all over - until he was about 3. that was about 20 x 32.

I think a "drag-around" quilt could be fairly small. Then when child outgrows it, you have a reason to make another one. :-)

I think I would tie it if I was going to put fleece on the back.

Maybe the only caution would be for everything to be equally washable.

I've used brushed arnel on the back, but that has very little stretch.

I make mine 45x60..Crib sized. It follows them to toddlerhood well!

width of fabric (40 to 45 inches wide) to around 60 inches long - the quilt design sort of determines the length

Well, I made one for my latest granddaughter, by request. It's about 24" wide x 40 long, to sit on top of the crib covers. I believe it will become a play mat once the crib is outgrown! :lol:

My 9yr old granddaughter just made her first quilt - a baby quilt and it's 36 x 36 - that's the size our guild makes for the preemie quilts. It was just the right size for her to handle and is the perfect size for the wee baby boy that was just born. She's hoping he'll want to drag this along wherever he goes.

thankyou all for your advice..it is truly appreciated. I have decided to definitely make it wider and then will have a look to see if it also needs to be longer. Nantucketsue your cot quilt is gorgeous and unusual as i have never before seen an oval quilt...

I try to keep them under 44 inches wide, that way I can use one piece of fabric as the backing. I know there are ways to piece the back simply, but that's my lazy way of doing it.