I made this for a college-bound grad and he loved it. These are the school colors and this is a simple disappearing hourglass pattern. (Jenny Doan). I made it twin width (for a dorm bed) and extra long, as he's tall.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]594954[/ATTACH]

Is he going to a large college? Many of the universities have their own printed fabrics with their logos and school colors. If so, you could incorporate that fabric into your quilt. Just google the school name along with fabric by the yard and see if you can find some.

I think all college dorm beds are extra long twin size so there's that to consider.

Cari

This is what I was going to reply: All the college beds I'm familiar with are extra long. My youngest so went to NC State and I made his quilt extra long to fit the bed, although he is fairly short.

Here's "rail fence star" from Missouri Star Quilt Co. I just made for a graduating guy who claims gray is his favorite color:[ATTACH=CONFIG]594998[/ATTACH]

You can go on line and produce your own QR and then translate it into a quilt. It is only squares in specific patterns.

This is a great tut.

Honestly, I would skip anything that says high school or college. I am a university faculty and advisor. So many students change colleges, courses of study and interests that a beautiful quilt of either a modern or traditional pattern will have more "last" or "staying power". An example of this from my guild leader. Her son was a brilliant science focused student graduating with honors and going to a very prestigious university. She made him a black and white quilt all reflecting his interest in science and in two semesters he had changed to a major in medical engineering. Still brilliant and as he matured, he requested a completely different quilt design. So, back to topic, I would suggest choosing a pattern design that will please, perhaps reflecting favorite colors.

I'm sure your grandson will appreciate a quilt made by you but I do have concern for the use this quilt will receive and with the time and love you will put into a quilt. I would not be so concerned about a quilt that will fit his bed. Dorm beds become something to sit on, study on, eat snacks, etc etc. They get pretty rough use so a purchased bed cover might be more "conservative". Making something as a throw that will "fit" anywhere might be better? If he will be in an apartment where this is not a concern, then your quilt might not get as rough treatment. I'd recommend neutral colors or something in his high school colors if they are something that will be liked in years to come.

I was going to suggest a Yellow Brick Road pattern. It uses three blocks: one with three pieces, one with four pieces, and one with five pieces. You can make it as long as you like by making more blocks. Because it's made with non-identical blocks, and because you turn them different ways, the resulting easy quilt looks difficult to make, and it's a very interesting pattern.
KwiltyKathy-- thanks for the link to the QR code maker. That's awesome for a teen!
Prism--I love the quilt you linked us to on Craftsy! Thanks!