Quilt & Pattern sizes
 

In a recent email from a popular quilt site (AQS if I'm allowed to say that), there were 7 different beautiful quilts that you could buy the quilt kit or just the pattern. All but one were of a size less than 75" long, and most were sizes like 48x48 or 50x50 or 60x60, even 60x70 or 72x72. You get the idea. So my question is this... those seem too big for a wall hanging, but too small for even a twin bed (standard mattress is 75" long), so what is the use of those quilts. I get frustrated when I see a pattern I would love to make, but the size is strange. And, no, none of those quilts looked like adding borders to make it a bed size would work. Yup, I'm confused!

I wonder about that too. Unless you have a large vaulted ceiling some of those quilts would not be that useful as art or a bed quilt. I have a number of patterns here like that.

It is confusing.

I look at pattern sizes and try to find one that fits without adjustments. There are so many other choices in the quilting world it's easy for me to move on. Yes, patterns can be adjusted but that often leads me to other problems and frustrations. So why re-invent the wheel?

Hope you find the perfect pattern!

Yes, lately they just have people's quilts. not bed sizes. you must alter pattern if you want certain sizes. not all designers do this though, so be choosy. (sp).

Some people use the smaller quilts (48x48) for play mats for their kids. I've made a few that where 60x70 and used them as lap quilts.

Lap quilts! My group makes those smallish sizes to donate to our local hospital. People in wheelchairs use them.

I use most of those sizes all the time. I fold them at the end of a couch and they're ready to cover me if I need a nap. Some of them cover a table nicely. And they're great for children (or adults) playing on the floor.

I too get aggravated when I go through one of my quilt bools and see tiny quilts. Most of my donation quilts are about 43" x 58 or 57". They are for kids. I use batting for crib size 45" x 60".

I have an intense dislike for square quilts. When I like a square pattern, I look to see if it can be on point in a larger rectangular quilt. It takes extra on the ends and can be challenging to come up with a pattern that fits in with the original. It's easy to balance a square. Harder to balance a rectangle.

And I prefer square quilts. I like the symmetry, they fit my beds better, and I don't have to figure out which way they go. To each her own. :)

I use those sizes for lap quilts to use on the sofa. The dogs don't care what size the quilt is! :D

Most of my "baby" quilts are square and the hanging quilt racks in the family accommodate square nicely but those larger numbers wouldn't work. It seems to me that a queen quilt being used with a bed skirt and not over the pillows tends to be square. As for what works for a quick cover on the sofa or recliner, I like it to be about 2 yds long to tuck under feet and around shoulders at the same time. Those can be width of fabric to work for ease of backing. It may not be pleasing as to the dimensions but it is "functional". I agree that some of the newer patterns are not as pretty on the bed as they would be on a huge wall.

My son used to call those smaller quilts "TV watching quilts." He's in his late 30s now and still has one in the car, just in case he wants a beach blanket or whatever.