Julienm1

Is there a formula to determine width and length of quilts to make them a rectangle? Seems most of my quilts are ending up squarish and I want them more of a rectangle. Guess the question is...should the lenght be "so many inches" longer than the width to make it "look" right?

sewingpup

ummm...the basic formula is to measure the width and length of the mattress, then add the amount of "drop" you want for the sides. Also need to decide if you want enough length to cover the pillows, with or without a tuck under the front of the pillows. I purchased a copy of "all-in-one Quilter's Reference Tool" by Harriet Hargrave, Sharyn Craig, Alex Anderson, Liz Aneloski which is nice cuz there is a chart inside that list common mattress sizes along with various "drops" and length options depending if you intend it to be used as a comforter, bedspread, etc. I find large squarish quilts work fine on a Queen or King if you just want another quilt on the bed otherwise I prefer to use the rectangular ones for smaller beds and for bedspreads. Oh the reference tool also has a lot of other useful measurement type info in it.

Julienm1

TU for thkat info but looking for details for crib and lap quilts not for bed quilts.

Quiltwoman44

if you are making blocks across, you can simply add another row on the length.
Work out measurements of the size of your blocks going across and add to that. if not long enough add another row.
Or add borders only on the top and bottom. There are many ways without a pattern to do things. Think on that and then have fun!
I just did one 5x5. that one is square of course. If I had done 5x7, it would be rectangular.
Enjoy.

Julienm1

Quiltwoman...duh. Done that...ty

bearisgray

I am not aware of any specific formula.

There is the Fibonacci sequence of numbers that usually produce pleasing results.

A lot depends on what you want the quilt for.

dunster

I know some people prefer rectangular quilts, but unless it's going to be hung on a wall (or in a quilt show) no one will normally see the proportions and judge them.

I prefer square quilts, both for beds and for laps. I like the symmetry and also like not having to figure out which way it should go.

Mothers are now advised not to put blankets or quilts in the crib with a baby under 18 months or so because of the danger of suffocation or SIDS. Lots of changes since I had little ones.

sewingpup

? If you know the size of the crib mattress, you would use that as guide. lap quilts vary depending on the size of the person being made for.

Julienm1

Dunster, is this the same as the galloping horse rule? lol

dunster

No, what I'm saying is that quilts are seldom seen spread out in their entirety. They are generally on a bed, across someone's lap, or folded to be used later. So whether they are square or rectangular is mostly a matter of personal preference. I prefer square quilts, but if I had any twin beds then I would reluctantly make rectangular quilts for them.