Quilt sizes for each bed
The table uses a 12 in drop on both sides and the foot, a 10 in pillow tuck, and 42–44 in quilting cotton for the backing and binding.
| Bed | Mattress (in) | Quilt (in) | Backing | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib | 28 × 52 | 52 × 74 | 4.75 yd | 0.5 yd |
| Twin | 38 × 75 | 62 × 97 | 6 yd | 0.75 yd |
| Twin XL | 38 × 80 | 62 × 102 | 6 yd | 0.75 yd |
| Full / double | 54 × 75 | 78 × 97 | 7.25 yd | 0.75 yd |
| Queen | 60 × 80 | 84 × 102 | 7.75 yd | 0.75 yd |
| King | 76 × 80 | 100 × 102 | 9 yd | 1 yd |
| California king | 72 × 84 | 96 × 106 | 8.75 yd | 1 yd |
How to work out a quilt size
- Measure the mattress top: width and length. Deep mattresses may need a longer drop.
- Choose the drop, the part hanging over the sides. 10–14 in is common; to the floor is often 18–22 in.
- Width = mattress width + 2 × drop.
- Length = mattress length + drop at the foot + pillow tuck (about 10 in), or no tuck if the quilt stops at the pillows.
Backing and batting
Add 4 in on every side for quilting, so the backing is 8 in wider and 8 in longer than the top. With 42–44 in cotton you will need to sew panels together; a 108 in wide backing covers most quilts in one piece.
Binding
Measure all four sides, add about 12 in for corners and joining, and divide by the usable width of the fabric (about 40 in for quilting cotton). That gives the number of strips; at 2½ in each, multiply to get the fabric length.
Questions
What size is a queen quilt?
With a 12 in drop and 10 in pillow tuck, about 84 × 102 in. Without the tuck, about 84 × 92 in.
How much backing for a queen quilt?
Using 42–44 in cotton, about 7¾ yards pieced in three panels. A 108 in wide backing needs about 3¼ yards, with no seams.
What is a pillow tuck?
Extra length (about 10 in) that folds under and over the pillows at the head of the bed.