Don't assume a "queen size" quilt pattern will fit YOUR queen size bed.
The quilt sizes listed on patterns are not consistent from one pattern to another. Designers follow no hard and fast rules when labeling the finished size quilt.
What's a Quilter To Do?
It all depends on what the quilt is intended for.
Are you willing to adjust the quilt pattern to get the look you desire? If it matters to you how the quilt looks and hangs on the bed because it is THE focal point of the room, then learn how to...
Estimate the Quilt Size Needed for Your Bed
If the quilt is intended for a specific bed, you'll need some or all of the following:
Specific Bed Measurements...
Mattress Dimensions: Width and length
For an online chart of standard US mattress dimensions, commercially made comforter and coverlet sizes, and pre-cut packaged batting sizes go to Standard Quilt Sizes and Mattresses Chart page.
Mattress Depth: Standard and older mattresses can be 8"-12" deep, while newer pillow top mattresses are generally 14"-18" thick or even more.
Box Spring Depth: If the bed is on a platform, there may be no box spring.
Height of the bed: From the top of the mattress to the floor
Determine the "drop" you'll need...
"Drop" is the portion quilt that hangs off the sides of your bed. Several things affect how much drop you'll need.
Is there a dust ruffle or bed skirt? A coverlet drops about 3" below mattress bottom to cover the top of the dust ruffle.
Will the quilt drop to the floor? You'll need to know the bed height. A full length quilt drops to within 1/2" of the floor.
Should the quilt cover the mattress and box spring? You'll need the mattress depth plus box spring depth plus a few inches for insurance.
Is it a daybed? You may need drop only on one side.
Is there a foot board? The quilt may only need drop on the front edge.
Will the bed pillows be tucked in or will you use pillow shams? Add an extra 10"-18" for a pillow tuck.
Many quilts are designed with borders on all four sides. Is this appropriate for the bed you're dressing? Can you leave off the top border and add a row or two to make the quilt fit properly?
Many quilt patterns aren't designed with an even drop on the left, right and bottom sides. If this bothers you, adjust the pattern before you cut and stitch.
Other things affect your finished quilt sizes...
How dense will your quilting be? The more dense the quilting, the more the finished quilt will "draw up" or shrink. For dense quilting add an additional 5% to your drop calculations.
Will you use a cotton batting to get the "puckered" look of an antique quilt? Check your batting to see how much it shrinks when washed and add that back into your drop calculations.
Is there a medallion or central design that you want centered on the top of the bed? If this central design doesn't fit properly on your bed, can you alter the quilt pattern to fix this problem?
We've prepared a worksheet or "cheat sheet" for helping you estimate the finished size quilt you'll need to fit a specific bed. Right-click to download a PDF file of our Worksheet for Calculating Bed Quilt Sizes
