In making quilts, knowing how much fabric you need can be tricky for beginners. Although it is a simple concept if you know the basic measurements used for quilting. You often hear phrases like “square inch” or “inch blocks” in quilting. So, what are these?
The term square inch refers to the dimension or area of your quilt in inches. You get the value of this by determining the length and width of your quilt in inches. You multiply these figures, and then the answer is the square-inch value.
For instance, your quilt has a dimension of 100 inches in length and 80 inches in width. You get the square-inch value by multiplying 100 by 80. The answer to the equation is 8,000 square inches. You will then multiply this value to either 0.015 or 0.01 depending on your pattern.
The term inch block refers to pieces of square or “blocks” of fabrics that make your quilt. In the past, quilts were patches or blocks of fabrics sewn together.
These days, quilters still use fabric blocks in different inch sizes to make quilts. Hence, the term inch block came about.
These days, quilting shops are selling fabric blocks in 5-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and more. If you are going to make a queen size quilt using 12-inch blocks, you will need 59 blocks.
How do you get this? To calculate the number of 12-inch blocks for a queen size quilt, first, get its dimension in inches. The queen size quilt has a standard size of 80-86 inches (2 to 2.2 meters) widths and 90-98 inches (2.3 to 2.5 meters) lengths.
Let’s take the size 86 inches width and 98 inches length. You need to divide 86 and 98 by 12 since you are using 12-inch blocks. Here it goes, 86 ÷ 12 is 7.17, then 98 ÷ 12 is 8.17.
Next is to multiply these figures, 7.17 X 8.17, and the answer you get will be the number of blocks you will need. In this case, you will need 58.53 or 59 blocks. Keep in mind that you must round it off your answer to the nearest whole number.
The number of blocks you need for your quilts depends on the dimension of your quilt and the size of your blocks.
List of Contents:
How Big Is A Queen Size Quilt?
The queen size quilt has a standard size of 80-86 inches (2 to 2.2 meters) widths and 90-98 inches (2.3 to 2.5 meters) lengths. If the dimension of your quilt falls within this range, it means you are making a queen size project.
Here is the table of the standard quilt and bed sizes.
Note: 1 meter is equal to 39.4 inches
Bed | Mattress Sizes in Inches | Approximate Quilt Sizes in Inches | Batting Sizesin Inches |
---|---|---|---|
Crib | 27 by 52 | Same size as mattress | 45 by 60 |
Twin | 39 by 75 | Widths 59 to 72Lengths 85 to 90 | 72 by 90; 72 by 96 |
Full | 54 by 75 | Widths 72 to 80 Lengths 85 to 90 | 81 by 96 |
Queen | 60 by 80 | Widths 80 to 86Length 90 to 98 | 90 by108; 96 by108 |
King | 76 by 80 | Width 96 to 110 Length 90 to 108 | 120 by120 |
California King | 72 by 84 | Width 92 to 106 Length 94 to 112 | 120 by 120 |
If you are making a queen size quilt, here are some guidelines to consider.
- You must first decide how much quilt blocks you will use for your quilt top. You must also determine the border or sashing allowance you need to allot.
- For beginners, it is best to make a rough sketch or draw your quilt pattern on paper.
- Determine what quilt block size you are going to use.
- Make sure to add fabric for your borders. Before you start the quilt, it must be clear to you how you are going to cut the borders. Is it on straight grain or crosswise grain?
- You must also determine how you are going to place your quilt blocks. Will they be on a straight-set or on-point?
- If you are going to place the blocks on point, you need to multiply the blocks’ finished size by 1.41. This will give you the width that your on-point blocks will occupy in your quilt.
How Many 10 Inch Squares Do I Need For A Queen Size Quilt?
A queen size quilt has a standard size of 80-86 inches (2 to 2.2 meters) widths and 90-98 inches (2.3 to 2.5 meters) lengths. For illustration, let’s take the size 80 inches width and 90 inches length. If you are using 10-inch blocks, use the computation process given earlier.
First, divide the width and the length by 10 since you are using a 10-inch quilt block. Here is how you do it.
Width 80 inches ÷ 10 is 8; Length 90 inches ÷ 10 is 9
Multiply 8 by 9 and you get 72. This means that your 80 X 90 queen size quilt needs 72 pieces of 10-inch blocks.
You may provide at least a half-inch seam or border allowance. This is to ensure that you will not use parts of the quilt blocks on your borders.
How Many 6 Inch Squares Does It Take To Make A Queen Size Quilt
When you opt for 6-inch square blocks, you still need to follow the same calculation process. Get the dimension of your quilt in inches and divide each measurement by 6. Then, multiply the quotients of the measurements.
Let us use the queen size 80 inches width and 90 inches length. First, divide 80 by 6 and you get 13.3. Then, divide 90 by 6 and you get 15. Multiply these answers, 13.3 X 15 and you get 199.5.
Round it off to the nearest hundred, so you will need 200 pieces of 6-inch blocks for your regular queen size quilt. Again, always provide at least ¼ inch (0.64 cm.) seam allowance when you stitch up your blocks.
How Many Quilt Squares Do I Need For A Queen Size Quilt?
There are different sizes of quilt blocks on the market. You can buy 5-inch blocks, 10-inch blocks, and so on. The number of squares or blocks you need depends on two factors.
- The size or dimension of your quilt
- The size of your quilt block
The formula is simple. Once you get the dimensions of your quilt in inches, divide each measurement by the block size. Then, multiply these two quotients. The answer is the number of quilt squares or blocks for your quilt.
Let’s assign figures to make it clearer. The standard queen size quilt has the size range of 80-86 inches (2 to 2.2 meters) widths and 90-98 inches (2.3 to 2.5 meters) lengths. Say you decide to use the queen size of 80 inches by 90 inches (2 by 2.3 m.).
Before you can get the number of quilt blocks, you need to determine what block size you are going to use. For illustration, let’s use a 5-inch quilt block. So, divide each quilt dimension by 5 since you are using a 5-inch block size.
Then, multiply the quotients of these two. In simple terms, 80 ÷ 5 is 16, 90 ÷ 5 is 18. Multiply 16 by 18 and you get 288. This means that you will need 288 blocks. Make sure to provide extra fabric for sashing or borders.
If you are a beginner, here are some tips you may want to consider in making your first quilt.
- Start with a smaller quilt size. If you opt for the queen size, choose the minimum size range.
- Choose a simple pattern or design. You may want to start with straight designs to help you get familiar with quilt blocks.
- It is best to use bigger quilt blocks at first. It is easier to work on bigger blocks and you will be able to finish your project sooner.
- Make sure to familiarize yourself with these quilting blocks. Know how to calculate the number of blocks you need for your project. This is to make sure that you will have enough blocks to finish your quilts.
- Always provide extra fabric for your sashing. You do not want your quilt blocks to be your border as it will lose the beauty of your design.
What Is The Average Size Of A Quilt Block?
Quilt blocks and jelly roll quilts are popular among quilters. A lot of quilting shops are selling quilting blocks ranging from 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches up to 10 inches by 10 inches. You can also buy quilt blocks in 5 inches by 5 inches and 12 inches by 12 inches.
- 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches (6.4 by 6.4 cm)
- 5 inches by 5 inches (12.7 by 12.7 cm)
- 10 inches by 10 inches (25.4 by 25.4 cm)
- 12 inches by 12 inches (30.5 by 30.5 cm)
1. How Do You Make A Perfect Quilt Block?
Quilts are works of art and functional home accents. These are the reasons why quilters are meticulous in making their quilts. They select the best fabrics, use the right tools, and measure quilt blocks on the dot.
If you are going to make quilts using blocks, you need to make sure that your blocks are in perfect squares. Here are four tips to help you make perfect blocks for your quilts.
Remove the Manufactured Creases and Folds
- When you buy fabrics, they have been folded and displayed for months or weeks on the store shelves. These folds are not always centered and so you need to remove that dent before using.
- Spread out the fabric on a flat surface and flatten it out. You may also iron press it to make sure that there is no fold marking left. Once you have flattened it out, fold the fabric in half.
- See to it that the edges of all sides meet. If you cannot align the fabric, adjust the fold until you align either the top or the bottom. When you have determined which part is not leveled, trim it.
- Put your folded fabric on your cutting mat. Use the leveled part as your guide and cut the misaligned part. Now, your fabric is in perfect shape.
Cut the Fabric into Blocks
- Put a ruler on the fabric. Use the vertical lines of your ruler to determine the width of the fabric strip. Make sure to align the horizontal line of the ruler on the fold of the fabric.
- Then, press the fabric and cut it with a continuous motion. Avoid back and forth movement as it will create uneven cuts. Continue this cutting process according to your pattern instructions.
- It is advisable to use different sizes of rulers to ensure that your fabric cuts are precise. For bigger blocks, use a long ruler and use a short ruler for smaller blocks.
Stitch the Seams
- When you make quilt blocks, quarter-inch seams are the standard. Quarter-inch (¼ inch or 0.64 cm.) seam is the distance between the sewing line and the edge of the fabric. Some machines have this marking on the plate.
- If your machine does not have, you can make the marking on your fabric. Another option is to remove the presser foot from the machine. Then, lower the needle on the ¼ inch (0.64 cm.) mark. Put masking tape along the edge to mark the seam line.
Press the Fabric
- Once you have sewn the blocks, press it to flatten the seam and fabric. It is best to press the blocks on the wrong side to make sure the seams lay flat with the fabric. This will also prevent the seam from showing through the front side of the block.
2. How Do You Fix Uneven Quilt Blocks?
When there is a discrepancy between your quilt blocks, do not fret. You can fix them. If the discrepancy is small, you can resolve it using your sewing machine. To join two uneven blocks, layer them on the bed of your machine.
Put the smaller one on top, but do not engage the even-feed foot. The feed dogs will ease in the extra fabric as you stitch them together. Keep in mind that this works only if the discrepancy is small. You cannot do this technique for 1 inch (2.54 cm.) or more discrepancies.
- If some blocks are too small, you can discard blocks that are uneven and replace them.
- Restitch uneven blocks and make sure you follow the ¼ inch (0.64 cm.) seam allowance.
- You may add borders around your entire block to give them a uniform and aligned edges.
- If only one or two sides have the uneven blocks, you may put borders only around those blocks.
Making quilts is more than stitching up fabric patches. You need to be meticulous throughout the process. Miscalculation of your quilt blocks can lead to insufficient blocks for your quilt.
The Math part of quilting is simple. All you need is understanding the basic concepts of division and multiplication. If you are nervous about making mistakes using quilt blocks, then start small.
You can make a small design in a straight pattern. You can make your first few projects using simple patterns until you get the hang of the process.
You may also start with bigger blocks so you will only work on several pieces. It is only challenging at the beginning. Once you understand the concept of quilt blocks, quilting will just be a walk in the park.
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Alicia Fleming
Thank you. Really good information.
Stefanie Perry
needing help I have 30 quilt blocks size 101/2. Wanting to make a queen size quilt what size of strips do I need in between blocks to make the queen size quilt . Thank you