Quilt Sizes: Expert Advice and Printable Chart for Making Quilts!

So you want to make a quilt! To me, all sizes of quilts are beautiful – from the mini quilts I hang on my wall to the king sized quilt on my bed. If you are setting out to sew quilt for a specific purpose (such as a baby gift) or to fit on a bed, you probably want to have an idea of common or standard quilt sizes before you get started.

For that purpose, I created a cute chart for quiltmakers and quilters to use as a handy resource showing standard quilt sizes. This downloadable chart shows standard mattress sizes for crib, twin (or single bed), twin xl, double, queen, king, and California king) as well as suggested quilt width and length for all of these dimensions.

Keep in mind that even though bed sizes are standard, finished quilt sizes can vary depending on personal preference.

Make sure you scroll down and click on the link below to download the chart above as a free PDF printable!

What is the most common size for a quilt?

Beginner quilters often start by making lap or throw sized quilts because they are faster and easier to sew. Smaller sizes like these quilts can be pieced quickly and can easily be quilted on a regular sewing machine. If you want to make a lap or throw quilt, be sure to check out all my 3 Yard Quilt Patterns.

Another popular size for handmade quilts is queen size. A queen sized quilt can fit on a queen bed, full bed, or even a twin bed (with lots of extra quilt to snuggle under). Queen sized quilts make super throw quilts too!

Baby (or crib) quilts are sometimes called “shower quilts” because they can be gifted to a new mom at her baby shower or as an heirloom for the child someday. The dimensions of baby quilts are understandably flexible because small quilts are handy for taking on the go and largish baby quilts work well in cribs.

Handmade baby quilts can be any size from 30” x 30” to 40” x 50”.

How big should a quilt be for a twin bed?

Twin quilts are a thoughtful gift for a young person heading off to college or school away from home. The minimum size for a twin quilt is 58” x 85”. Keep in mind that a Twin XL mattress is 5” longer than a regular mattress so you’ll want a quilt for a Twin XL bed to be at least 58” x 90”. Twin quilts can be up to 81” x 105” (or 81” x 111” for Twin XL). In that case, it could be a smallish queen size quilt too – that’s okay!

Check out my generously twin sized Modern Log Cabin Quilt Pattern.

And of course, handmade king size quilts (sometimes using a Wedding Ring pattern) are a priceless wedding gift.

What is a good size for a throw quilt?

If you are making a throw quilt to snuggle up on the couch and watch TV with, the size you need will depend on the size of the person who will use it. No one likes a lap quilt that doesn’t cover their toes!

My family enjoys having a queen sized quilt kept near the couch because it can cover tall people (or even 2 people).

How are Quilt Sizes Determined?

Click here to download the free PDF printable Quilt Sizes Chart.

Minimum bed quilt sizes take into account the dimensions of the mattress and then add 10” in length for a pillow tuck (or 10” drop at the end of the bed) plus a 10” drop at either side of the bed. Maximum bed quilt sizes are very generous and sometimes intend for the quilt to reach all the way to the floor. You won’t need a dust ruffle or bed skirt if you are making the maximum size! Lots of modern beds skip the box spring and those beds won’t need an oversized quilt.

Keep in mind that the dimensions in this chart are only guidelines. Some people complain that store bought garment sizes are shrinking (is it in my head???), but the same can be said for store bought quilts and comforters. In an effort to save fabric and money, some manufacturers get away with making their bedspreads an inch or two smaller.

I hope you find that my quilt size chart is just the resource you need to get quilting and make the right size quilt for a baby gift or your own bed!

Make sure you check out all these free quilt patterns and tutorials:

Happy Quiltmaking!

Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂