Sizing quilts

**Mouseskowitz** · 06-07-2013, 15:41

I'm getting closer to starting some quilt projects. The next thing I need to figure out is how much material I need, but before I can do that I need to figure out how big the quilts are going to be. Is there any type of rule of thumb or calculator for that? The three main variables seem to be shoe size, height and width at the shoulders. The PLTQs I made are a bit big and I don't want to want to go too far the other way this time.

**lokbot** · 06-07-2013, 19:25

I'd recommend looking at the dimensions on the popular quilt manufacturers. If you are planning on making your quilt out of 1.1 ripstop I'd recommend looking at underquilts.com

They sell shells for underquilts and topquilts. I've made one of their underquilts and it was quite easy. I priced out the cost of making the quilt with seconds 1.1 ripstop from backwoods day dreamer and I would have saved myself about $20 making the whole thing myself. I think that's a pretty good trade off for a few hours of work cutting and sewing the pieces and baffles together. I made my UQ with suspension and down for about $120

-Loki

**Violent Green** · 06-11-2013, 12:42

Originally Posted by Mouseskowitz

I'm getting closer to starting some quilt projects. The next thing I need to figure out is how much material I need, but before I can do that I need to figure out how big the quilts are going to be. Is there any type of rule of thumb or calculator for that? The three main variables seem to be shoe size, height and width at the shoulders. The PLTQs I made are a bit big and I don't want to want to go too far the other way this time.

I feel like there is a calculator, but I don't remember where. Plan on using (5) yards of material for each top quilt *before* you also add in the material needed for baffles. Width - the standard is 50" finished. Don't forget about seam allowance/finishing in your measurement. Length - Up to you - how tall are you? Drawcord footbox takes up about 6" when closed. Footbox - IIRC typical girth is 36".

Ryan

**Lost_Biker** · 06-11-2013, 18:47

Here's a popular calculator - does TQ, UQ and more : https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=48444

**LFCRed** · 06-11-2013, 18:55

Is the width of a top quilt solely dependent on the size of the user or are there other factors involved? I've looked on manufacturers websites but other than stating what widths are available there is no other information that I have been able to find.

**Mouseskowitz** · 06-13-2013, 22:39

Well, I'm 6' but part of the dilemma is if I just want something up to my shoulders or be able to pull it over my head. I'm thinking shoulder would be fine for the 40* one. The 10* bag is what I'm really not sure about. In April I was out with my sleep system with a low around 15* and had a major problem with condensation and frost. Gortex and synthetic can take it pretty good but down not so much. So, I still need to figure out what I'm going to do to keep my head warm and the down dry.