Top Quilt Dimensions

**natxcuah** · 01-15-2013, 09:43

I'm getting ready to make a synthetic TQ, as my first DIY gear project, and have a question on size.

Are there any general rules on TQ dimensions?

It seems like they are generally about 72" long, unless you need it longer. The width has much more variance, 48-60" at the head, and 36-48" at the foot. I guess my confusion is if sizing is an ad-hoc effort, or if there is tribal knowledge that I can tap into.

Thanks!

**Shug** · 01-15-2013, 10:11

This article may give you some insight......Top Quilt
Carry forth.....
Shug

**natxcuah** · 01-15-2013, 10:57

Thanks Shug. That article has good information on construction, but doesn't answer my question about how decide on a size. In the article, the author seems to have used trial and error with cheap fabric.

Is there any advantage, besides weight and volume savings, to having a narrower quilt? Is the only advantage of a wider quilt a decreased likelihood of rolling out from under the quilt during the night?

Is there a shoulder width to quilt width ratio that seems to work best?

**Shug** · 01-15-2013, 11:01

Originally Posted by natxcuah

Thanks Shug. That article has good information on construction, but doesn't answer my question about how decide on a size. In the article, the author seems to have used trial and error with cheap fabric.

Is there any advantage, besides weight and volume savings, to having a narrower quilt? Is the only advantage of a wider quilt a decreased likelihood of rolling out from under the quilt during the night?

Is there a shoulder width to quilt width ratio that seems to work best?

I have never made a TQ so I can't give you the answer you seek. I say look at vendors sites and look at their TQ sizes and modify your to fit. I'd go wider than to not.
Shug

**natxcuah** · 01-15-2013, 11:11

Okay. No problem. I have been looking on the manufacturer's sites, but think that is where I got into my dilemma. Too much research can sometimes be as bad as not enough.

Maybe I can get some other folks to chime in later today.

**Whiskeyjack** · 01-15-2013, 11:17

Several of the manufactures give some ideas on which size to use based on shoulder width and sleeping habits. So a skinny person who tosses a lot may need the same width as a broad shouldered person who doesn't move during the night. Figure out your broadness and sleeping habits and base it off that.

**Coffee** · 01-15-2013, 13:23

Trial and error works well for getting it just right for you. Get a long piece of cheap fabric and trim or fold it until you have the fit you like. If in doubt erroring to the wider end will leave you warmer than the narrow end. Don't make the mistake I made by forgetting about the length you lose if you gather the ends.

**Shug** · 01-15-2013, 13:26

Get a bedsheet and pin it to get a size that may suit your body and sleeping style.

**MAD777** · 01-15-2013, 14:22

Originally Posted by Shug

Get a bedsheet and pin it to get a size that may suit your body and sleeping style.

+1 on this technique. That's how I size mine. I am a 6'-1" and 200# side sleeper and make 40" wide finished size quilts. I'm a gram weenie so this is minimum for me. My deep winter quilt is 44" wide finished because I wanted an extra factor of safety.

**The Old Boot** · 01-15-2013, 21:39

I found the size I want by being a couch potato a time or two

Seriously, I have a throw rug for snuggling on the couch and I realized that it was the perfect width with very little extra and I could snag the bottom end with my toes and have it snug up against my chin.

Other than tapering it to save material and weight, it's 'right for me'!