1. About.com
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Quilting

Discuss in my forum

Mattress Sizes

Knowing Mattress Sizes Will Help You Design a Quilt

By , About.com Guide

When you know standard mattress sizes, you'll be able to design and make a quilt that fits the bed perfectly.

Mattress Sizes

Crib Mattress Size: 28" x 52"

Twin Mattress Size (Single): 39" x 75"

Full Mattress Size (Double): 54" x 75"

Long Twin Mattress Size: 36" x 80"

  • Most beds in college dorms have long twin mattresses

Queen Mattress Size: 60" x 80"

King Mattress: 76" x 80"

California King Mattress Size: 72" x 84"

Quilt Design Options

Although knowing mattress is essential when when you design a quilt, also consider a few of the variables before you determine the quilt's final dimensions. Ask yourself these questions:

  • How much extra quilt width should extend past each side of the mattress to create a nice drop?

  • Will the quilt look better if the primary focus of its design stops at mattress edges?

  • Will the quilt be used with a dust ruffle? How much extra width and length is required to make sure the quilt extends nicely past the top edge of the ruffle?

  • Does the bed have a footboard that would interfere with the quilt? Would the quilt look better tucked in?

  • How will the quilt look with pillows plumped underneath? Would it be better to alter the border width or add another design element, then place pillows on top of the quilt near the bed's headboard?

    For pillows on top, you could make throw pillow covers to match or contrast with the quilt.

Mattress Depths

There are no standard mattress depths. Some mattresses are 9-10 inches deep, but many pillow top mattresses measure 15-16 inches in depth, or even more. Box springs and other bed components can make the mattress even higher.

If you're making a quilt for yourself it's much easier to consider all the bed size "what ifs." If the quilt is a gift, you can't be sure which bed size it will ultimately be used on, so consider making a quilt that would fit a queen mattress, the most popular bed size.

Make a Quilt

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.