How Many 5 Inch Squares You Need to Make a Queen Size Quilt – Quilt Square Calculator and Cutting Instructions

Understanding Different Sizes of Quilts

Before diving into the specifics of how many squares you need, it’s helpful to understand quilt sizing. Quilts come in a variety of standard sizes to fit different beds. Here are some of the most common:

1. Crib quilt – fits a baby crib
2. Twin quilt – fits a twin size bed
3. Double/Full quilt – fits a double or full size bed
4. Queen quilt – fits a queen size bed
5. King quilt – fits a king size bed

In this article, we’ll focus on the queen size quilt as that was the size specified in the original question. A queen size quilt measures approximately 90 inches wide by 90 inches long. This fits standard queen size beds that are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.

Determining the Number of Squares Needed

There are a few key factors that determine how many 5 inch squares you’ll need:

1. Finished size of the quilt top
2. Size of each fabric square
3. Amount of fabric needed for sashing and borders

Let’s break each of these down:

Finished size of the quilt top

For a queen size quilt top, you’ll want the finished measurement to be around 88 inches wide by 98 inches long to allow for extra fabric around the edges for quilting and binding.

Size of each fabric square

In this case, we’re using 5 inch fabric squares. So each square will finish to about 4.5 inches after sewing and pressing seams.

Sashing and borders

Most quilt designs use sashing ( strips of fabric sewn between rows/columns of squares) and borders ( larger strips of fabric sewn around the perimeter) which require additional fabric. Plan on needing approximately 10-15% more squares to account for this.

Calculating the Number ofSquares

Now we can put it all together to calculate how many 5 inch squares we’ll need:

Quilt top size: 88″ x 98″

Square size: Each 5″ square will finish to about 4.5″

Number of squares across: 88″ / 4.5″ per square = Around 20 squares wide
Number of squares down: 98″ / 4.5″ per square = Around 22 squares long

Total squares for quilt top:
20 squares x 22 squares = Approximately 440 squares

Additional squares for sashing/borders:
440 squares x 0.15 = 66 additional squares

Total squares needed:
440 + 66 = Approximately 506 – 5 inch squares

So in summary, to make a queen size quilt using 5 inch squares, you’ll need around 506 squares total. Always round up a bit to be safe!

Additional Tips for 5 Inch Squares

Here are a few more tips based on my experience working with 5 inch squares:

Variation in Fabric Amounts

The exact number can vary depending on your quilt design, layout, and how much fabric is needed for borders. I always recommend buying at least 10-20% more squares than estimated to allow flexibility.

Using Prestucky Half Square Triangles

If your design incorporates half square triangles (HSTs), you may need significantly more squares. The Prestucky method produces very little fabric waste for HSTs but still uses up full squares.

Planning Fabric Yardages Carefully

With smaller squares, fabric usage can add up quickly. Be sure to calculate fabric needs accurately, including enough for mistakes. Buying fat quarters is very cost effective for 5 inch squares.

Seam Allowances are Key

With tiny squares, precise 1/4″ seam allowances are crucial. Practice your piecing skills first. Using acrylic rulers and guides can help ensure accurate results.

I hope these tips provide a clearer picture of what’s involved in choosing fabrics and determining the square count for a queen size quilt made from 5 inch squares! As with any quilt project, it’s wise to add a buffer of extra fabric. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Putting the Plan into Action

Alright, so in summary, here are the key points we covered:

– Queen size bed dimensions are standard 90″ x 90″
– For a queen size quilt top, aim for a finished size of around 88″ x 98″
– Each 5″ fabric square will finish to approximately 4.5″ after sewing
– To calculate the number of squares needed, divide the quilt top dimensions by the finished square size
– For sashing and borders, plan on 10-15% more squares than the quilt top calculation
– A queen size quilt made with 5″ squares will require around 506 squares total
– Additional tips include buying extra fabric and practicing precise piecing skills

Now it’s time to put that plan into action! Here are the basic steps:

1. Select your fabrics for the quilt top squares and sashing/borders
2. Cut the necessary number of 5″ squares from each fabric
3. Lay out the quilt top design and arrange the squares
4. Sew the squares together in rows
5. Sew the rows together
6. Add sashing strips between the rows/columns
7. Add outer border strips
8. Layer, quilt, and bind the finished quilt

Taking it one step at a time will ensure your project comes together nicely. Be sure to share photos of your finished queen size 5″ square quilt – I’d love to see it! Let me know if any part of the process needs more explanation. Happy quilting!

How Many 5 Inch Squares Needed for a Queen Size Quilt

FAQ

1. How many 5 inch squares do I need to make a queen sized quilt?

   Basically, for a queen sized quilt that is around 90 inches by 60 inches, you will need around 225 five inch squares. The exact number may vary a little depending on the quilt design and whether you trim or lose any squares during construction.

2. Do I need to buy extra squares in case some get ruined?

   Yeah, it’s always a good idea to buy some extra squares beyond what the minimum is. Sometimes when you’re piecing them together things don’t quite line up right or maybe the dog accidentally knocks them off the table. Getting like 10% more than the amount needed could save you from having to make an extra trip to the fabric store.

3. What if I want to add some bigger squares or rectangles to the design?

   If your particular quilt design calls for incorporating some larger squares or rectangles in addition to the standard 5 inch pieces, you’ll need to calculate those into your total square count. Don’t forget to account for any bigger elements when figuring up the minimum number of little squares. At the same time, stick with the general guideline of buying a few extras in case of errors or accidents during construction.

4. Do I cut all the squares first before piecing them together?

   There’s no right or wrong way to approach this – some people like to get all their cutting done and organized before starting the actual piecing part while others start piecing as they go along, cutting squares as needed from their fabric piles. It probably depends on your work style and space constraints. I usually kind of do a mix – cut a few days’ worth at first and then keep cutting more as pieces are used up.

5. Is this number of squares accurate for my particular quilt design?

   The number of 5 inch squares provided is intended as a general guideline but the exact amount may vary depending on the specific layout of your quilt pattern. Things like adding sashing strips or having an asymmetrical design could cause you to need a few more or less squares. Your best bet is to look closely at the pattern instructions or draw out your block layout to verify the true square count. Or just buy a few extras to be safe!

6. What if I cut the squares a bit bigger than 5 inches – will it matter?

   For the most part, cutting the squares a quarter inch or so larger than 5 inches shouldn’t pose too much of an issue. When piecing them into rows and blocks, the little bit of extra fabric will get trimmed away. However, if they are too big, it may throw off the measurements as the quilt is constructed. As long as you try to keep them reasonably close to 5 inches, it’ll most likely be fine. Consistency is key.

   

7. Where can I buy fabric to cut my own 5 inch squares?

   Pretty much any fabric or craft store will have a good selection of quilt fabrics that can be used to cut your own 5 inch squares. Maybe check if your local JoAnn’s, Hobby Lobby, or even Walmart have a quilt section. You may also find nice options at quilt or fabric shops online. It’s sometimes nice to support small businesses too. Just make sure to purchase enough total square inches or yards based on the guidelines provided here.