Community quilts

Size Recommendations

As we’ve been surveying agencies to update on their needs for quilts and their preferences, we’ve been asking what size is most needed. The answer seems to always be “not too small and not too big.” Now, that doesn’t at first glance seem to be too helpful, but it actually is. Translated, this means “big enough to be useful, but small enough to easily carry and handle.” We recommend twin size or smaller for most donations. Hospice and New Hope for Families prefer larger quilts: twin, full, and queen! Here are some recommendations for sizes, gathered from Internet quilt sources. These are only recommendations, not rules! You don’t need to make rectangular quilts; they can also be square. And you can certainly vary from the sizes given below. Just keep in mind that the purpose of the quilts is to keep people warm and brighten their day.

Small Play Mat/ Fiddle Quilt*: 18 x 20 inches.
(Not to be used in cribs because of the danger of suffocation. See bottom of page for Fiddle Quilt information,)
Twin: 70 x 90 inches
Lap/Wheelchair: Suggested 35 x 45 inches or 36 x 36 inches        
Throw: 50 x 65 inches
 For a more extensive list of quilt sizes, see Quilt Sizes Chart on Instructions & Tips.        

*Fiddle Quilts: If you prefer to make small quilts, consider turning yours into a “fiddle quilt” for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. A fiddle quilt is also known as an “activity blanket” or “activity mat” because it incorporates zippers, buttons, ribbons, ties, beads, fuzzy fabric, and other things. The quilts are kept small (about 18 x 20 inches) so they fit on a lap or a table, but also so that the person using them does not become overwhelmed by too much stimuli. Also, some people respond very well to bright colors, but others become confused and agitated by too much input. That means we have need for bright, happy colors and also soft, unassertive colors. If you’re interested, there are lots of good websites about fiddle quilts. One of the best is Nancy Zieman’s website. 

Community quilts are also known as charity quilts or donation quilts.

Photo credits: contributed by members including Sandy Bonsib and Karen Levay