A queen size bed is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. Unfortunately most fabric is either 45 or 60 inches wide. To make a queen size comforter you must sew two or more lengths of fabric together. Comforters look odd with a seam up the middle, so it is best to use a full width of fabric in the center of the comforter and place your seams toward the sides.
Using 60-inch-wide Fabric
Two lengths of 60 inch fabric will be sufficient to make a comforter. You will split the second length of fabric lengthwise and sew it onto the sides. Two lengths of fabric would have a total width of 120 inches. This will provide plenty of fabric for the 60-inch top, 24 inches of overhang on each side and three inches of seam allowances.
Calculating Total Length for 60-inch-wide Fabric
Calculate the length of each width by adding 24 inches for the overhang at the bottom of the bed to the 80 inch length of the bed, plus an inch for seam allowances for a total of 129 inches. Two lengths would be 258 inches or 7 and 1/6 yards.
Using 44-inch-wide Fabric
You will need three lengths of 44-inch-wide fabric to make a queen size comforter. Three lengths of fabric would have a total width of 132 inches. This will provide plenty of fabric for the 60-inch top, 24 inches of overhang on each side and four inches of seam allowances.
Calculating Total Length for 44-inch Wide Fabric
Calculate the length of each width by adding 24 inches for the overhang at the bottom of the bed to the 80 inch length of the bed, plus an inch for seam allowances for a total of 129 inches. Three lengths would be 387 inches or 10 3/4 yards.
Calculating Lining Fabric Length
You will also need lining fabric for the back of the comforter. Calculate the amount you will need based on the width of the lining fabric.
Writer Bio
Camela Bryan's first published article appeared in "Welcome Home" magazine in 1993. She wrote and published SAT preparation worksheets and is also a professional seamstress who has worked for a children's theater as a costume designer and in her own heirloom-sewing business. Bryan has a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Florida.
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