Crib Quilt Size: Dimensions in Inches, Backing, Batting and Blocks
A crib quilt is typically 36 x 52 inches (3 x 4.3 feet), sized to cover a 28 x 52 inch crib mattress with a 15 inch drop. Published sizes range from 30 x 45 to 45 x 60. Plan 2 1/2 yards of 42 inch backing and a crib / baby batting.
The crib quilt size on this page follows the coverlet convention most modern quilt charts use: the crib mattress (28 x 52 inches) plus a 15 inch drop down both sides and the foot, with no pillow tuck. Mattress depth runs 4 to 6 inches, so a deep mattress needs a longer drop to cover the sides.
| Typical finished size | 36 x 52 in (3 x 4.3 ft) |
|---|---|
| Published size range | 30 x 45 to 45 x 60 in |
| Mattress | 28 x 52 in, 4 to 6 in deep |
| Quilt top area | 13.0 sq ft |
| Backing, 42 in cotton | 2 1/2 yd (2 panels) |
| Backing, 108 in wide | 1 1/4 yd |
| Binding (2 1/2 in strips) | 6 strips, 1/2 yd |
| Batting to cut | 44 x 60 in (Crib / Baby package) |
| Comfortable throat space | 7 in or more |
How big should a crib quilt be for your bed?
The drop is the part of the quilt that hangs over the edge of the mattress. A coverlet just clears the mattress sides, a comforter-style quilt sits a little shorter, and a bedspread runs to the floor and tucks over the pillows. Here is the crib size for each style, measured from the 28 x 52 inch mattress top.
| Style | Drop | Pillow tuck | Quilt size (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverlet | 12 in | none | 52 x 64 |
| Coverlet | 15 in | none | 58 x 67 |
| Comforter / Duvet style | 10 in | none | 48 x 62 |
| Comforter / Duvet style | 15 in | none | 58 x 67 |
| Bedspread | 20 in | 13 in | 68 x 85 |
| Bedspread | 24 in | 13 in | 76 x 89 |
For a bedspread, measure from the top of your mattress to the floor and use that as the drop, since bed frames vary. Cotton quilts also shrink about 3 to 5 percent in the first wash, so add 2 to 3 inches if an exact finished size matters. The quilt size calculator handles any mattress depth and drop.
How many blocks do you need for a crib quilt?
Divide the quilt width and length by the finished block size and round to the nearest whole block. The table assumes no sashing or border, so the finished top is close to, but not exactly, 36 x 52 inches.
| Finished block | Across x down | Total blocks | Top size (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 in | 6 x 9 | 54 | 36 x 54 |
| 8 in | 5 x 7 | 35 | 40 x 56 |
| 10 in | 4 x 5 | 20 | 40 x 50 |
| 12 in | 3 x 4 | 12 | 36 x 48 |
| 14 in | 3 x 4 | 12 | 42 x 56 |
| 16 in | 2 x 3 | 6 | 32 x 48 |
Want fewer blocks? Add a border. A 6 inch border on all four sides removes 12 inches from each dimension of the block area. Try it in the blocks needed calculator, or see quilt block sizes for cutting sizes.
How much fabric does a crib quilt need for backing, binding and batting?
These are the finishing materials for a 36 x 52 inch top, using 4 inches of extra backing and batting per side and 2 1/2 inch double-fold binding cut across 42 inch cotton.
- Backing: 2 1/2 yards of 42 inch cotton (2 panels, horizontal seams), or 1 1/4 yards of 108 inch wide backing. Full detail on the crib backing page.
- Binding: 6 strips at 2 1/2 inches, 188 inches in total, 1/2 yards. See the crib binding page.
- Batting: 44 x 60 inches, so a Crib / Baby package (45 x 60 in) covers it. Compare types in the batting size chart.
What machine do you need to quilt a crib quilt?
A standard domestic machine handles baby and wall quilts. Throat space, the distance from the needle to the machine body, decides how much quilt you can bunch to the right of the needle. For a quilt 36 inches wide, look for 7 in or more.
Machines that handle this quilt comfortably
Baby, crib and wall quilts fit through almost any machine. A good computerized machine with a walking foot and wide table is plenty.
Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
$279.99Wide extension table, quilt guide and walking-foot friendly, at a beginner price.
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Janome 3160QDC-G Sewing and Quilting Machine
$749.00Janome build quality in a compact computerized machine made with quilters in mind.
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Juki TL-2000Qi Long-Arm Sewing and Quilting Machine
$999.00A straight-stitch workhorse that grows with you into bigger quilts.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Measure before you cut
Quilt size charts disagree by several inches. Measure your actual mattress and the drop you like on an existing blanket, then adjust. It is easier to add a border than to unpick one.
Supplies for a crib quilt
Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 Cotton/Poly Batting, Queen
$28.99An 80/20 blend that packages in sizes that suit smaller quilts with room to spare.
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Olfa 60mm Ergonomic Squeeze-Handle Rotary Cutter RTY-3/DX
$26.49A 60 mm rotary cutter slices through layered fabric for faster cutting.
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Creative Grids 12-1/2 x 24-1/2 Rectangle Quilt Ruler
$55.99A long, grippy ruler for cutting borders and binding strips accurately.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How does a crib quilt compare with other sizes?
| Quilt | Typical size (in) | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | 36 x 52 | Nursery decor, toddler bed; keep soft bedding out of an infant sleep space per safe-sleep guidance |
| Mini / Wall Hanging | 24 x 24 | Wall decor, table topper, skill practice, swaps |
| Baby | 40 x 40 | Play mat, tummy time, stroller, gift |
| Lap | 45 x 60 | Chair or wheelchair lap cover, reading |
| Throw | 50 x 65 | Couch, foot of bed, picnic |
| Twin | 68 x 90 | Twin bed coverlet, bunk bed, daybed |
| Twin XL | 68 x 95 | Dorm bed coverlet |
| Full / Double | 83 x 90 | Full bed coverlet |
| Queen | 90 x 95 | Queen bed coverlet |
| King | 106 x 95 | King or split king bed coverlet |
| California King | 102 x 99 | California king bed coverlet |
Frequently asked questions
How big is a crib quilt in feet?
A crib quilt of 36 x 52 inches is about 3 x 4.3 feet. Quilt sizes are not standardized, so patterns and shops list anything from 30 x 45 to 45 x 60 inches. Measure your own mattress width, length and depth, then add the drop you like on each side, because a thick pillow-top crib mattress can eat several inches of drop.
How much fabric do I need for the back of a crib quilt?
With 4 inches of extra backing on every side, a 36 x 52 inch crib quilt needs a 44 x 60 inch backing. That is 2 1/2 yards of 42 inch quilting cotton sewn as 2 panels with horizontal seams, or 1 1/4 yards of 108 inch wide backing. Longarm quilters may ask for 6 inches per side, so check first.
What size batting do I need for a crib quilt?
Cut batting about 4 inches larger than the top on every side, so a crib quilt needs roughly 44 x 60 inches. The smallest standard package that covers it is Crib / Baby batting at 45 x 60 inches. Package sizes vary slightly by brand, so compare the label before you buy.
How many 12 inch blocks do I need for a crib quilt?
Without sashing or borders, a crib quilt near 36 x 52 inches takes 3 blocks across and 4 down, 12 blocks in total, for a finished top of 36 x 48 inches. Adding a border lets you use fewer blocks and still reach the size you want. The blocks-needed calculator works out sashing and borders for you.
How much binding does a crib quilt need?
A 36 x 52 inch quilt has a perimeter of 176 inches. Adding 12 inches for mitered corners and the final join, you need about 188 inches of binding, which is 6 strips cut 2 1/2 inches wide across 42 inch fabric, or 1/2 yards of fabric.
Can I quilt a crib quilt on a regular sewing machine?
A standard domestic machine handles baby and wall quilts. For a quilt 36 inches wide, a throat space of 7 in or more makes the job comfortable. A standard machine with a 6 to 7 inch harp can still quilt it with careful rolling and straight lines, but free-motion work on a big quilt is far easier with more space. Many quilters also send large tops to a longarm service.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.