First we'd need to know where you are using the background fabric. Will i t be in the large squares only or used within the chains as well? (Sometim es quilters use the background so that the chains appear to float on the ba ckground or use it for the middle chain.) The smaller you cut the pieces t he more waste and seams you will have, so making the chain squares with 1 i n. squares will take a lot more fabric than if you had 3 in. squares. (Ex aggerating a bit for example only! LOL) If you find a pattern you like- using the background where you want it- use twin size requirements and doub le it. Then you can work backwards and see how much extra 'safety net' fa bric is included in the pattern's fabric requirements.
I have found most quilt patterns are really skimpy on the side drops on all sides- and remember the larger the quilt the more the quilting will shrink the original size of the top. Be sure you'll have sufficient quilt to c over your sheets/blankets on the sides and bottom plus over the pillows if you prefer that or for matching pillow shams, etc.
The prices you pay for fabric makes it very clear why you want an accurate estimate. I'd have to quit quilting due to fabric prices if I lived any wh ere besides the US! Sheesh.
Good luck!
Leslie & The Furbabies > I'm trying to work out the amount of fabric I'll need to make a Triple Ir
ish Chain to fit my king-sized bed. There are a few websites with patterns and cutting guides, but nowhere does it say what yardage of fabrics to buy. The main thing I want to know is: how much of the background fabric will b e required? Every time I sit down with a pencil and paper to try and work i t out, something happens to interrupt my calculations and I lose my train o f thought. This is driving me mad! MAD, I tell you! Can anyone help, please ? (NB. I did buy the Irish Chain recipe book from Amazon, but guess what? I put it somewhere carefully and now I can't find it! Hnnnnnh!) -- Trish Bro wn {|:-} Newcastle, NSW, Australia