Creating a 50×60 inch blanket requires accurately determining the necessary fabric yardage. This calculation is variable, depending on the type of fabric chosen and the desired construction method. Understanding the relationship between the blanket’s dimensions and the fabric’s width is the first step toward a successful project. This guide provides a clear method for calculating the material required for this popular throw size, considering factors like single-layer versus double-sided construction.
Calculating Fabric for a Single-Layer Blanket
Determining the yardage for a single-layer 50×60 inch blanket requires converting the dimensions from inches to yards and adding a finishing allowance. The finished size of 60 inches in length translates to 1.67 yards. An additional 4 inches is generally added for squaring the edges and creating a clean hem, bringing the total length needed to 64 inches. This 64-inch length is equivalent to approximately 1.78 yards, which is typically rounded up to a purchase of 1.75 or 1.8 yards.
The width of the fabric bolt significantly influences the final cut, especially when using standard 44/45-inch wide quilting cottons. Since the blanket’s 50-inch width exceeds the 45-inch fabric width, a seam will be required to piece two sections together to achieve the full dimension. This piecing method requires two separate cuts of the 1.75-yard length, which is a less efficient use of material.
A more straightforward calculation applies when using wider materials, such as 60-inch fleece, flannel, or minky fabric. Because the 60-inch width of the material is greater than the blanket’s 50-inch width, the entire blanket can be cut from a single piece without any seams. For this wider fabric, the required length remains 64 inches, or 1.75 yards, which is the minimum purchase necessary to accommodate the finished size plus the necessary allowance. This single-cut approach simplifies construction and minimizes fabric waste.
Adjusting for Double-Sided Blankets and Backing
A double-sided blanket requires fabric for both the front and the back, effectively doubling the material requirement. If the same 60-inch wide fabric is used for both sides, the total yardage is simply twice the single-layer amount. Based on the 1.75 yards needed for one side, the total purchase for a double-sided blanket using 60-inch wide material would be 3.5 yards.
When the blanket is constructed with a different fabric for the backing, such as a quilt top, the calculation must be performed for each piece. The backing fabric must cover the 50×60 inch area, plus an additional allowance that is often larger than a simple hem. For quilting, the backing fabric is typically extended by 4 to 6 inches on all four sides to provide enough material for the quilting process and to accommodate shifting.
This increased allowance means the backing fabric may need to be cut to a size closer to 58×68 inches, which translates to a length of nearly 1.9 yards. Rounding up for purchase, this would require 2 yards of 60-inch wide backing fabric. If the backing fabric is only 44/45 inches wide, the 58-inch width requirement necessitates piecing two sections together, which increases the total yardage needed for the backing alone.
The Impact of Fabric Width and Seam Allowances
The width of the fabric bolt is the most influential factor determining the final yardage calculation for a 50×60 inch blanket. Standard quilting cottons are typically 44 or 45 inches wide, while materials like fleece and flannel often come in widths of 54 to 60 inches. Since the blanket’s 50-inch dimension exceeds the 45-inch width, using narrower fabric requires piecing a strip onto the side to achieve the full width, which adds a seam and increases complexity.
Selecting a fabric that is 60 inches wide allows the entire 50-inch width of the blanket to be cut in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for a central seam. This choice simplifies construction and often results in less wasted material.
The finished 50×60 inch size is the final goal, but the fabric purchase must account for necessary allowances beyond these dimensions. Adding extra inches to the length and width is necessary for hemming, squaring the fabric edges, and accommodating potential shrinkage after washing. A standard allowance of 2 to 4 inches on the length ensures enough material to straighten the cut edge and create a clean, finished hem. If the fabric has a large, directional pattern, additional yardage may be required to ensure the pattern repeat is matched or to center the design on the blanket.