Quilters - can you talk me through the process, please?

[lucysmam]

I have (very) vague plans atm to make each dd a quilt for Christmas. I have a few questions though if someone has a few minutes spare?

For use on a single bed, and as a snuggle on the sofa, blanket how big would you make it?

What backing do you use?

My machine doesn't have changeable feet (that I can afford), is it possible to achieve the same quilted effect using a normal foot as opposed to a walking foot?

Any other tips would be fab then I can decide whether it's do-able on my shitty* machine or whether to do something else

*lack of functions/feet make it a bit useless sometimes!

I personally prefer 100%cotton with cotton batting. All of the quilts that I have made have washed well. Polyester batting is nice if you want that puffy feel but it can be a bugger for your machine. Definitely steer clear of anything that starts to fray, although my mum has been known to go over seams with her overlocker (I want one but I want the long arm more ).

Best not to use polycottons, stick with good quality craft cotton. They wash really well and if you put a colour catcher in with the quilt any problems with runs are solved.
I've washed all my quilts at some time or the other, cats always seem to know exactly the wrong place to up chuck.

Look at see Kate sew on Instagram-she does cheat quilts which look fab if only fabric shipping wasn't so expensive!
Also M is for make has some good tutorials and gorgeous gorgeous fat quarters