Groovy board sizes explained: pattern height, board height and throat space
The three numbers behind every board, why the same design comes in Small, Medium and Large, and how to pick a height for your machine.
Three numbers describe how a groovy board fits, and they are not the same number. Each product page lists the first two; your machine supplies the third.
The three numbers
- Board size is the piece of PVC: length by height, up to 22 x 11 in. Length is what has to fit on your frame's rear table, end to end with the next board.
- Pattern height is how tall the design itself is, the distance from the top of the line to the bottom. It is always a little less than the board height, because the line stays at least 1/8 in from the top and bottom edges. This is the number that sets your row spacing and the number your machine has to reach.
- Throat space is your machine's measurement, from the needle back to the body of the machine. The pattern height has to fit inside it, and inside what is left of it once the quilt rolls up on the take-up bar, which shrinks as you go. Leave yourself room.
The same design at more than one height
Many designs are routed at two or three heights so the same look suits a narrow border or a king quilt, and so quilters with less throat space are not left out. The name tells you which: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Small.
| Board | Board size (L x H) | Pattern height |
|---|---|---|
| Champagne Bubbly | 20.05 x 5.9815 in | 5.1433 in |
| Champagne Bubbly- Large | 20 x 10.28 in | 9.65 in |
| Running In Circles Small | 20 x 7 in | 6.5 in |
| Running In Circles | 21.46 x 9.23 in | 8.34 in |
| Victorian Floral | 21.5 x 7.32 in | 6.6 in |
| Victorian Floral Large | 20 x 11 in | 10 in |
| Baptist Fans Small | 19.62 x 7 in | 6.67 in |
| Baptist Fans Medium | 22 x 9.5 in | 9 in |
| Baptist Fans Large | 20.25 x 9.4 in | 8.5 in |
| Stipple My Heart | 20 x 11 in | 10 in |
Boards of different heights do not chain to each other, even with the same name: a Small and a regular Running In Circles are two separate designs for this purpose. Buy your pairs at one height.
Picking a height for your machine
Most Groovy Boards run 7 to 11 in tall. A shorter pattern means more rows and a denser look; a taller one means fewer rows and a bigger, more open design. If your usable throat space is tight, shop the boards under 8 in; with room to spare, 8 to 10 in and 10 in and over give you the full library. Every card on those pages shows the pattern height.
Length, frames and corners
Boards are 20 to 22 in long. Two boards cover about 40 in of frame; a 60 in quilt wants three across, or two and a leapfrog. The rear table of the frame has to be at least as deep as the board height plus the stylus reach, which is why the fit guide asks about the frame as well as the machine. A corner connector is a short board that turns the line through 90 degrees for a border; it matches the height of its parent design.
Custom sizes. Any design can be routed shorter or longer to suit a frame or a throat. Most changes carry no extra charge, and a custom board takes about a week. Write with the design name and the size you need.
Questions quilters ask
Is pattern height the same as board height?
No. The board is the PVC; the pattern height is the design on it, always a little less than the board height. Row spacing and throat clearance follow the pattern height.
How much throat space do I need?
At least the pattern height, with room to spare for the quilt that rolls up on the take-up bar as you advance. Each product page lists the pattern height; your machine's maker lists the throat.
What is the biggest board you make?
22 x 11 in. Larger requests are sometimes possible; ask.
Do all boards of one design chain together?
Only at the same height. Small, Medium and Large of one design are different sizes and do not lock to each other.
Not sure what fits your machine? Read the fit guide or write to us with your machine model. Groovy Patterns is a family shop in Owosso, Michigan; every board is routed here to order.