Quilting Calculators
Four tools in one: backing yardage, binding strips, border fabric, and strip piecing math. Enter your quilt dimensions and get precise fabric requirements.
Calculate how much fabric you need for quilt backing, including overhang allowance for longarm quilting or self-binding.
Backing options: standard vs. wide
Standard-width fabric (44–45")is the most common quilting cotton width. For quilts wider than about 40", you'll need to seam two or more widths together. The seam can run vertically (most common) or horizontally. Press seams open to reduce bulk under quilting.
Wide backing fabric (108")eliminates the need for seaming on most quilts up to about 100" wide. It costs more per yard but saves time, reduces waste, and gives a cleaner back. Available in solid colors and some prints at most quilt shops.
Always add 4–6" of overhang on each side beyond the quilt top. Longarm quilters typically require at least 4" extra on all sides. The backing calculator includes this automatically.
Binding methods
Double-fold straight-grain bindingis the quilting standard. Cut strips 2.5" wide on the straight grain (parallel to the selvage), join them end-to-end, fold in half lengthwise, and sew to the quilt edge. It's durable, efficient, and works on straight edges.
Double-fold bias bindingis cut at 45 degrees to the grain. It stretches slightly, making it ideal for curved edges, scalloped borders, or quilts that will see heavy use (the bias grain resists fraying better). Use the same 2.5" strip width. Bias binding requires more fabric because of the diagonal cutting.
For most quilts with straight edges, straight-grain binding is the practical choice. Switch to bias for curves, rounded corners, or when you want a striped or plaid fabric to wrap at an angle for visual effect.
Border considerations
Straight-set borders are simpler to sew: attach the top and bottom strips first, press, then attach the sides (or vice versa). Each corner is a simple butt joint. This is the most common method for quilts.
Mitered borderscreate a 45-degree seam at each corner, like a picture frame. They look more polished, especially with striped or directional fabrics, but require extra strip length (the calculator adds this automatically). Each strip must extend beyond the quilt center by at least the border width plus 2" for trimming.
When adding multiple borders, measure through the center of the quilt (not the edges) to determine strip length. Quilt edges often stretch during piecing, and cutting borders to the center measurement helps keep the quilt square. Ease or slightly gather the edges to fit if needed.