QuickCheckTools

Quilt binding calculator

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Enter your quilt size to see how many binding strips to cut and how much fabric to buy.

Worked example

A 60" × 72" quilt with 2½" binding strips (Fat Quarter Shop's published example):

  1. Perimeter: (60 + 72) × 2 = 264".
  2. Add 20" for joins and corners: 284".
  3. Strips: 284 ÷ 40 = 7.1, round up to 8 strips.
  4. Fabric: 8 × 2½" = 20". 20 ÷ 36 = 0.56 yards, round up to ⅝ yard (or ¾ yard rounding to the ¼).

Questions

How do I calculate quilt binding?

Add the four sides of the quilt to get the perimeter, then add about 20" for joining strips and turning corners. Divide by 40" (the usable width of quilting cotton) and round up to get the number of strips. Multiply the strips by the strip width, divide by 36" and round up to buy the fabric.

What width should binding strips be?

2½" is the most common width for double-fold binding. Use 2¼" for a narrower binding on thin quilts and 2¾" or more for thick batting.

How much binding for a queen quilt?

A 90" × 95" queen has a 370" perimeter. Add 20" to get 390", which is 10 strips of 2½" (25" of fabric), so ¾ yard.

How much extra binding should I add?

Most patterns add 10" to 20". This calculator uses 20" by default; change it if your pattern says otherwise.

Should I cut binding on the bias?

Straight-grain strips (across the width of fabric) are fine for straight edges. Bias binding is for curved edges and uses more fabric; this calculator is for straight-grain strips.

Why round up to ⅛ or ¼ yard?

Shops cut fabric in steps. Rounding up to the next ⅛ yard is the least you can buy; rounding to ¼ yard gives you a little spare.

Assumes strips cut across 42" quilting cotton, 40" usable (102cm usable in metric). Checked against published examples from Missouri Star Quilt Co., Fat Quarter Shop and My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe.