Fabric & Quilting Calculator
Work out backing and binding yardage for a quilt from its finished size and your fabric width, including how many panels and binding strips to cut. Runs in your browser.
Total fabric
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Show the math
Backing must be larger than the top, so we add the overhang on every side, then seam full-width panels until they cover the width:
panels = ceil((width + 2×overhang) ÷ fabric width) · backing yards = panels × (length + 2×overhang) ÷ 36
Binding wraps the perimeter plus a join allowance, cut into strips across the fabric:
binding length = 2×(width + length) + 10 · strips = ceil(length ÷ fabric width)
Figures assume a quilt narrow enough for vertical backing seams; very wide quilts can be more efficient pieced horizontally. Always buy a little extra for shrinkage and squaring up.
What this does
A fabric & quilting calculator works out backing and binding yardage for a quilt from its finished size and your fabric width, including the panels and binding strips to cut.
How to use it
- Enter the quilt width and length.
- Enter your fabric width.
- Set the backing overhang.
- Read the backing yards and binding strips.
How it works
Full-width panels are seamed until they cover the quilt, with overhang on every side. Binding wraps the perimeter plus extra for mitred corners.
backing yards = panels × (length + overhang) ÷ 36
Understanding your result
The backing and binding yardage assumes full-width fabric, so check your bolt width before buying, as a narrower fabric needs an extra panel and more total yardage. Always add the overhang on every side for longarm or basting room, and buy binding generously, since mitred corners and a join eat more length than the bare perimeter suggests.
Example
A 60 × 80 inch quilt on 44-inch fabric needs two backing panels.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is backing yardage calculated?
The backing must overhang the top on every side, so we add the overhang, then seam full-width fabric panels until they cover the width. Yards = panels × (length + overhang) ÷ 36.
How much binding do I need?
Binding wraps the perimeter (2 × (width + length)) plus about 10 inches for mitred corners and joins, cut into strips across the fabric width.
Should I buy extra?
Yes. Add a little for shrinkage, squaring up, and pattern matching; cotton can shrink several percent on the first wash.
Is my project saved?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.
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