Our quilt binding calculator is an essential tool for quilters to determine the amount of fabric needed for binding a quilt by considering quilt’s dimensions, binding strip width, and seam allowance.
- Perimeter Calculation: Formula: Perimeter = 2 × (Length + Width)
- Total Binding Length: Formula: Total Binding Length = Perimeter + Overage
- Number of Strips Needed: Formula: Number of Strips = Total Binding Length / Width of Fabric
Quilt Binding Calculator
| Quilt Size | Binding Width | Seam Allowance | Total Binding | Fabric Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60″ x 80″ | 2.25″ | 1/4″ | 286″ | 3/4 yard |
| 90″ x 108″ | 2.5″ | 1/4″ | 406″ | 1 1/8 yards |
| 36″ x 48″ | 2″ | 1/4″ | 178″ | 1/2 yard |
| 72″ x 72″ | 2.25″ | 1/4″ | 298″ | 3/4 yard |
| 54″ x 66″ | 2.5″ | 1/4″ | 250″ | 3/4 yard |
| 50″ x 70″ | 2.25″ | 1/4″ | 240″ | 5/8 yard |
| 40″ x 60″ | 2.5″ | 1/4″ | 200″ | 1/2 yard |
| 80″ x 100″ | 2.5″ | 1/4″ | 420″ | 1 1/8 yards |
| 30″ x 40″ | 2.25″ | 1/4″ | 140″ | 3/8 yard |
| 96″ x 96″ | 2.5″ | 1/4″ | 384″ | 1 yard |
| 45″ x 60″ | 2.25″ | 1/4″ | 210″ | 5/8 yard |
| 75″ x 90″ | 2.5” | 1/4” | 330” | 7/8 yard |
| 12” x 18” | 2” | 1/4” | 60” | 1/8 yard (rounded up) |
| 100” x 120” | 2.5” | 1/4” | 440” | 1 1/4 yards (rounded up) |
Quilt Binding Formula
The formula for calculating quilt binding involves several steps:
- Calculate the quilt’s perimeter: Perimeter = 2 * (Length + Width)
- Add extra length for corners and overlap: Total binding length = Perimeter + 10″ (typically)
- Calculate the number of binding strips needed: Number of strips = Total binding length ÷ Width of fabric
- Determine the total yardage: Yardage = (Number of strips * Width of binding strip) ÷ 36″ (1 yard)
For a quilt measuring 72″ x 90″ with 2.5″ wide binding strips:
Perimeter = 2 * (72″ + 90″) = 324″
Total binding length = 324″ + 10″ = 334″
Number of strips (assuming 42″ wide fabric) = 334″ ÷ 42″ ≈ 8 strips
Yardage = (8 2.5") ÷ 36" ≈ 0.56 yards or *5/8 yardHow to Calculate Binding for a Quilt
To calculate binding for a quilt:
Measure your quilt accurately, including any borders.
Decide on your binding width (typically 2.25″ to 2.5″).
Choose between straight grain or bias binding.
Apply the formula mentioned above.
Round up the final yardage to the nearest quarter yard.
Example calculation for a 50″ x 70″ quilt with 2.25″ wide binding:
- Perimeter = 2 * (50″ + 70″) = 240″
- Total binding length = 240″ + 10″ = 250″
- Number of strips (42″ wide fabric) = 250″ ÷ 42″ ≈ 6 strips
- Yardage = (6 2.25″) ÷ 36″ ≈ 0.375 yards or *3/8 yard (rounded up)
How wide should binding strips be for a quilt?
The width of binding strips for a quilt depends on several factors:
- Quilt thickness: Thicker quilts require wider binding.
- Desired finish: Wider binding creates a bolder edge.
- Binding technique: Machine vs. hand binding may require different widths.
Generally, binding strips range from 2″ to 2.5″ wide. For a standard quilt:
- 2.25″ wide strips work well for machine binding
- 2.5″ wide strips are ideal for hand binding
For a lap quilt with standard batting, cut 2.25″ wide strips for machine binding. This width allows for a 1/4″ seam allowance and comfortable folding over the quilt edge.
How to calculate how much fabric for bias binding?
Bias binding, cut at a 45-degree angle to the fabric’s grain, offers greater flexibility and durability. To calculate fabric for bias binding:
Determine the total binding length needed.
Multiply the length by 1.5 to account for bias cutting waste.
Calculate the square root of this number.
Round up to the nearest 1/8 yard.
For a quilt requiring 250 inches of binding:
250 inches × 1.5 = 375 inches (accounting for bias waste)
The square root of 375 is approximately 19.4 inches.
Round up to 20 inches or 5/8 yard of fabric.Related Tools:
