Quilt Binding Calculator

The binding is the final, finishing touch that frames your quilt, and getting it right is crucial for a professional-looking project. While it's the last step, it shouldn't be an afterthought, especially when it comes to fabric. Running out of binding fabric mid-project is a quilter's nightmare. Our Quilt Binding Calculator is a simple tool designed to prevent that exact scenario. It helps you accurately determine how many binding strips you need to cut and the total yardage required to beautifully finish your quilt's edges.

What Is Quilt Binding?

Quilt binding is a narrow strip of fabric that is sewn around the raw edges of a finished quilt (the "quilt sandwich" of top, batting, and backing). It serves two main purposes: to encase the raw edges to prevent fraying and to create a durable, decorative frame for the quilt. Binding can be made from straight-grain or bias-cut strips, but for most quilts with straight edges, straight-grain binding is perfectly suitable and more economical with fabric.

How to Use the Quilt Binding Calculator

Our calculator makes it easy to figure out your binding needs. Just provide the basic dimensions of your finished quilt top.

1. Enter Quilt Dimensions: Input the final width and length of your quilt in inches.
2. Enter Binding Strip Width: Decide how wide you want to cut your binding strips. 2.5 inches is a very common standard for double-fold binding.
3. Confirm Fabric Width: Enter the usable width of your fabric, which is typically 42 inches for standard quilting cotton.
4. Click "Calculate Binding": The tool will tell you how many strips you need to cut and the total yardage required.

The Formula for Binding Calculation

The calculation is straightforward geometry combined with practical sewing considerations:

1. Calculate Perimeter: The basic length needed is the perimeter of the quilt.

   Perimeter = (Quilt Width + Quilt Length) × 2

2. Add Extra for Corners and Joining: You need extra length to neatly join the ends of your binding and to go around the mitered corners. A standard of 10-15 extra inches is recommended.

   Total Length Needed = Perimeter + 10 inches

3. Calculate Strips Needed: Divide the total length needed by the usable width of your fabric and round up to the next whole number.

   Strips Needed = Total Length Needed / Fabric Width

4. Calculate Yardage: Multiply the number of strips by the width of each strip to get the total inches of fabric, then convert to yards.

   Yardage = (Strips Needed × Strip Width) / 36

A Practical Example

Let's say you've just finished a quilt top that measures 50 inches wide by 60 inches long, and you plan to use standard 2.5-inch binding strips cut from 42-inch wide fabric.

• Perimeter: (50 + 60) × 2 = 220 inches
• Total Length Needed: 220 + 10 = 230 inches
• Strips Needed: 230 / 42 = 5.47, which you round up to 6 strips.
• Yardage Needed: (6 strips × 2.5 inches) / 36 inches/yard = 0.42 yards. You should purchase at least 1/2 yard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I use straight-grain or bias binding?

For quilts with straight edges, straight-grain binding (cut along the width of the fabric) is strong, easy to make, and uses fabric most efficiently. For quilts with curved edges, you must use bias binding (cut at a 45-degree angle), as it has a natural stretch that allows it to conform smoothly to curves without puckering.

What does "double-fold" binding mean?

Double-fold (or French-fold) binding is the most common and durable type. It involves cutting a strip, folding it in half lengthwise, and then attaching it to the quilt. A 2.5-inch strip, when folded, creates a beautiful 0.5-inch finished binding on the edge of your quilt (accounting for seam allowances).

Why is the calculator result in yards?

Fabric is sold by the yard in the United States and many other countries. Providing the result in yards helps you know exactly how much to purchase at the fabric store.

Helpful Resources

Perfect your quilting skills from start to finish with these tools and guides:

• Quilt Calculator - Plan your entire quilt top before you even start cutting.
• Half-Square Triangle Calculator - Master a fundamental quilt block.
• Yards to Meters Converter - For patterns using different measurement systems.
• Cluck Cluck Sew - An excellent, easy-to-follow tutorial on machine-sewing your binding.
• Fat Quarter Shop - A comprehensive video tutorial on creating and attaching quilt binding.