QUILT BINDING GUIDE

Estimate binding without losing the perimeter.

Binding yardage starts with the quilt perimeter, then adds room for joins, corners, and cutting waste. The calculator estimates strip count and fabric yardage alongside your backing and batting plan.

Calculate binding and backing together →

The formula used here

perimeter      = 2 × (finished width + finished length)
binding length = perimeter × (1 + waste allowance)
strip count    = ceiling(binding length ÷ usable fabric run)
yardage        = strip count × strip width ÷ 36

The default settings are a 2.5-inch strip, 10% waste, and a usable fabric run equal to the selected nominal width minus 4 inches. The model assumes strips are cut across the fabric width and joined.

Worked example: 60 × 80 inches

The perimeter is 280 inches. With 10% waste, the planning length is 308 inches. Using a 40-inch usable run means 8 strips are required. At 2.5 inches per strip, the estimate is 8 × 2.5 ÷ 36 = 0.56 yards.

The number is intentionally a shopping estimate. Continuous binding, bias binding, angled joins, directional fabric, and a different usable width can change the amount you need.

What to adjust

• Use the strip width required by your pattern or preferred finish.
• Increase waste for angled joins, directional prints, or a large quilt with many seams.
• Use the actual usable fabric width after selvages, rather than relying only on the bolt label.
• Follow a pattern or quilter's binding instructions when they give a different method.

Read the backing yardage guide → · Review the backing checklist →