Quilt binding calculator
Enter your quilt size and strip width to get the binding length, the number of strips to cut, and the fabric to buy.
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How it is calculated
Binding length is the quilt's perimeter plus a working allowance: 2 x (width + length) + 12 inches for turning corners and joining the ends. For straight grain binding, that length is divided by your fabric's usable width to get the number of strips, and strips x strip width is the fabric you need.
For bias binding, strips are cut at 45 degrees, usually from one square joined into a continuous strip. A square of side S yields roughly S x S divided by strip width inches of bias, so the tool solves for the square that produces your length and adds 2 inches for the joining seams.
Worked example
A 60 x 70 in quilt needs 2 x (60 + 70) + 12 = 272 in of binding. With 2 1/2 in strips and 40 in of usable width, that is 7 strips, using 17.5 in of fabric. The minimum purchase is 1/2 yard; 5/8 gives comfortable squaring room. For bias binding the same quilt needs a 29 in square, so buy 7/8 yard.
Common questions
- How many 2 1/2 inch strips do I need to bind a quilt?
- Divide the quilt perimeter plus 12 inches by your usable fabric width and round up. For a 60 x 70 quilt with 40 usable inches that is 272 divided by 40, so 7 strips.
- How wide should quilt binding strips be?
- 2 1/2 in is the most common width for double-fold binding and suits most battings. 2 1/4 in gives a tighter, flatter finish; 3 in suits thick battings or a wider look.
- When do I need bias binding instead of straight grain?
- Any time the quilt edge curves, such as scalloped or rounded corners, because bias stretches smoothly around curves. Straight edges do fine with straight grain binding, which uses less fabric.
- How much extra binding length should I allow?
- This tool adds 12 inches over the exact perimeter, enough for four mitered corners and joining the two ends. If you like a long tail to work with, cut one extra strip.
Related tools
SewCalc results are careful estimates based on standard practice. Fabrics, brands and personal technique vary, so always confirm measurements against your own pattern or project before cutting.