Quilt Binding Calculator
Calculate binding strip length, fabric yardage, and cutting instructions for any quilt size. Perfect for quilters working with bias or straight-grain binding.
Quilt Binding Calculator
Tip: Bias binding has more stretch and drapes better around curves, while straight grain binding is more economical.
How to Use the Quilt Binding Calculator
Our quilt binding calculator helps you determine exactly how much binding strip length and fabric yardage you need for any quilt size. Whether you're using bias or straight-grain binding, get accurate measurements instantly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Measure Your Quilt: Measure the finished quilt after quilting—quilts often shrink slightly during quilting. Measure length and width in inches.
- Choose Binding Type: Select bias binding (cut at 45° angle) for curved edges or straight-grain binding (parallel to selvage) for straight edges.
- Enter Strip Width: Standard is 2.5 inches for double-fold binding. Use 2.25" for thinner quilts or 2.75" for thicker quilts.
- Select Fabric Width: Most quilting fabric is 42-44 inches wide (after removing selvages). Enter your actual usable width.
- Calculate Results: Get total binding length needed, number of strips to cut, and total fabric yardage required.
Understanding Quilt Binding Types
Bias Binding
- Cut: 45° angle to fabric grain
- Properties: More stretch, drapes better
- Best For: Curved edges, scalloped quilts
- Strips: Cut diagonally, more fabric waste
- Width: 2.25-2.5 inches most common
- Advantage: No pucking on curves
Straight-Grain Binding
- Cut: Parallel to selvage edge
- Properties: Less stretch, more stable
- Best For: Straight edges, square quilts
- Strips: Cut across width, less waste
- Width: 2.5 inches standard
- Advantage: More economical, faster
Double-Fold vs Single-Fold Binding
Double-Fold (French Binding)
Most popular and durable option. Strip is folded in half lengthwise before attaching.
- • Strip width: 2.5 inches
- • Finished width: ~½ inch
- • Best for: All quilts, especially bed quilts
- • Durability: Excellent, double layer
Single-Fold Binding
Lighter weight option. Strip edges folded to meet in center, then folded in half.
- • Strip width: 1.5-2 inches
- • Finished width: ~¼ inch
- • Best for: Wall hangings, small projects
- • Durability: Good for low-use items
Binding Strip Width Guide
Choosing the Right Strip Width
| Quilt Type | Batting Thickness | Strip Width | Finished Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Hanging, Table Runner | Thin (¼") | 2.25" | ⅜" |
| Lap Quilt, Throw | Medium (⅜") | 2.5" | ½" |
| Bed Quilt (Standard) | Medium-Thick (½") | 2.75" | ⅝" |
| Thick Comforter Style | Thick (¾"+) | 3.0" | ¾" |
💡 Pro Tip
For quilts with thick batting or multiple seams at edges, add ¼" to strip width for easier attachment.
📏 Seam Allowance
Standard ¼" seam allowance. For thicker binding, use scant ¼" or slightly wider seam.
✂️ Cutting Tip
Always test a strip on your quilt before cutting all strips. Binding width preference is personal.
Fabric Yardage Requirements
Standard Quilt Sizes
Baby/Crib (36x52")
Binding needed: ~190" • Fabric: ⅓-½ yard
Throw/Lap (50x65")
Binding needed: ~245" • Fabric: ½-⅝ yard
Twin (66x90")
Binding needed: ~330" • Fabric: ⅝-¾ yard
Full/Double (81x96")
Binding needed: ~370" • Fabric: ¾-⅞ yard
Queen (90x108")
Binding needed: ~415" • Fabric: ⅞-1 yard
King (108x108")
Binding needed: ~450" • Fabric: 1-1⅛ yards
📐 Quick Formula
Total Binding Length:
(Length + Width) × 2 + 10" for joins
Number of Strips (42" fabric):
Total Length ÷ 42
Fabric Yardage:
(Strips × Strip Width) ÷ 36
💰 Fabric Costs
- Budget: $3-6 per yard
- Mid-Range: $8-12 per yard
- Premium/Designer: $15-25 per yard
- Average Queen: $8-25 total fabric cost
Professional Binding Techniques
✂️ Cutting Strips
- • Cut on grain for straight-grain binding
- • Cut at 45° for bias binding
- • Remove selvages before cutting
- • Use rotary cutter for accuracy
🔗 Joining Strips
- • Join strips at 45° angle for less bulk
- • Trim seam to ¼", press open
- • For bias, join on straight grain
- • Test join strength before proceeding
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- • Not measuring after quilting (quilt shrinks)
- • Cutting strips too narrow for thick batting
- • Starting binding at a corner
- • Stretching binding while sewing
✅ Attachment Tips
- • Start in middle of side, not at corner
- • Leave 6-8" tail at beginning
- • Stop ¼" from each corner, miter neatly
- • Join ends with 45° seam
- • Hand-stitch back for best finish
🎨 Binding Fabric Selection
- • Use fabric from quilt for cohesive look
- • Contrasting binding frames the quilt
- • Scrappy binding adds playful touch
- • Pre-wash binding fabric if quilt is washed
⏱️ Time Estimates
- • Cutting strips: 15-30 minutes
- • Machine sewing: 30-60 minutes
- • Hand stitching back: 2-4 hours
- • Total: 3-5 hours for average quilt
Frequently Asked Questions
How much binding do I need for a queen size quilt?
For a standard queen quilt (90x108"), you need approximately 415 inches of binding strip. This requires about ⅞-1 yard of fabric when cutting 2.5" wide strips from 42" wide fabric.
What's better: bias or straight-grain binding?
Straight-grain is fine for straight-edged quilts and uses less fabric. Bias binding is essential for curved edges and drapes better but requires 30-40% more fabric. For most bed quilts, straight-grain works perfectly.
How wide should I cut binding strips?
Standard is 2.5 inches for double-fold binding on medium batting. Use 2.25" for thin quilts, 2.75" for thick batting, or 3" for extra thick comforters. Always test a strip first.
Can I use one continuous strip for binding?
Yes! Cut multiple strips and join them with 45° diagonal seams. This creates one long continuous strip with minimal bulk at seams. Join all strips before attaching to quilt.
Do I need to pre-wash binding fabric?
Only if you pre-washed your quilt fabrics and plan to wash the finished quilt. If using unwashed fabrics, don't pre-wash binding—it may pucker after first wash. Be consistent.
How do I calculate bias binding yardage?
Bias binding requires 30-40% more fabric than straight-grain. For a queen quilt needing 1 yard straight-grain, plan for 1⅓ yards bias. Our calculator includes this in the results.
Why Use Our Quilt Binding Calculator?
🎯 Accurate Measurements
Calculate exact binding length and fabric yardage. Accounts for joining seams, waste, and different fabric widths.
💰 No Waste
Buy exactly what you need—no expensive leftover fabric or project-delaying shortages.
⏱️ Save Time
Instant calculations for any quilt size. Works for bias or straight-grain binding. No manual math needed.