Start with the distance around the quilt
Measure the quilt after it is quilted and trimmed. The binding goes all the way around, so the starting point is the perimeter: a 60 × 72 inch quilt is 2 × (60 + 72) = 264 inches around.
Then add extra for turning the corners and joining the two ends where the binding meets itself. The Utah State University guide uses 7–12 inches as an overall allowance. This tool starts at 12 inches remaining after the strip joins, and counts the loss at those joins separately. This can call for more strips than a simple perimeter-plus-extra calculation divided by fabric width.
Strip width
Double-fold binding is usually cut 2¼ inches wide for thin batting or 2½ inches for thicker batting. Strips are cut across the usable width of the fabric, with the selvages removed.
Joins use up length
Strips are joined end to end before the binding goes on, and each join costs some length:
- A diagonal join overlaps the two ends in a square as wide as the strip, so each join shortens the binding by one strip width. With 2½ inch strips, six joins use 15 inches.
- A straight join uses only the seam allowance on each end.
The calculator counts these losses. For the 60 × 72 inch quilt with 2½ inch strips and diagonal joins, seven 40 inch strips make only 265 inches once joined, short of the 276 inches needed, so it asks for eight strips and ⅝ yard.
Before you buy or cut
The purchase quantity rounds up to the next ⅛ yard. It does not include straightening the fabric’s cut edge, shrinkage from prewashing, or bias-cut strips for curved edges, which need more fabric. See quilt binding for the basics.
Take the cutting plan with you
Choose Print your cutting plan to print the current result or save it as a PDF through your browser’s print dialog. The sheet includes your quilt dimensions, finishing allowance, fabric quantity, strip sizes and count, joining method, and a cutting-layout diagram. The diagram is a layout guide; use a ruler to measure and cut the fabric.