How to Calculate Quilt Binding
- countryfarmhousequ
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
Quilt binding is the fabric strip that finishes the outside edge of a quilt. It covers the raw edges of the quilt top, batting, and backing, and gives the quilt a clean finished look.
To calculate quilt binding, start by finding the perimeter of your quilt. Add the quilt width twice and the quilt length twice. Then add extra inches for joining the binding strips and finishing the ends.
Quilt Binding Formula
Quilt width + quilt width + quilt length + quilt length + extra = total binding needed
A common amount of extra binding is 10 to 12 inches. Some quilters prefer to add more, especially for larger quilts.
Example
For an 80 inch by 90 inch quilt:
80 + 80 + 90 + 90 = 340 inches
Then add 10 extra inches:
340 + 10 = 350 inches of binding needed
How Many Binding Strips Do You Need?
Most quilting cotton is about 40 inches wide after removing the selvage. To figure out how many strips you need, divide the total binding needed by the usable fabric width.
350 ÷ 40 = 8.75
Round up to 9 strips.
How Much Fabric Do You Need for Binding?
If you are cutting 2.5 inch binding strips, multiply the number of strips by the strip width.
9 strips × 2.5 inches = 22.5 inches of fabric
That means you would need a little more than 5/8 yard of fabric. Since fabric is usually easier to buy in common cuts, many quilters would buy 3/4 yard to allow a little extra.
Use Our Free Quilt Binding Calculator
To make the math easier, use our free Quilt Binding Calculator. Enter your quilt width, quilt length, extra binding, strip width, and fabric width, and it will estimate your total binding length, number of strips, and recommended yardage.
Try the free quilt binding calculator here:
Need Help Finishing Your Quilt?
Country Farmhouse Quilting offers friendly longarm quilting services, and mail-in quilts are welcome. After your quilt top is ready, we can help turn it into a finished quilt.
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