Sewing & Quilting Binding Length Calculator
Created by: Sophia Bennett
Last updated:
Calculate exactly how much binding fabric you need for your quilt. This calculator determines total binding length, number of strips to cut, and fabric yardage for both straight-grain and bias binding methods.
Quilting Binding Length Calculator
SewingCalculate binding length, strips needed, and fabric yardage for any quilt
Quilt Dimensions
Binding Settings
Related Calculators
What is a Quilting Binding Length Calculator?
A Quilting Binding Length Calculator determines exactly how much binding fabric you need to finish your quilt. It calculates the total perimeter of your quilt, accounts for mitered corners and joining allowances, then tells you how many strips to cut and how much fabric to buy.
Running out of binding mid-project is a common frustration for quilters. This calculator eliminates the guesswork by factoring in your quilt dimensions, binding strip width, fabric width, and whether you're using straight-grain or bias binding. It even accounts for seam allowances when joining strips together.
Binding Calculation Formulas
Quilt Perimeter: (Width × 2) + (Length × 2)
Total Binding Needed: Perimeter + Corner Allowance (12") + Joining Allowance (10")
Usable Fabric Width: Fabric Width − 4" (for selvages and squaring)
Number of Strips: Total Binding Length ÷ Usable Fabric Width (rounded up)
Fabric Needed: Number of Strips × Strip Width ÷ 36 (converted to yards)
For bias binding, the calculation uses the diagonal of the fabric square and accounts for the 45-degree cutting angle, which requires approximately 1.4× more fabric than straight-grain binding.
Example Calculation
For a 60" × 80" quilt with 2.5" straight-grain binding strips from 44" fabric:
- Perimeter: (60 × 2) + (80 × 2) = 280 inches
- With allowances: 280 + 12 + 10 = 302 inches total binding
- Usable fabric width: 44 − 4 = 40 inches
- Strips needed: 302 ÷ 40 = 7.55 → 8 strips
- Fabric needed: 8 × 2.5 = 20 inches = 0.56 yards → buy 5/8 yard
Common Applications
- Quilt finishing: Calculate binding for bed quilts, throw quilts, and wall hangings
- Fabric shopping: Know exactly how much binding fabric to purchase
- Scrap quilting: Determine if you have enough fabric for binding from your stash
- Bias binding projects: Calculate extra fabric needed for curved-edge quilts
- Batch quilting: Calculate binding for multiple quilts from the same fabric
Tips for Accurate Binding Calculations
- Always measure your actual quilt top after quilting — quilting can shrink dimensions by 1-2 inches per side
- Buy an extra 1/8 yard as insurance — binding fabric is usually inexpensive
- Pre-wash your binding fabric if you pre-washed your quilt fabrics to avoid differential shrinkage
- For scrappy binding, you'll need the same total length but can use shorter strips from different fabrics
- Press binding strips in half before measuring — they should be smooth and even
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much binding I need for a quilt?
Measure the perimeter of your quilt (2 × width + 2 × length), then add 10-12 inches for mitered corners and joining. Divide this total by the usable width of your fabric (usually 40 inches for 44/45-inch fabric) to find how many strips you need, then multiply by your binding strip width to get the fabric yardage.
What is the standard binding width for quilts?
The most common binding strip width is 2.5 inches, which creates a finished binding of about 3/8 inch on each side. For thicker quilts or a wider binding look, use 2.75 or 3-inch strips. Bias binding for curved edges is typically cut at the same widths.
Should I use straight-grain or bias binding?
Straight-grain binding (cut on the cross-grain/width of fabric) works for quilts with straight edges and is more economical. Bias binding (cut at 45 degrees) stretches and is essential for curved edges, scallops, or rounded corners. Bias uses more fabric but drapes better.
How much extra binding should I add for mitered corners?
Add 3 inches per corner for mitered corners (12 inches total for a rectangular quilt) plus 6-10 inches for joining the binding ends together. Most quilters add 10-12 inches total extra to be safe.
How do I join binding strips together?
The most common method is joining strips at a 45-degree angle (diagonal seam). Place two strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle, sew diagonally, then trim to a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This distributes bulk evenly along the quilt edge.
What is double-fold vs single-fold binding?
Double-fold (French fold) binding is folded in half lengthwise before attaching, creating two layers for durability. It's the standard for quilts. Single-fold binding is pressed with raw edges turned in, creating one layer. Double-fold is stronger and preferred for quilts that will be used and washed frequently.
How wide should binding strips be for a thick quilt?
For quilts with high-loft batting or multiple layers, increase your binding strip width by 0.25-0.5 inches. A standard 2.5-inch strip works for cotton batting, but polyester or wool batting may need 2.75-3 inch strips to wrap around the thicker edge.
Sources and References
- Harriet Hargrave, "Heirloom Machine Quilting", C&T Publishing
- Elizabeth Hartman, "Modern Patchwork", Stash Books
- Craft Yarn Council, "Standard Fabric Widths and Measurements", 2024