How Much Fabric for a Quilt?
A quilt needs fabric for three jobs: the pieced top, the backing, and the binding around the edge. Each is calculated differently, which is why a single 'how many yards' number is misleading. This tool estimates all three from your finished dimensions and standard 42-inch quilting cotton.
Top, backing and binding
The top's yardage comes from total area plus roughly 15-20% for seam allowances and squaring up. Backing must be a few inches larger than the top on every side and, since it's usually wider than one bolt, is pieced from full-width panels seamed together. Binding is cut in long strips to wrap the perimeter, then folded.
Buy extra, always
Quilting is unforgiving of running short mid-project because dye lots and prints change. Add a bit of margin to every number here, and if a print is discontinued-prone, buy the backing all at once.
Frequently asked questions
- How much backing fabric do I need?
- Enough to exceed the top by about 4 inches on every side, usually pieced from two full-width panels for larger quilts.
- How wide is quilting fabric?
- Most quilting cotton is about 42-44 inches of usable width after removing selvages.
- How do I calculate binding?
- Measure the perimeter, add about 15 inches for corners and joins, and cut enough 2.5-inch strips to cover it.