Quilt Backing Calculator
14 fully functional quilt calculators in one professional tool.
Quilt Backing Calculator
Recommended backing fabric
Backing layout
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The Quilt Backing Calculator
Planning the fabric for a quilt does not have to involve a lot of guesswork. This quilt backing calculator brings several useful quilting calculations together in one place. You can estimate backing fabric, binding, borders, batting, sashing, quilt pieces, strips, and more.
Whether you are making a baby quilt, lap quilt, or larger bed quilt, enter your measurements to plan your materials before you buy or cut fabric.
Plan Your Quilt Backing
Start with the backing calculator. Enter the finished quilt dimensions, fabric width, desired overhang, and other settings to estimate how much backing fabric you need. The calculator can account for seam allowances and waste, helping you plan a practical amount of fabric.
You can also compare different backing panel orientations. Changing the direction of the panels can sometimes make better use of the fabric, so checking both options can help you decide how to cut and join your backing.
Calculate Binding and Borders
The binding calculator helps you estimate the fabric needed to finish the outside edge of your quilt. Enter the quilt size, strip width, fabric width, and binding options to work out the approximate strip count and fabric requirement.
You can choose from different binding approaches, including straight-grain, cross-grain, or bias binding, depending on your project. Single-fold and double-fold options can also be used when supported by the calculator.
For borders, enter the width of each border and build your quilt size one step at a time. The border tool supports multiple borders, so you can see how each addition changes the finished dimensions and fabric requirements.
Estimate Batting and Sashing
The batting calculator helps you plan the batting size for your quilt. Enter the quilt measurements and the amount of extra material you want around the quilt. The calculator can then help you determine whether the batting is large enough as one piece or whether you may need to join pieces.
Sashing calculations are useful when your quilt design places strips of fabric between blocks. Enter the block size, number of blocks, and sashing width to estimate the strips and cornerstones needed for the layout.
Use HST and Flying Geese Calculators
Quilt blocks often require careful cutting. The half-square triangle (HST) calculator helps you determine cutting and unfinished sizes from your desired finished size.
The flying geese calculator can also help with common flying geese layouts by providing the square and rectangle measurements needed for cutting. These tools can save time when you are working from a pattern or creating your own quilt design.
Fabric, Strip, and Yardage Planning
The fabric calculator is useful for estimating common fabric requirements and cutting quantities. The strip calculator can help you determine how many strips you can cut from a piece of fabric or how much fabric may be needed for a selected number of strips.
The yardage calculator brings fabric measurements together so you can plan several pieces at once. Checking the cutting layout before purchasing fabric can help you use the available material more efficiently.
Switch Between Units
Quilting patterns do not always use the same measurement system. This tool lets you work with common units such as inches, centimeters, yards, and meters. Switching units can make it easier to follow patterns or measurements from different sources.
Save and Export Your Quilt Plan
You can save calculations in your browser and return to them later. This is useful when you are planning a quilt over several sessions.
You can also export results as text, CSV, or JSON, copy information, print your calculations, or use sharing options. Dark Mode is available if you prefer a darker screen while working.
Helpful Quilt Backing Tips
Before cutting, check the finished quilt size and the fabric width carefully. Backing fabric often needs extra material so the quilt can be quilted without running short. The amount of overhang you need can depend on how the quilt will be basted and quilted, so check your quilter's requirements when applicable.
For more help, you can also read a guide on how to calculate and assemble quilt backing fabric. A beginner-friendly guide to making a quilt can help if you are still learning the overall quilting process. Basting and quilting tips may also be useful before you begin the final stages of your project.
Plan Your Quilt With Less Guesswork
The quilt backing calculator is designed to make fabric planning easier for both new and experienced quilters. Use it to estimate backing, binding, borders, batting, sashing, HSTs, flying geese, strips, and other fabric needs.
Start with your quilt dimensions, check the results, and review your cutting plan before you make your first cut. A few minutes of planning can help you avoid buying too much fabric or discovering that you are short when the project is already underway.