Quilt Binding & Bias Tape Calculator
2 1/2" is standard; 2 1/4" for a narrower binding.
Width of fabric minus selvages and the diagonal join.
Results
- Fabric to buy
- 0.5 yd (0.46 m)
- Binding length to make
- 276"
- Quilt perimeter
- 264"
- Fabric cut for strips
- 17 1/2"
How it works
Quilt binding: add up the four sides of the quilt (2 × width + 2 × length), add 10 to 12 inches for mitering the corners and joining the ends, then divide by the usable length of one strip cut selvage to selvage (about 40 inches on 42 to 44 inch quilting cotton). Round up to whole strips, then multiply by the strip width to get the fabric to cut.
Continuous bias tape: a square of fabric cut into a bias tube yields about its area divided by the strip width. So the square side is the square root of (length needed × strip width), plus about 10 percent for the seams that turn it into a tube.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for quilt binding?
Add the four sides of the quilt plus 10 to 12 inches, divide by 40 (the usable length of one strip cut across 42 to 44 inch quilting cotton) and round up to get the number of strips. Multiply by the strip width for the fabric to cut. A 60 by 72 inch throw needs 7 strips of 2 1/2 inches, 17 1/2 inches of fabric, so buy 1/2 yard.
How wide should I cut binding strips?
2 1/2 inches is the most common cut width for double-fold quilt binding and finishes about 3/8 inch wide on the front. 2 1/4 inches gives a narrower, snugger binding, popular for thin batting and minis.
What size square do I need for continuous bias tape?
Multiply the length of bias you need by the cut strip width, take the square root, and add about 10 percent for the seams. For 5 yards (180 inches) of 2 inch strips that is the square root of 180 × 2 × 1.1, about 20 inches. A fat quarter (18 by 21 inches) makes roughly 4 yards of 2 inch bias.
Does quilt binding need to be cut on the bias?
No. Straight-grain strips cut selvage to selvage are standard for quilts with straight edges. Use bias binding for curved or scalloped edges, and when you want a plaid or stripe to run diagonally.
How wide do I cut strips for bias tape?
For double-fold bias tape, cut strips four times the finished width: 2 inches makes 1/2 inch double-fold tape. For single-fold, cut twice the finished width.
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