Binding doesn’t need to be intimidating.

How Much Fabric Do You Need for Quilt Binding?

Binding is the finishing touch that ties your quilt together—literally! Whether your pattern specifies the binding fabric or not, calculating it yourself is simple with this quick method. No more guessing or worrying about running out halfway through.

The Easy Formula to remember: Perimeter plus 12.

Add the length of all four sides of your quilt, and then add 12 inches to that measurement. Why 12 inches? Adding 12″ gives you a little breathing room for seams, corners, finishing the ends —- and peace of mind. Let’s try an example that assumes you are using fabric that is 40” wide, and you will be cutting each strip 3” wide. We use 3” strips for our double fold method because we find it gives the nicest, most long-lasting finish. Using these calculations will assure that you have enough fabric if you decide to cut 2 1/2 inch strips and bind by hand.

Example:

Let’s say your quilt is 36″ on each side. Here’s how the math works:

  1. Find the total perimeter:

    36″+36″+36″+36″=144

    Add 12″ for good measure. Why? It takes extra fabric to turn the corners, and more extra fabric to finish the ends.

    144″+12″=156″of binding strips needed

  2. Determine the number of strips:

    156″÷40″=3.9 strips. Round this number up to 4 strips

  3. Calculate fabric length:

    4 strips×3″ wide each equals a total of 12 inches of fabric needed to complete your binding strips. Why 3” strips? We use a double-fold process to make your binding last for many years. If you will be binding it yourself, you can cut the standard 2 1/2 strips — and if you bring them with you to your drop-off appointment, we will be happy to add your binding to the front of your quilt for you.

Remember to always round up to the next full strip to allow enough fabric.

Too Much Math?

Here’s a simple alternative: cut a few strips, lay them around your quilt, and see how far they go. It’s an easy way to guesstimate the number of strips you’ll need. Or, use our handy binding calculator on this page.

Binding doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s the part where your quilt comes to life!