Finishing a quilt is one of the most satisfying moments in any quilting project. After all the cutting, piecing, and quilting, the final step—binding—adds that polished touch. Whether you're new to quilting or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through how to calculate the right amount of binding for your quilt. Plus, we’ll make sure you have the perfect quilt fabric to match, whether you're shopping at your favorite local quilt shop or online quilt store!
What is Quilt Binding?
Binding is the fabric strip that encloses the raw edges of your quilt, providing durability and a finished look. It’s typically made from straight-cut or bias-cut fabric strips, folded and sewn around the edges of the quilt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Quilt Binding
1. Measure the Perimeter of Your Quilt
To determine how much binding you need, first measure the perimeter of your quilt:
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Add up the length of all four sides of your quilt.
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Example: If your quilt is 60” x 80”, the total perimeter is:
(60 + 80 + 60 + 80) = 280 inches
2. Decide on the Width of Your Binding Strips
Most quilt bindings use 2.5-inch-wide strips, but some quilters prefer 2.25 inches for a narrower finish. If you like extra-wide binding, you can go up to 3 inches or more.
3. Calculate How Many Strips You Need
Next, determine how many fabric strips you'll need to cut. To do this:
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Divide your total perimeter (from Step 1) by the usable width of your fabric.
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Most quilting fabric is about 40-42 inches wide after trimming selvages. We’ll use 40 inches for an easy estimate.
280 inches ÷ 40 inches = 7 strips (always round up if needed!)
4. Determine How Much Fabric to Buy
Each strip is cut the width of your fabric (WOF), so to calculate the total fabric length:
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Multiply the number of strips by your chosen strip width.
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Example using 2.5” strips:
7 strips × 2.5 inches = 17.5 inches of fabric (Try using a jelly roll!)
So, you’ll need at least ½ yard (18 inches) of quilt fabric for your binding. To be safe, many quilters round up and buy a bit extra.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Binding Fabric
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Match or contrast? A binding that blends with your quilt fabric creates a seamless look, while a contrasting binding adds a fun pop of color.
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Consider print scale. Small prints or solids work best for binding, as large prints may not show up well on narrow strips.
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Shop smart! Your favorite online quilt store or local quilt shop is a great place to find coordinating fabrics.
Final Steps: Cutting and Joining Strips
Once you’ve cut your strips:
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Join them with a diagonal seam to reduce bulk.
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Press seams open and then press the entire strip in half lengthwise.
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Attach it to your quilt using your preferred binding method (machine or hand-sewn).
Wrap-Up
Now that you know how to calculate quilt binding, you can confidently finish your quilting projects with a perfect, polished edge. Need binding fabric? Browse your favorite quilt shop or online quilt store to find just the right match for your next quilt. Happy quilting!
