When making a quilt, choosing and calculating the right amount of backing fabric is just as important as selecting your top fabrics. The quilt backing holds everything together and ensures a polished, professional look for your finished project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine how much fabric you’ll need for your quilt backing.
Step 1: Measure Your Quilt Top
The first step is to measure the dimensions of your quilt top. Use a measuring tape to determine the width and length in inches. Be sure to measure the finished quilt top, including any borders.
For example, if your quilt top measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, write those numbers down.
Step 2: Add Extra Allowance for Quilting
Quilting requires extra fabric beyond the dimensions of the quilt top to allow for stretching and securing it on the quilting frame. Most quilters recommend adding 4 to 6 inches of extra fabric on all four sides of the quilt top.
To calculate this:
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Add 8 to 12 inches to both the width and the length of your quilt top dimensions.
Using our example of a 60x80 inch quilt:
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Width: 60 inches + 8 inches = 68 inches (minimum) or up to 72 inches.
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Length: 80 inches + 8 inches = 88 inches (minimum) or up to 92 inches.
So, the backing fabric needs to be at least 68 x 88 inches or larger.
Step 3: Determine the Fabric Width
Quilting fabrics typically come in standard widths, which affect how many fabric panels you’ll need to sew together. Common fabric widths include:
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42-44 inches: Standard quilting cotton.
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90, 108, or 120 inches: Wide-back fabric, often used specifically for quilt backings.
If your quilt backing width exceeds the fabric width, you’ll need to piece together multiple panels. For instance, with 42-inch-wide fabric, you’ll need two panels to cover a 68-inch-wide backing.
Step 4: Calculate Yardage
Fabric is sold by the yard, with one yard equaling 36 inches. To determine how many yards of fabric you’ll need, divide the required backing length (from Step 2) by 36. Then multiply by the number of panels you’ll need.
Using our example with standard 42-inch-wide fabric:
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Required length: 88 inches (or 92 inches, for extra allowance).
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Divide by 36: 88 ÷ 36 = 2.45 yards. Round up to 2.5 yards per panel.
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Number of panels: 68 inches ÷ 42 inches = 2 panels (rounded up).
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Total yardage: 2.5 yards x 2 panels = 5 yards of fabric.
If you opt for wide-back fabric (e.g., 108 inches wide), you’ll only need one length:
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Required length: 88 inches (or 92 inches).
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Divide by 36: 88 ÷ 36 = 2.45 yards (round up to 2.5 yards).
So, for wide-back fabric, you’ll need just 2.5 yards.
Step 5: Account for Seams and Orientation
If piecing panels together, factor in an additional ½ inch seam allowance for each seam. Also, pay attention to the fabric’s directional pattern. If the print has a specific orientation (e.g., stripes or florals), you may need extra fabric to align the pattern correctly.
Quick Reference Chart
Here’s a quick reference for standard quilt sizes and approximate backing yardage with 42-inch-wide fabric:
| Quilt Size | Quilt Top (in) | Backing (in) | Panels | Total Yardage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby/Lap | 40 x 50 | 48 x 58 | 1 | 1.75 yards |
| Twin | 60 x 80 | 68 x 88 | 2 | 5 yards |
| Full/Double | 80 x 90 | 88 x 98 | 2 | 5.5 yards |
| Queen | 90 x 100 | 98 x 108 | 3 | 8.25 yards |
| King | 110 x 110 | 118 x 118 | 3 | 10 yards |
For wide-back fabric, you’ll typically need half the yardage listed above.
Final Tips
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Always buy a little extra fabric to account for mistakes or shrinkage during prewashing.
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If you’re using pieced backing with multiple fabrics, ensure that the total dimensions still meet the required size.
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Label your measurements and double-check before cutting or sewing.
With these calculations in hand, you’ll have no trouble preparing the perfect quilt backing for your next project!
