Free Quilting Tools
Free Quilting Tools & Reference Guides
Use these free quilting references to plan fabric purchases, understand common precut sizes, estimate backing and binding, and move from pattern to fabric with fewer surprises. Bookmark this page as we continue adding practical tools for quilters.
Quilt Fabric Planning
Quilt Backing Quick Estimate
Start with the finished width and length of your quilt top, then add the extra backing allowance required by your quilting method or longarmer on all four sides. Divide the required backing width by the usable width of your chosen fabric to determine how many lengths must be pieced together. Multiply the number of lengths by the required backing length before converting inches to yards.
For more planning guidance, read How Much Fabric Do I Need for a Quilt? or shop quilting fabric by the yard.
Binding Strip Reference
To estimate binding, add all four sides of the quilt to find the perimeter, then add extra length for joining strips and finishing the final overlap. Divide that total by the usable width of your binding fabric to estimate the number of strips needed. Multiply the number of strips by your chosen strip width to estimate total fabric required.
Border Planning
Measure the quilt center after it is assembled, not only from the pattern diagram. Calculate each border in sequence because every border changes the dimensions used for the next one. This is especially important when working with quilt fabric panels.
Common Quilting Precut Sizes
| Precut Type | Common Size | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Quarter | About 18" × half the fabric width | Blocks, appliqué, scrappy quilts |
| Jelly Roll / Strip Precut | 2½" × fabric width | Strip quilts, borders, bindings |
| Charm Square | 5" × 5" | Patchwork, small blocks |
| Layer Cake / 10" Square | 10" × 10" | Large patchwork blocks, quick quilts |
Names and exact counts can vary by manufacturer, so always check the individual product listing. Learn more in Quilting Precuts Explained, then browse our quilting precuts and fat quarter bundles.
Fabric Conversion Reference
| Yards | Inches of Length |
|---|---|
| ¼ yard | 9" |
| ½ yard | 18" |
| ¾ yard | 27" |
| 1 yard | 36" |
| 1½ yards | 54" |
| 2 yards | 72" |
| 3 yards | 108" |
At Let’s Make It!, fabric in our dedicated Quilting Fabric by the Yard collection is sold in convenient 1/4-yard increments, with multiple quantities cut as one continuous piece whenever possible.
Before You Cut
Confirm the pattern’s assumed usable fabric width, identify directional prints, check whether the project uses precuts or yardage, and read the entire cutting plan before making the first cut. These guides can help:
- What Is Quilting Cotton?
- Fabric Grain, Bias & Selvage Guide
- How to Read Quilt Pattern Fabric Requirements
- How to Choose Coordinating Quilting Fabrics
- Quilt Kit vs. Buying Fabric Separately
More Free Quilting Tools Are Coming
We are developing additional practical resources for quilt backing, borders, binding, precuts and fabric planning. In the meantime, explore the full Quilting Resource Center or browse our quilting fabric and quilt panels.
