Quilting Fabric Calculator
Calculate fabric requirements for your quilting projects
Tip: Standard fabric width is 42-44". For directional prints, add 10-20% extra fabric.
Project Type
Fabric Requirements
Yardage Needed
Equivalent Measurements
Cutting Instructions
Quilting Fabric Basics
Understanding Fabric Yardage
Quilting cotton typically comes in 42-44" widths. Backing fabrics may be 58" or 108" wide. A yard of fabric is 36" long by the width of the fabric. Always prewash fabric to account for shrinkage before calculating yardage.
Calculating Yardage
To calculate fabric needs: determine the total area required, divide by fabric width, then convert to yards. Always add 5-10% extra for cutting errors and pattern matching. For directional prints, add 15-20% more.
Standard Quilt Sizes
| Quilt Type | Typical Size | Top Fabric Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | 36" × 52" | 2-3 yards |
| Lap | 52" × 52" | 3-4 yards |
| Twin | 68" × 86" | 5-6 yards |
| Queen | 86" × 93" | 7-8 yards |
| King | 104" × 93" | 8-9 yards |
Quilting Math Formulas
Quilt Top Yardage
Number of blocks = (Quilt width ÷ Block size) × (Quilt length ÷ Block size)
Fabric needed = (Number of blocks × Fabric per block) ÷ Fabric width ÷ 36
Backing Fabric
For horizontal seam: Yardage = (Quilt length × 2 + 10") ÷ 36
For vertical seam: Yardage = (Quilt width × 2 + 10") ÷ 36
For wide backing (108"): Yardage = (Quilt length + 8") ÷ 36
Binding Calculation
Total inches needed = (Quilt width × 2) + (Quilt length × 2) + 20" (for corners and joining)
Number of strips = Total inches needed ÷ (Fabric width - 2")
Yardage = (Number of strips × Binding width) ÷ 36
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra fabric should I add for mistakes?
For most projects, add 5-10% extra fabric to account for cutting errors. If you're working with directional prints or complex patterns, add 15-20% more. Beginners should err on the side of more fabric.
What's the difference between horizontal and vertical backing seams?
A horizontal seam runs side-to-side (parallel to the quilt's width) and is most common. Vertical seams run up-and-down. Horizontal seams are generally preferred as they're less noticeable when the quilt is draped over a bed.
Why is my binding calculation different from patterns?
Binding calculations vary based on the width of binding strips you prefer (typically 2¼" to 3") and whether you use straight-grain or bias-cut binding. Our calculator assumes straight-grain binding, which is most common for quilts with straight edges.
Can I use this calculator for non-rectangular quilts?
This calculator works best for rectangular quilts. For irregular shapes (like hexagons or circles), calculate the area of your quilt top and divide by the area of your fabric (width × length) to estimate yardage, then add extra for the specific shape's requirements.
How do I calculate fabric for quilt borders?
Measure the length of each side after adding previous borders. For example, a quilt top measuring 60" × 80" with a 5" border would need: 2 strips @ (60 + 5 + 5)" long and 2 strips @ (80 + 5 + 5)" long. Join strips diagonally for seamless borders.