Quilt Backing Yardage Calculator
Backing has to be wider and longer than the quilt top, so you can quilt it and trim it square. This shows how much backing fabric to buy.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Add the extra allowance to each side of the quilt to get the width and length the backing needs.
If that width is wider than your fabric, cut more than one full-length strip and sew them side by side. The number of strips is the width needed divided by the fabric width, rounded up. The length needed is then multiplied by the number of strips.
Worked example
A quilt 72 in wide and 90 in long, with 4 in extra on each side, needs 2 lengthwise strips and about 5.44 yd of backing.
Questions
Why add extra on each side?
Quilting and trimming move the fabric, so backing needs room to spare. Many quilters add about 4 inches, or 10 cm, per side.
Should I buy wide backing?
Wide backing, sold in larger widths, avoids seams. It often costs more per yard, so compare the price per yard before you choose.
Will the seam show?
Seams are easier to hide when you plan the strip layout. Center the seam and press it flat before you quilt.
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