How to Calculate Quilt Binding: Strips, Yardage & Cutting Guide

Updated: May 27, 2026

Double-Fold vs. Single-Fold Binding

Double-fold binding (most common): A strip cut 2”–2.5” wide, folded in half lengthwise, then folded around the quilt edge to enclose it. Gives a durable, professional finish.

Single-fold binding: A narrower strip (1.5”) folded once over the edge. Less common, used for lighter quilts or modern minimalist styles.

This guide covers double-fold binding.

Step 1: Calculate the Quilt Perimeter

Perimeter = 2 × (quilt width + quilt length)

Example: Twin quilt 60” × 90”:

Perimeter = 2 × (60 + 90) = 2 × 150 = 300"

Step 2: Add Extra for Corners and Joining

Add 12” to the total to account for mitered corners (about 2” extra per corner) and the diagonal joining seam at the start/end.

Total binding needed = perimeter + 12"

300 + 12 = 312"

Step 3: Determine Number of Strips

Divide the total binding needed by the usable width of your binding fabric (42” from standard WOF).

Strips = ⌈total binding needed ÷ 42"⌉

⌈312 ÷ 42⌉ = ⌈7.43⌉ = 8 strips

Step 4: Calculate Yardage

Multiply strips by cut strip width, then divide by 36.

Binding yards = (strips × strip width) ÷ 36

Using 2.25” cut width:

(8 × 2.25) ÷ 36 = 18 ÷ 36 = 0.5 yards

Always round up to the nearest ⅛ yard. Buy ½ yard.

Binding Yardage by Quilt Size

Quilt Size	Perimeter	+12”	Strips	2” wide	2.25” wide	2.5” wide
Baby 36×45”	162”	174”	5	¼ yd	⅜ yd	⅜ yd
Lap 50×65”	230”	242”	6	⅜ yd	⅜ yd	⅜ yd
Twin 60×90”	300”	312”	8	½ yd	½ yd	⅝ yd
Full 78×90”	336”	348”	9	½ yd	⅝ yd	⅝ yd
Queen 90×108”	396”	408”	10	½ yd	⅝ yd	¾ yd
King 108×108”	432”	444”	11	⅝ yd	¾ yd	¾ yd

Choosing Your Strip Width

2.25” (most common)

Gives a finished binding of approximately ¼” on the front
Most quilt books and patterns call for this width
Works with a standard ¼” quilting foot

2.5”

Slightly wider, more forgiving for beginners
Finished binding ~⅜” — more visible from the front
Better for thicker batting

2” (narrow)

Sleek, minimal look
Requires precise sewing — leave less margin for error
Popular for modern quilts

Cutting the Strips

Cut crossgrain — selvage to selvage — for maximum stretch around corners.

Example layout (twin quilt, 8 strips at 2.25”):

Fold fabric selvage to selvage
Cut 8 strips each 2.25” wide × full fabric width (~42”)
Subcut is not needed — use the full width

From ½ yard (18”) of 44” fabric:

Available strips = ⌊18 ÷ 2.25⌋ = 8 strips — exactly enough

Joining the Strips

Lay two strip ends at 90° to each other, right sides facing
Draw a diagonal line corner to corner
Sew on the line, trim ¼” beyond the seam
Press open

Diagonal joins are stronger and less bulky than straight joins. Always join diagonally for double-fold binding.

Pieced Binding

If you have leftover fabric from the quilt top, you can piece a scrappy binding from strips of different fabrics. The calculation is the same — you still need the same total length of 2.25” strips. Cut however many strips you need from each fabric and join them end-to-end.

Use the Quilt Fabric Calculator Binding tab for instant results.