Quilt to Size / Backing calculator
Quilt backing calculator
Enter the finished quilt size. You get the yardage in 42" quilting cotton, pieced the way that uses the least fabric, or in 108" wide backing with no seams.
42" quilting cotton
3 7/8 yd
2 panels 68" long, seamed crosswise, for a 68" x 80" back
108" wide backing
2 1/4 yd
one piece, no seams
Batting
68" x 80"
4" extra on every side
How the backing is worked out
- Add 4" on every side. Longarm quilters ask for it, and it gives you room on a frame or when basting.
- Count the panels. Quilting cotton gives about 42" of usable width, so the back is pieced from panels sewn side by side.
- Pick the direction that uses less. Panels can run the length of the quilt or across it. The calculator checks both and gives the smaller yardage.
- Round up. Every answer rounds up to the next 1/8 yard with a few inches to straighten the cut edge.