How to calculate and make quilt binding

Measure around the quilt, add 12″ for corners and the join, and cut enough 2½″ strips to reach that length. A 90″ × 108″ queen quilt needs 11 strips: 7/8 yd. Change the size and play the steps to see how the strips become binding.

Binding simulator

Units Inches & yards Centimetres & metres

Quilt width

Quilt length

Strip width

Continuous bias binding

Try: Baby 36 × 52Throw 60 × 70Queen 90 × 108

▶ Play the steps ‹ Back Next ›

1. Measure the quiltWidth and length of the finished top.
2. Find the lengthPerimeter + 12″ for the four corners and the join.
3. Cut the stripsAcross the fabric, selvage to selvage, about 40″ each.
4. Join at 45°Diagonal seams, trimmed to ¼″, make one long strip.
5. Sew it onFold in half, sew to the front, mitre the corners, turn to the back.

Step by step

1. Add the four sides. Queen: 2 × (90 + 108) = 396″. Then add 12″ for corners and the join: 408″ of binding.
2. Count the strips. A 2½″ strip from 42–44″ fabric is about 40″ long, and every diagonal join uses up about one strip width, so each strip adds roughly 37½″. 408 ÷ 37.5 = 10.9, so cut 11 strips.
3. Cut the strips across the width of the fabric and trim off the selvages.
4. Join two strips at right angles, right sides together. Sew diagonally from corner to corner, trim ¼″ beyond the seam, press open. Repeat until you have one long strip.
5. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
6. Sew it to the front of the quilt with raw edges together and a ¼″ seam, starting in the middle of a side and leaving an 8–10″ tail. Stop ¼″ from each corner, fold the strip up at 45° and back down for a mitred corner.
7. Finish. Join the two tails with a diagonal seam, then fold the binding over the edge to the back and stitch it down.

Binding for common sizes (2½″ strips)

For your own size, use the quilt binding calculator. Details of the math are on how we calculate.

Questions quilters ask

How do you calculate how much binding you need?

Add up the four sides of the quilt (the perimeter) and add about 12 inches for the corners and the join. Divide by 37.5 inches, the length one 2.5 inch strip gives after the diagonal joins, and round up to get the number of strips. A 90 x 108 inch quilt has a 396 inch perimeter, needs 408 inches of binding, and so 11 strips: 7/8 yd.

How wide should I cut binding strips?

2.5 inches is the common width for double-fold binding on a normal quilt. 2.25 inches gives a slimmer binding and uses less fabric; go wider (2.75 to 3 inches) for thick batting or a wider finished binding.

Why join binding strips on the diagonal?

A 45 degree seam spreads the bulk over a longer line, so the join does not make a lump at the edge of the quilt, and it is much less visible than a straight seam. Trim the seam to a quarter inch and press it open.

Do I need more fabric for bias binding?

Yes. Continuous bias binding is cut from a square of fabric, about 34.5 inches for a 90 x 108 inch quilt (1 yd). Straight-grain strips need only 7/8 yd. Bias is worth it for quilts with curved edges or for binding that will get hard use.

How much binding for a baby quilt, a throw, a queen?

A 36 x 52 inch baby quilt needs 1/2 yd, a 60 x 70 inch throw 5/8 yd and a 90 x 108 inch queen 7/8 yd, all with 2.5 inch strips.

Keep learning

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• Free calculator Quilt binding calculator Just want the number? Type your size and get it straight away.

Updated 2026-11-14.