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Quilt Backing Calculator

Calculate how much backing fabric you need for your quilt. Get yardage requirements, seaming orientation, cutting instructions, and cost estimates based on your quilt size and fabric width.

Calculate Quilt Backing

Enter your quilt dimensions and fabric details

Finished Quilt Length (inches)

Length of finished quilt top

Finished Quilt Width (inches)

Width of finished quilt top

Overhang per Side (inches)

Extra fabric on each side (typically 4-6")

Fabric Width (inches)

Width of fabric you're using

Price Per Yard ($ - optional)

Leave blank to skip cost calculation

Calculation Results

3.88 yd
Yardage Needed
(3.6 meters)
2
Panels
horizontal seam

Backing Dimensions

Finished Quilt:60.0" × 72.0"
Backing Size Needed:68.0" × 80.0"
Fabric Width Used:42"

📐 Cutting Instructions

Cut 2 panels, each 68" long. Sew together along the length with a horizontal seam.

💡 Tip: Always buy a little extra fabric to account for shrinkage and cutting errors. Consider prewashing your backing fabric before cutting.

Related Calculators

Understanding Quilt Backing

Quilt backing is the fabric layer on the bottom of your quilt. It needs to be larger than your quilt top to account for "take-up" during quilting and to ensure the edges don't shift. Calculating the right amount of backing fabric helps you avoid running short or buying too much.

Most quilters add 4-6 inches of overhang on each side of the quilt (8-12 inches total added to width and length). This provides enough room for:

  • The quilt to "draw up" as it's quilted (fabric naturally contracts)
  • Secure attachment to a longarm quilting frame
  • Margin of error during basting and quilting
  • Trimming to square up edges after quilting

Choosing Your Backing Fabric Width

📏 42-45" Standard Quilting Cotton

Most common and economical. Typically requires seaming for quilts larger than lap size. Available in the widest variety of colors and prints. Budget-friendly option.

📐 60" Home Decor Fabric

Middle ground option. Reduces seaming for medium-sized quilts. Often heavier weight. Limited quilting-specific designs but good for solid colors.

🎯 108" Extra-Wide Backing

No seaming needed for most quilts. Saves time and creates a seamless look. More expensive per yard but uses less yardage. Popular for king-size quilts and show quilts.

Seaming Your Backing Fabric

✂️ Horizontal vs. Vertical Seams

  • Horizontal seam: Panels run lengthwise (parallel to the quilt length). Best when quilt is wider than it is long.
  • Vertical seam: Panels run widthwise (parallel to the quilt width). Best when quilt is longer than it is wide.
  • The calculator automatically chooses the orientation that uses the least fabric.

💡 Pro Tip: Piecing Your Backing

Use a ½" seam allowance and press seams open to reduce bulk. Consider using a decorative backing design with multiple fabrics for visual interest. Always trim selvages before seaming.

Backing Fabric Shopping Tips

🛒
Buy a Little Extra

Add 10-15% more fabric to account for shrinkage (if prewashing), cutting errors, and future repairs.

🌊
Prewash for Best Results

Prewashing prevents shrinkage and color bleeding. Fabric typically shrinks 3-5%, so calculate yardage before washing.

🎨
Coordinate with Your Quilt Top

Choose backing that complements your quilt front. Low-volume prints hide quilting mistakes; solid colors showcase quilting designs.

💰
Compare Costs

Wide backing costs more per yard but requires less yardage. Calculate total cost (yardage × price) to compare options fairly.

Common Quilt Sizes Reference

Quilt TypeTypical Size~Backing (42")
Baby/Crib36" × 52"1.75 yd
Lap/Throw50" × 65"4 yd
Twin68" × 88"5.5 yd
Full/Double85" × 88"7.75 yd
Queen90" × 95"8.5 yd
King108" × 95"9.5 yd

*Estimates assume 4" overhang and 42" fabric. Use calculator for precise measurements.