Quilt Border Calculator
Enter your quilt size to see how much fabric to buy.
How this was calculated
This is an estimate. Measure your quilt and fabric before you cut.
Allowances vary by quilter and machine. Change any value to match yours.
Free. No account. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
How the amount is worked out
Measure through the center of your quilt top before you cut. Side strips match the center length plus ½ inch extra, our starting value. Top and bottom strips then also cross both side borders, so they add two border widths. Each strip is cut ½ inch wider than the finished border, for seams.
Example: a 48 by 56 inch center with a 5 inch border gives 2 sides of 56½ inches and top and bottom of 58½. Together that is 230 inches, which is 6 strips at 40 inches of usable width, cut 5½ inches wide. Buy 1 yard.
When to cut along the fabric
Cutting along the fabric gives long borders without joins. It usually takes more yardage, because the fabric has to be as long as the longest strip. Switch to "Cut along the fabric" to compare.
Questions
Do you cover mitered borders?
This calculator is for butted borders and doesn't work out mitered corners.
Should I measure the edge or the center?
Measure through the center of your quilt top before you cut.
When should I cut along the fabric?
When you want long borders without joins. It usually takes more yardage, which the calculator shows.