A Beginner’s Guide to Quilt Binding
You’ve finished piecing your quilt, it’s been quilted, and now you’re ready for that final step—binding.
But then comes the question: How much binding do I actually need?
If you’re a beginning quilter, binding math can seem a little confusing at first. Thankfully, it really isn’t complicated once you know the formula. I use the same basic calculation every time, and once you’ve done it a few times, you probably won’t even have to think about it.
So, let’s walk through it together.
What Is Quilt Binding?
Quilt binding is the strip of fabric that wraps around the outside raw edges of your quilt after it has been quilted and trimmed.
Not only does binding give your quilt that nice, finished look, but it also protects the edges and keeps all those layers neatly enclosed.
I use double-fold binding, which simply means the binding strip is folded in half lengthwise before it is attached to the quilt.
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| Double-fold binding and iron |
How Much Binding Do I Need?
The first thing you need to know is the finished size of your quilt.
Measure both the length and width of your quilt. Then we're going to calculate the distance all the way around it—or the quilt's perimeter.
Here's the formula:
Length + Length + Width + Width = Quilt Perimeter
Or, if you prefer:
(Length × 2) + (Width × 2) = Quilt Perimeter
Once you have your perimeter, add 12 extra inches. That little bit of extra binding gives you room to comfortably join the two ends when you finish attaching the binding.
So our complete formula is:
(Length × 2) + (Width × 2) + 12″ = Total Binding Length Needed
Let's Do an Example
Let's say our quilt measures 66″ × 78″.
First, calculate the perimeter:
66 + 66 + 78 + 78 = 288″
Now add our extra 12 inches:
288″ + 12″ = 300″
For this quilt, we need approximately 300 inches of binding.
Easy enough, right?
But now we need to figure out how many strips of fabric to cut.
How Many Binding Strips Should I Cut?
Most quilting cotton is approximately 42–44 inches wide, but once the selvages are removed, I like to figure on about 42 inches of usable fabric.
Take the total amount of binding you need and divide it by 42.
Using our example:
300 ÷ 42 = 7.14
Obviously, we can't cut .14 of a strip and expect that to get us very far! So anytime you get a partial number, round up to the next whole strip.
That means I would cut:
8 binding strips
How Much Fabric Do I Need?
Now that we know we need eight strips, we can figure out how much yardage we'll need.
I normally cut my binding strips 2¼″ wide. That's the width I prefer for my quilts because it gives me a nice double-fold binding without feeling too bulky.
Multiply the number of strips by the width of each strip:
8 strips × 2¼″ = 18″
Since 18 inches equals half a yard, ½ yard is the calculated minimum amount of fabric needed.
However—and this is where the practical side of quilting comes in—I don't particularly like buying exactly what the math says I need.
One crooked cut, a miscut strip, fabric shrinkage from prewashing, or discovering that your usable width isn't quite what you expected can leave you short.
If I'm purchasing fabric specifically for binding, I like having a little extra. ⅝ yard will give you some breathing room, and ¾ yard gives you even more insurance. I'd much rather have a little fabric left over than discover I'm one strip short when I'm almost finished!
A Few of My Favorite Binding Tips
Cut My Binding Strips 2¼″ Wide
This is my go-to width for double-fold binding. I've found that it gives me a sturdy binding while still being easy to work with.
There are quilters who prefer 2½″ binding, and there's nothing wrong with that. Like so many things in quilting, you'll eventually find the width that works best for you.
Join the Strips with Diagonal Seams
Instead of sewing the ends of the strips straight across, I join my binding strips using diagonal seams.
This spreads out the seam allowance and keeps all that extra bulk from ending up in one chunky spot along the edge of the quilt.
Press the Seams Open
Once I've joined all my strips into one long piece of binding, I press those diagonal seams open.
It's a small step, but it helps reduce bulk and gives the finished binding a much smoother appearance.
Press the Binding in Half Lengthwise
Finally, fold the entire binding strip in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.
Yes, it means spending a few more minutes at the ironing board, but it's worth it. Having that nice pressed fold makes the binding much easier to handle when you start sewing it onto your quilt.
And now you're ready to bind your quilt!
Once you know the formula, figuring out binding really isn't difficult. Measure the quilt, calculate the perimeter, add a little extra, and divide by the usable width of your fabric.
The math may not be the most exciting part of quilting, but running out of binding six inches before you reach the end is definitely less exciting!
Adding the Binding to Your Quilt
Once you've figured out how much binding you need, cut your strips, joined them together, and pressed your binding in half, it's time to attach it to your quilt.
Sometimes it's much easier to understand the process when you can actually see it being done. In the video below, I walk you through how I attach binding to my quilts, including how I work my way around the corners.
This is the method that works for me, but as with most things in quilting, there are different ways to do it. Once you've bound a few quilts, you'll find the method that feels most comfortable for you.
Watch the video below to see how I attach binding to my quilt from start to finish.
Binding can seem a little intimidating when you’re finishing your first few quilts, but like most things in quilting, it gets easier with practice. Once you know the math and find a method that works for you, it becomes just another part of the process.
And there’s something pretty satisfying about adding those last few stitches and knowing your quilt is finally finished!
I hope this guide makes figuring out and attaching your next quilt binding just a little bit easier. Happy quilting!
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