QuiltClarity

Quilting calculator

Quilt Border Calculator

Plan equal-width straight border layers, strip count, yardage, and final quilt size.

Free · No account · Editable assumptions

Your measurements
 
 
 
 
 
Advanced settings

Seam allowance: 0.25 · Usable fabric width: 40 · Handling/cutting buffer: 10 · Join seam allowance: 0.25

Advanced assumptions
 
 
 
 
 
 

How this calculator works

Assumptions

V1 covers equal-width, straight, non-mitered borders cut as cross-grain width-of-fabric strips, with side borders first. Before cutting the final border lengths, measure the assembled quilt top through the center in multiple places and use the chosen measured/averaged length.

Methodology

Seam allowance is added to both edges of the finished border width. For each layer, the calculator totals two side lengths and two top/bottom lengths after the sides are attached. Joined-strip capacity deducts the fabric consumed by every join, then adds the separate handling/cutting buffer, counts whole WOF strips, and rounds the planning yardage upward.

Worked example

One finished 4-inch border around a 60 × 72 inch top produces a nominal 68 × 80 inch top. With ¼-inch seams, cut border strips 4½ inches wide. The two side borders finish at 72 inches and the top and bottom at 68 inches.

Limitations

This focused calculator covers the construction method and rectangular measurements described above. It does not infer a complete quilt pattern or replace method-specific instructions.

Common question

Can I change the defaults? Yes. The visible defaults are planning conveniences; use the measurements and assumptions that match your fabric, method, and quilting setup.

Keep planning

Plan more than one piece

Combine all the rectangles for each fabric into a shopping list, cutting list, and visual layout.

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