Quilt backing
Quilt Backing Yardage for Every Quilt Size
Backing should be 4 to 6 inches larger than the quilt top on every side. A 90 x 95 inch queen quilt needs 8 1/4 yards of 42 inch cotton or 2 3/4 yards of 108 inch wide backing at 4 inches per side. A 106 x 95 inch king needs 8 5/8 yards of 42 inch cotton.
The table below shows backing yardage for every quilt size at both common overages: a queen needs 8 1/4 yards of 42 inch cotton pieced into 3 panels, or 2 3/4 yards of 108 inch wide backing, with 4 inches spare on every side.
| Quilt | Top size | 42 in, 4 in extra | 108 in, 4 in extra | 42 in, 6 in extra | 108 in, 6 in extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 40 x 40 | 2 3/4 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 3 yd | 1 1/2 yd |
| Crib | 36 x 52 | 2 1/2 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 2 3/4 yd | 1 3/8 yd |
| Lap | 45 x 60 | 3 yd | 1 1/2 yd | 3 1/4 yd | 1 5/8 yd |
| Throw | 50 x 65 | 3 1/4 yd | 1 5/8 yd | 3 1/2 yd | 1 3/4 yd |
| Twin | 68 x 90 | 5 1/2 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 5 3/4 yd | 2 1/4 yd |
| Twin XL | 68 x 95 | 5 3/4 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 6 yd | 3 yd |
| Full / Double | 83 x 90 | 7 5/8 yd | 2 5/8 yd | 8 yd | 2 3/4 yd |
| Queen | 90 x 95 | 8 1/4 yd | 2 3/4 yd | 8 1/2 yd | 3 yd |
| King | 106 x 95 | 8 5/8 yd | 3 1/4 yd | 9 yd | 6 5/8 yd |
| California King | 102 x 99 | 9 yd | 6 1/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd | 6 3/8 yd |
Figures assume 40 inches of usable width for 42 to 45 inch quilting cotton and 106 inches for 108 inch wide backing, rounded up to the next 1/8 yard. For a custom size, use the quilt backing calculator, and check the fabric width chart if you are buying something other than quilting cotton.
Backing yardage starts from the finished top, so confirm that first on the quilt size pages. After the back is pieced, how to back a quilt covers basting and squaring it up, the batting size calculator sizes the middle layer, and binding strips by quilt size finishes the edges.
Frequently asked questions
What is backing on a quilt?
The backing is the single layer of fabric on the underside of a quilt, the third layer of the quilt sandwich under the top and the batting. It is cut larger than the quilt top on every side so nothing runs short while the quilt is basted or loaded on a frame. For a 90 x 95 inch queen that means a piece about 98 x 103 inches.
What kind of fabric should I use for quilt backing?
Quilting cotton is the standard choice, either 42 to 45 inch cotton pieced into panels or 108 inch wide backing bought in one length. Flannel makes a warmer, heavier quilt, and 118 to 120 inch extra wide backing covers a king without a seam. Bed sheets are tempting but their high thread count is hard to needle, especially on a longarm.
How much bigger than the quilt top should backing be?
Add 4 inches on every side if you are basting and quilting at home, and 4 to 6 inches if a longarm quilter is doing the work, since the frame needs fabric to clamp. On a 90 x 95 inch queen, 4 inches per side means 8 1/4 yards of 42 inch cotton and 6 inches per side means 8 1/2 yards. Ask your quilter before cutting.
Is wide backing worth it instead of piecing panels?
For anything from a twin upward, usually yes. A queen back pieced from 42 inch cotton takes 8 1/4 yards and 3 panels, while 108 inch wide backing does the same job in 2 3/4 yards with no seam to press. On a small quilt such as a 40 x 40 inch baby quilt the saving disappears, because 2 3/4 yards of ordinary cotton already covers it.
Researched from manufacturer specifications, owner manuals and verified owner reviews, not hands-on testing, and not professional advice. As an Amazon Associate, Cozy Stitchery earns from qualifying purchases.
