Quilt binding
Quilt Binding Strips and Yardage for Every Quilt Size
Binding length is the quilt perimeter plus about 12 inches. A 90 x 95 inch queen quilt needs 382 inches: 11 strips cut 2 1/2 inches wide across 42 inch fabric, which is 7/8 yards. A 40 x 40 inch baby quilt needs 5 strips. Double-fold binding cut 2 1/2 inches finishes about 3/8 inch wide.
The table below gives binding strips and yardage for every quilt size at the two most used strip widths: a queen needs 11 strips of 2 1/2 inch binding, 7/8 yards, to cover its 370 inch perimeter.
| Quilt | Perimeter | 2 1/2 in strips | Yardage | 2 3/4 in strips | Yardage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 160 in | 5 | 3/8 yd | 5 | 1/2 yd |
| Crib | 176 in | 6 | 1/2 yd | 6 | 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 210 in | 6 | 1/2 yd | 6 | 1/2 yd |
| Throw | 230 in | 7 | 1/2 yd | 7 | 5/8 yd |
| Twin | 316 in | 9 | 5/8 yd | 9 | 3/4 yd |
| Twin XL | 326 in | 10 | 3/4 yd | 10 | 7/8 yd |
| Full / Double | 346 in | 10 | 3/4 yd | 10 | 7/8 yd |
| Queen | 370 in | 11 | 7/8 yd | 11 | 7/8 yd |
| King | 402 in | 12 | 7/8 yd | 12 | 1 yd |
| California King | 402 in | 12 | 7/8 yd | 12 | 1 yd |
Strips are cut across 42 inch cotton with about 40 inches usable, allowing one strip width per diagonal join. Use the quilt binding calculator for custom sizes, or start from a jelly roll, whose strips are already cut to 2 1/2 inches.
Binding is the last step: confirm the finished size on the quilt size pages, buy backing yardage with the same fabric order so the dye lots match, and follow how to bind a quilt for joining strips, mitering corners and closing the final seam.
Frequently asked questions
What size should quilt binding strips be?
Two and a half inches is the standard cut width for double-fold binding, and it finishes about 3/8 inch wide on the front of a quilt with average batting. Cut 2 1/4 inch strips for a slimmer edge on thin cotton batting, and 2 3/4 to 3 inches for high-loft or wool batting. A queen takes 11 strips at 2 1/2 inches, or 11 at 2 3/4 inches.
How much binding do I need for a quilt?
Measure the perimeter of the quilt and add about 12 inches for the mitered corners and the closing join. A 90 x 95 inch queen has a 370 inch perimeter, so it needs 382 inches of binding, which is 11 strips cut across 42 inch fabric and 7/8 yards of fabric. A 40 x 40 inch baby quilt needs only 5 strips.
What are some quilt binding ideas?
Scrappy binding pieced from leftovers is the easiest change, and a jelly roll is already cut to the standard 2 1/2 inch width, so its 40 strips cover several quilts when a queen uses only 11. A flange binding sews two fabrics together so a thin line of accent colour shows along the edge. A wider 2 3/4 inch strip in a contrasting print frames the quilt more strongly.
Should quilt binding be cut on the bias?
Only curved or scalloped edges truly need bias binding, because bias stretches around a curve without puckering. Straight-grain strips cut across the width of fabric are standard for square corners and waste less fabric. Continuous bias for a queen starts from a square about 36 inches on each side.
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.
