Use this quilt calculator to design and size your quilt. Add sashing, cornerstones and up to 5 borders. Results from this calculator include fabric requirements and cutting instructions for binding, backing, sashing, borders, and cornerstones. Give it a try!
This quilt calculator is for blocks set in straight rows and columns. For blocks set on-point, try the On-Point Quilt Calculator.
Assumptions Used in the Calculators
- A usable fabric width of 40″
- Binding strips are cut 2-1/2″ x WOF
Sashing and Cornerstones
For sashing, the results will give two options: sashing without cornerstones and sashing with cornerstones.
The diagrams show the sashing and cornerstone placement options for these calculations.
For sashing without cornerstones, the horizontal sashings are stitched together end-to-end then cut to the width needed.
Borders
Add up to 5 borders. Works for borders stitched to sides first as shown below and for mitered borders up to 5″ wide.
NOTE: when entering border sizes, each border field must contain a zero or a number. Do not leave any border fields blank. This will result in calculation errors.
For crosswise cuts, all strips are stitched together end to end to make one long strip.
- Measure the length of the quilt top. Cut 2 strips to this length. Attach side borders.
- Measure the width of the quilt top. Cut 2 strips to this length. Attach the top and bottom borders.
For lengthwise cuts, press the center crease along the lengthwise grain.
Backing
To calculate the amount of backing fabric, the software adds 3” to each side of the quilt top which adds 6” to the total width and 6” to the total length.
44″ Wide Fabric
Yardage for the backing fabric is cut into equal lengths. The lengths are stitched together along the selvage edges, resulting in vertical seams in the backing. This works for directional and non-directional backing fabrics.
108″ Wide Fabric
When the quilt finished length is 100″ or less, the backing selvages run along the top and bottom of the quilt top as shown.
If the quilt finished length is larger than 100″, the selvage runs along the sides of the quilt top.
For quilt tops that are larger than 100″ wide and 100″ long you will receive the message “Out of range.” These quilt sizes require backing fabric to be seamed.
Design and Size A Quilt Calculator
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Happy quilting!
6 responses to “The Quilt Calculator: Design and Size A Quilt”
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Hello Carol,
Thank you for all you have done to help me get it right. The newest block that I’ve been working on has really worked my brain. I’m usually using large(r) blocks but this one has had me scratching my head, lol. I discovered the maker of it just last night after making 60 of these 8.75″ sq…makeup of my own calculations.
I found a picture of another quilters pieced up in red, white, & blue on Pinterest
The original designer is Bonnie Hunter and the pattern that eluded me for years is the “Diamond Tile” which was published in QuiltMakers Mag. I’ve yet to find the actual pattern for her design.
Your calculator above has been extremely beneficial in helping me to figure out my borders. Thank you again for all your hard work in helping me get there.-
Hello Darrellena, I am so happy that the calculators have helped you solve a mystery. I know how frustrating it is to know what you want but can’t seem to find the last little thing. Thank you so much for your kind comments!.
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Hi! I’m so happy I found your YouTube channel and watched your video on the On-Point Calculator. I’ve just used the Design A Quilt calculator. What a Hugh help for figuring out what I need to make a king size quilt. Thank you!
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I am so happy the calculators are helping you! Thanks so much for watching my channell and using the calculators. Best wishes on your project.
Carol
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I absolutely love this calculator. It makes every quilt so simple. Okay, maybe not so simple but a lot simpler. Thank you…
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So happy it has been helpful! Best wishes.
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