To measure the amount of binding needed for a quilt, you calculate the total perimeter of the quilt and add extra length for seams and corners.
Calculating the necessary length of fabric for quilt binding is a straightforward process based on the dimensions of your quilt. This ensures you have enough material to go all the way around the edge, with a little extra for joining the ends and navigating corners neatly.
Steps to Measure Quilt Binding Fabric
The process involves two main steps: finding the quilt's perimeter and adding the required allowance.
Step 1: Calculate the Quilt's Perimeter
Measure the width and length of your quilt accurately.
- Measure the width (A) of your quilt.
- Measure the length (B) of your quilt.
- Calculate the perimeter by adding the width and length together, and then multiplying the sum by two.
Perimeter Formula: (Width + Length) × 2
Here is how you can visualize this calculation:
| Measurement | Symbol | Example (inches) | Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | A | 60 | |
| Length | B | 80 | |
| Perimeter | (60 + 80) 2 = 140 2 = 280 |
Step 2: Add Allowance for Joining and Corners
Once you have the total perimeter, you need to add extra fabric length to account for the binding pieces being joined together and for creating tidy corners.
- Add 20 inches to the total calculated perimeter. This extra length is crucial for securely joining the binding ends and handling the bulk at the corners.
Total Binding Length Needed: Perimeter + 20 inches
Using the example above:
- Perimeter = 280 inches
- Allowance = 20 inches
- Total Binding Length Needed = 280 + 20 = 300 inches
This final number tells you the minimum total length of fabric strips you will need to cut to create the binding for your quilt. The width of these strips will depend on your preferred binding style.
For more details on how to work out fabric needs, you can refer to resources like the guide provided by Bramble Patch.
