Quilt backing calculator
Enter your quilt top size and fabric width to get panels, cut lengths and total yardage - with a picture of the layout.
Runs on your device - nothing is uploaded.
HOW IT WORKS
1
Measure your quilt top
Width and length in inches or centimetres - the numbers stay in this tab.
2
Pick your backing fabric width
Common widths are listed; choose custom for anything else. Add the overhang your quilter asks for.
3
Read the cutting plan
Panels, cut length per panel, seam direction and total yardage, drawn to scale.
Questions
How much overhang should the backing have?+
Most longarm quilters ask for 4 inches (about 10 cm) of extra backing on every side. Some want 6 inches - check with whoever quilts it and set the overhang field accordingly.
Why does it sometimes rotate the panels?+
If running the fabric length along the quilt's long side uses fewer panels or less total fabric, the calculator picks that orientation and tells you. Both options are checked.
Does the yardage include the seam allowances?+
Yes. Each panel loses fabric to the seam joining it to the next panel and to selvedge trimming, and that loss is already in the panel count and yardage.
Can I piece the backing from scraps?+
This calculator plans straight full-length panels, which is the safest layout for longarm quilting. Scrappy pieced backs work too but need their own plan.