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Sewing & Quilting Quilt Border Calculator

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Created by: Daniel Hayes

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Plan quilt border strip lengths, strip count, and border yardage for cleaner cutting and better finishing accuracy.

Quilt Border Calculator

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Estimate border strip lengths and yardage for quilt finishing

Quilt and Border Inputs

Note: These results are for guidance only and shouldn't be taken as professional advice. Always double-check with a qualified expert before making decisions.

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What is a Quilt Border Calculator?

A quilt border calculator estimates border strip lengths, strip count, and yardage from quilt dimensions, border width, and fabric width.

It helps quilters cut accurate border pieces and reduce wasted fabric during finishing.

Quilt Border Formulas

Top and Bottom Border Length: Quilt Width + Join Allowance

Side Border Length: Quilt Length + (2 × Border Width) + Join Allowance

Total Border Length: (2 × Top Bottom) + (2 × Side)

Strips Needed: ceil(Total Border Length ÷ Usable Fabric Width)

Yardage: (Strips Needed × Border Width) ÷ 36

Example Calculation

For a 60 by 80 inch quilt with 3 inch borders and 42 inch usable fabric width:

  • Top and bottom strips are based on quilt width
  • Side strips account for added top and bottom borders
  • Total strip length converts to strip count and yardage

Common Applications

  • Single border quilts: Finish tops quickly with one border round
  • Multiple border rounds: Plan each round with updated dimensions
  • Scrap borders: Estimate minimum strip quantities
  • Show quilts: Improve planning for wide feature borders

Tips for Better Borders

  • Measure quilt center through middle, not only edges
  • Piece side borders first, then top and bottom
  • Square quilt top before attaching final border round
  • Add extra fabric for directional print matching

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate quilt border strip length?

Border length is based on quilt side dimensions plus corner joins. This calculator estimates strip lengths and total yardage from border width and fabric width.

Should I add seam allowance to border strips?

Yes. A small join allowance is usually needed for strip seams and corner handling. This tool includes a join allowance input.

What is mitered border planning?

Mitered borders are cut and joined at corners with angled seams. They often require slightly more length than straight borders.

Can I plan multiple border rounds?

Yes. Calculate one round at a time, then use the new outer quilt dimensions as inputs for the next round.

How wide should quilt borders be?

Common border widths range from 2 to 6 inches depending on quilt size and design balance.

Does this include directional print matching?

No. Add extra margin if directional or large-scale prints need alignment.

Should I cut side and top borders differently?

Many quilters cut side borders first, then top and bottom after stitching sides, to reduce waviness and improve fit.

Sources and References

  1. The Quilters Bible, border construction fundamentals
  2. Quiltmaker techniques for straight and mitered borders
  3. American Quilter Society educational border notes