Enter the width and height of the quilt top into the calculator to determine the total yardage needed for the quilt backing; this calculator can also evaluate the width or height given the total yardage.
Quilt Backing Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the total yardage needed for a quilt backing:
Y = (W + 4) * (H + 4) / 36
Variables:
- Y is the total yardage needed for the quilt backing
- W is the width of the quilt top in inches
- H is the height of the quilt top in inches
To calculate the total yardage needed for the quilt backing, add 4 inches to the width and 4 inches to the height of the quilt top. Multiply the adjusted width and height together, and divide the result by 36 to convert it to yards.
What is a Quilt Backing?
A quilt backing is the bottom layer of a quilt sandwich, a three-layer packet made up of the quilt top, the batting, and the backing. The backing is typically a large piece of fabric that is used to cover the back of the quilt. It can be a single, unpieced piece of fabric, but it’s also possible to piece together smaller cuts of fabric to create a larger backing.
The backing is usually made from a soft, durable material that can withstand repeated use and washing. It’s often a solid color or a simple print so as not to distract from the quilt top, but it can also be a more complex design or even a second quilt top. The backing is attached to the other layers of the quilt sandwich through a process called quilting, where the three layers are sewn together in a decorative pattern.
How to Calculate Quilt Backing?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Quilt Backing.
- First, determine the width of the quilt top (in inches).
- Next, determine the length of the quilt top (in inches).
- Next, determine the desired overhang of the quilt backing (in inches).
- Finally, calculate the quilt backing size by adding the width, length, and twice the overhang.
- After calculating the quilt backing size, you can purchase the appropriate amount of fabric based on the width of the fabric bolt (usually 42-44 inches) and the desired backing size.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Width of the quilt top (in inches) = 60
Length of the quilt top (in inches) = 80
Desired overhang of the quilt backing (in inches) = 6
