How we worked it out
Updated as you change the numbers.
- Backing = quilt + 4 in each side = 68 × 80 in.
- Vertical seams: 68 ÷ 40 in, rounded up = 2 panels of 80 in = 160 in of fabric.
- Horizontal seams: 80 ÷ 40 in, rounded up = 2 panels of 68 in = 136 in of fabric.
- Use the horizontal layout: 136 in ÷ 36 = 3.778 yd, so buy 3 7/8 yd.
Method and assumptions
The backing is the quilt plus extra on each side. Panels are cut across the full width of fabric (less the selvages), so the calculator works out how many widths are needed for both seam directions and picks the one that uses less fabric. Yardage is rounded up to the nearest eighth of a yard, the usual cutting increment.
Tips
- Trim the selvages off before seaming; they shrink differently from the rest of the fabric.
- Press backing seams open to reduce bulk for the quilting machine.
Questions
How much backing for a 60 × 72 quilt?
With 4 in extra on each side the backing is 68 × 80 in. Two 40 in panels sewn with a horizontal seam take 136 in of fabric: buy 3 7/8 yards. In 108 in wide backing, one piece turned sideways: 68 in, so buy 2 yards.
Sources
Method and figures checked on . Every worked answer on this page is covered by an automated test. Found a mistake? Tell us.