How to Calculate Quilting Borders

Calculating yardage for borders is easier than it may seem.

After going through the long process of piecing a quilt top, the temptation to rush through the process of adding borders can be strong. But your quilt's borders bring the piece together and add structural integrity as well as visual impact. Taking time to calculate the border measurements exactly will be worth it in the end.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Calculator
• Pencil or pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of your pieced quilt top. Because the seams from the piecing may have opened a little at the edges, take the measurements from 5 inches inward from the edge to guarantee that your results are accurate. Note the measurements.

2. Determine the width of the fabric you intend to use for your border. Subtract the selvages from this width because the selvages should not show in your finished border. Most selvages for quilting cottons are 1/2 inch at each side, but measure your fabric if you're unsure. Note the measurement.

3. Determine the finished width you want your border to be. Add 1/2 inch to that width to allow for 1/4-inch seams on both sides. Note the width.

4. Add the length of the longest side of your quilt top plus double the width of the border. Note this number, it will be the length of the strips you cut for the border.

5. Add the length of the shorter side of your quilt top plus double the width of the border. Note this number.

6. Buy yardage equal to the finished length measurement, rounded up to the nearest 1/4 yard.

Tips & Warnings

• For multiple borders or if the math doesn't seem to be coming out right, try one of the Quilt Border Calculators linked in the Resources section of this article.

References

• Patchwork Quilt Patterns: Quilt Borders
• Quilting Assistant: Quilt Border Tips and Tricks
• Quilt University: Methods of Measuring for Borders

Resources

• Quilter's Paradise: Border Calculator
• Dabbletree: Quilt Calculator