Calculate fabric requirements, block layouts, and material costs for your quilting projects
Planning a quilt requires careful calculation of fabric requirements, block layouts, and materials. This calculator helps you determine exactly how much fabric, backing, batting, and binding you need for your project, accounting for seam allowances and waste.
Whether you're making a lap quilt, twin bed quilt, or king-size masterpiece, accurate material calculations ensure you buy the right amount of fabric the first time, avoiding costly trips back to the store or running out mid-project.
| Quilt Type | Width | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Quilt | 36" | 52" | Cribs, strollers |
| Lap Quilt | 50" | 65" | Couch, wheelchair |
| Twin | 70" | 90" | Single bed |
| Full/Double | 85" | 90" | Double bed |
| Queen | 90" | 95" | Queen bed |
| King | 108" | 95" | King bed |
Common quilt block sizes include 6", 8", 10", 12", and 15" squares. Smaller blocks create more intricate designs but require more piecing, while larger blocks work up faster but offer less design complexity.
Perfect for scrap quilts and detailed patterns. A 60" × 80" quilt needs 10 × 13 = 130 blocks.
Popular for layer cake quilts and medium complexity. A 60" × 80" quilt needs 6 × 8 = 48 blocks.
Great for showcasing fabric prints and faster projects. A 60" × 84" quilt needs 5 × 7 = 35 blocks.
Use 100% cotton quilting fabric for best results. Pre-wash fabrics to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding. Check fabric grain and avoid stretchy or loosely woven materials.
Choose a mix of prints, solids, and textures for visual interest. Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% main color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent. Test fabric combinations before cutting.
Backing should be 4-8 inches larger than the quilt top on all sides. Consider using 108" wide backing fabric to avoid seams. Choose backing that complements but doesn't compete with the quilt top.
Dimensions: 90" × 95" finished size
Block Size: 10" blocks with 1/4" seam allowance
Layout: 9 blocks wide × 10 blocks long = 90 blocks total
Main Fabric: 6.5 yards (assuming 50% of quilt top, 44" wide fabric, 15% waste)
Backing: 8.5 yards (98" × 103" backing size, 44" wide fabric)
Batting: 8.5 yards (same as backing, cotton batting)
Binding: 0.75 yards (370" perimeter + 10" extra = 380" ÷ 36)
Estimated Cost: $78 fabric + $85 backing + $128 batting + $6 binding = $297 total