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Fabric Calculator

Plan your quilt from size to shopping list. Get precise yardage in purchasable increments — every cut accounted for.

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What are you making?

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1

Project Setup

Quilt size, block size, sashing, and borders

sofa throw

48" × 72" · 4 × 6 = 24 blocks

6" narrower than 54" × 72" target

Quick fixes

Change block size

Cut at 12.5"(extra ½" is lost to seam allowances)

48 × 72"

4×6 blocks at 12"
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Fabric Planning

Choose a pattern, then set how much of each fabric you need

Block area allocated100% — fully planned
Background
Focal / Feature
Supporting
Accent
Background
% of each block

Solid or low-volume fabric — fills the largest area in each block

Number of different fabrics:
1½ yd
Focal / Feature
% of each block

Your main print or hero fabric — the one you fell in love with

Number of different fabrics:
¾ yd
≈ 3 FQs
Supporting
% of each block

Coordinates with the focal; secondary prints or solids

Number of different fabrics:
½ yd
≈ 2 FQs
Accent
% of each block

Small pops of color or contrast

Number of different fabrics:
½ yd
≈ 2 FQs
3

Finishing

Backing, binding, and batting

Backing

Need at least 56" × 80" (quilt + 4" per side)

Cut 2 pieces, each 56" long from the bolt, then sew end to end along the short edges.

2 × 56" ÷ 36 = 3.11 yd → rounds to 3¼ yd

3¼ yd
Sew the 2pieces together with a ½" seam and press open to reduce bulk.

Binding

Strip width:

Perimeter (48" + 72") × 2 + 12" joining = 252"

252" ÷ 40" = 7 strips × 2.5"÷ 36 → ½ yd

½ yd
Tip: use your accent fabric, a coordinating solid, or leftover backing for binding.

Batting

Cut or buy at least 56" × 80"

Nearest standard precut: Crib (45×60), Throw (60×80), Twin (72×90), Queen (90×108), King (120×120)

56" × 80"
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Shopping List

48" × 72" · 24 blocks at 12" · 4 × 6 layout

Quilt Top

Background
1½ yd
Focal / Feature
¾ yd3 FQs
Supporting
½ yd2 FQs
Accent
½ yd2 FQs

Finishing

Backing2 panels × 56" long
3¼ yd
Binding7 strips × 2.5"
½ yd
Battingcut or precut
56" × 80"
Estimated cost(7.00 yd total)
$/yd~$84

Fabric only — does not include batting, thread, or notions.

All yardage rounded up to nearest ¼ yd with 10% cutting margin built in.

Assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) after removing selvage edges. Pre-wash fabric before cutting — cotton shrinks 3–5%.

Fat quarters (18"×22") shown for roles ≤ 2 yd. FQs work for piecing but not for long cuts (borders, sashing, backing).