Answer
How much fabric do I need for a quilt backing?
Add 4 in per side to the quilt top, divide by 40 in of usable fabric and round up (Missouri Star). A queen quilt (90 × 95 in) needs about 8¼ yards of 42 in fabric or 2¾ yards of 108 in wide backing.
Open the fabric yardage calculator
Backing by quilt size
| Quilt | Size (in) | Backing (in) | 42 in fabric | 108 in wide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib | 36 × 52 | 44 × 60 | 2½ yd, 2 panels | 1¼ yd |
| Throw (lap) | 50 × 65 | 58 × 73 | 3¼ yd, 2 panels | 1¾ yd |
| Twin | 68 × 86 | 76 × 94 | 5¼ yd, 2 panels | 2¼ yd |
| Full | 84 × 90 | 92 × 98 | 7¾ yd, 3 panels | 2¾ yd |
| Queen | 90 × 95 | 98 × 103 | 8¼ yd, 3 panels | 2¾ yd |
| King | 108 × 95 | 116 × 103 | 8¾ yd, 3 panels | 3¼ yd |
| California king | 102 × 100 | 110 × 108 | 9 yd, 3 panels | 6 yd, 2 panels |
Step by step
- Add 8 in to the quilt top’s width and length.
- Divide one side by 40 and round up: that’s the number of panels.
- Multiply the panels by the other side, divide by 36 and round up to the next ¼ yard.
- Try it both ways round and buy the smaller amount.
More questions
What seam allowance for a backing?
½ in, pressed open.
Do I need to prewash backing fabric?
It’s up to you; if you do, buy a little extra for shrinkage.
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