When should I use bias binding?
Bias binding is ideal for curved edges, scalloped borders, or when you want the binding to stretch around corners smoothly.
Free quilting calculator
Bias Binding Calculator
Bias binding uses the diagonal grain of the fabric, which has more stretch than straight-grain binding. This calculator estimates the fabric yardage needed for bias-cut binding strips.
Result
Bias binding estimate
Cut 10 bias strips and buy about 0.875 yards.
- Quilt perimeter
- 264"
- Binding length needed
- 276"
- Bias strips needed
- 10 strips
- Estimated yardage
- 0.875 yards
Bias binding needs more fabric than straight-grain due to diagonal cutting. The extra 15% accounts for this waste.
Formula
Binding length = quilt perimeter + extra. Bias strips need more fabric than straight-grain strips due to diagonal cutting. Yardage = bias strips × strip width ÷ 36, with additional waste factor.
Example calculation
A 60" × 72" quilt needs 276" of binding. With 2.5" bias strips, you'll need more fabric than straight-grain binding.
Results are planning estimates. Always round up when buying fabric, especially for directional prints, shrinkage, fussy cutting, or cutting mistakes.
Related calculators
Quilt Binding CalculatorFind the binding length, number of WOF strips, and fabric yardage needed for your quilt binding.Fabric Yardage CalculatorEstimate fabric yardage from piece size, fabric width, quantity, seam allowance, and project type.Quilt Border CalculatorEstimate quilt border strips and fabric yardage using quilt size, border width, and fabric width.
Frequently asked questions
Does bias binding need more fabric?
Yes. Cutting strips on the diagonal reduces the number of strips per yard compared to straight-grain cutting.
What is a typical bias binding strip width?
Many quilters use 2.5 inch strips for double-fold bias binding, same as straight-grain binding.
Can I join bias strips?
Yes. Bias strips are typically joined end-to-end with diagonal seams to create continuous binding.