Quilt Plan KitHow much backing fabric for a baby quilt?
Baby quilts are small enough that one fat quarter-sized cut often covers the binding, but it is worth checking before you trim your fabric.
2 1/2 yd of 42 in fabric (2 panels, horizontal seam).
1 1/4 yd of 108 in wide-back (no seams).
How it's worked out
- Quilt size: 36 x 52 in, which is a typical 36 x 52 in baby quilt (not a mattress standard).
- Backing size = (36 + 8) x (52 + 8) = 44 x 60 in, which leaves 4 in on every side for the longarm or for basting.
- Vertical seams: 2 panels x 60 in = 120 in = 3 3/8 yd.
- Horizontal seams: 2 panels x 44 in = 88 in = 2 1/2 yd.
- Use the option that needs less: horizontal, 2 1/2 yd. Usable width is taken as 42 in (106 in for wide-back).
Open the backing calculator with these numbers, or read how much backing fabric you need.
Planning the whole quilt? The Quilt Planner has a backing and binding worksheet, fabric requirements and a cutting chart for every project.