Calculators

Work out bias binding for curved edges

The Bias binding calculator gives the square to cut for one continuous bias strip, the yardage it takes, and what straight-grain binding would take for comparison.

Where to find it

Studio top bar → Calculators → Bias binding. Also at quiltler.com → Calculators, and in the Calculators tab of the iPhone and iPad app.

Open the bias binding calculator
On the Bias binding calculator, typing a 40 by 40 inch quilt changes the card to 5/8 yard: cut one 20 3/4 inch square for 172 inches of continuous bias binding, against 3/8 yard of straight-grain binding

How to do it

  1. Press Calculators in the studio's top bar and choose Bias binding. It opens on a 60 × 72″ quilt, with the answer already in the You need card.
  2. Type your quilt's Quilt width (inches) and Quilt length (inches).
  3. Set Strip width (inches) and Usable fabric width (inches) if yours differ from 2½″ and 42″.
  4. Read the card: the Square to cut, the Bias yardage, and what Straight-grain binding would take.

Good to know

  • Cut the square on the diagonal, sew it into a tube and cut round and round for one long strip.
  • The length allowed is the perimeter plus 12″, a little more than straight binding.
  • Straight edges are happier with straight-grain binding: it's stronger and uses less fabric.
Who can use it
Free, no account needed on the web
Where it works
Web studio · quiltler.com · iPhone & iPad

This guide answers

  • How much bias binding do I need?
  • What size square do I cut for continuous bias binding?
  • How do I bind a quilt with curved edges?
  • How much fabric to bind a scalloped edge?
  • Does bias binding use more fabric?