A worked answer

How Much Backing for a Queen Quilt?

A 90 by 95 inch queen top, with 4 inches of overhang for quilting, needs a back of 98 by 103 inches. On 42 inch fabric that is three panels. On 108 inch wide backing it is a single length.

Two widths of backing fabric seamed together behind a smaller quilt top
Backing is the quilt plus overhang, seamed from as few widths of fabric as possible.

The card is set to 42 inch goods. Change the fabric width to 108 and watch the yardage drop. That drop is why wide backing exists.

If the back is only a little too wide for a bolt you already love, the diagonal backing calculator will say whether John Flynn's seam saves anything. At queen size it usually does not: 98 inches is well past one and a half widths of 42 inch cloth. Buy the three panels, or buy wide backing.

More bed sizes are in the quilt sizes guide.

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FAQ

How much backing do I need for a queen quilt?

For a 90 by 95 inch quilt with 4 inches of overhang all around, the back is 98 by 103 inches. Standard 42 inch fabric takes three panels. 108 inch wide backing usually takes one length, a little under 3 yards.

Can I back a queen quilt with 42 inch fabric?

Yes. You will seam three widths. The seam direction that uses less fabric is the one the calculator picks. Press the seams open if the quilting will cross them.

How much 108 inch backing for a queen?

The 108 inch width covers the 103 inch side of a 98 by 103 inch back, so you buy one length of 98 inches. That rounds up to 2 3/4 yards.

Design the quilt, then let the yardage follow

These calculators answer one question at a time. The studio counts every piece in a design, including binding, backing, and batting.

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