Measure
Use the actual top
Measure through the center rather than relying only on pattern dimensions.
Frame the quilt top
Quilt Border Calculator
Calculate cross-grain border strips, cut widths, side and top lengths, plus the fabric yardage to buy.
Calculate my borders ↓Straight rectangular borders · browser-local
Your border cut list
Cut the frame to the measured top
Border fabric to buy
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Cross-grain, straight-border estimate.
- WOF strips
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- Cut strip width
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- Two side cuts
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- Two top/bottom cuts
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- Finished quilt size
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Assembly order
Border diagram
Measure the real top through its center before cutting border lengths.
01
How border yardage is calculated
The finished border width becomes a wider cut strip after seam allowance. Total strip length covers two measured sides plus the longer top and bottom after side borders are attached.
Cut
Add seam allowance
The cut strip is wider than the visible finished border by two seam allowances.
Attach
Sides, then top and bottom
The second pair spans the original width plus both finished side borders.
02
Border questions
Use these checks to prevent waves and short cuts.
Should I measure the quilt before cutting borders?
Yes. Measure through the center in both directions and use the actual top size. This helps keep borders from introducing waves or distortion.
Does the border width include seam allowance?
Enter the finished visible border width. The calculator adds seam allowance to both cut edges to produce the strip cut width.
Does this work for mitered quilt borders?
No. This v1 estimate is for straight rectangular borders attached sides first, then top and bottom. Mitered corners need additional length.