This simple quilt batting calculator will calculate exactly how much batting you need for your quilt. The calculator also calculates the number and direction of required seams.
How much batting do I need for my quilt? is a question that is bound to come up when preparing to baste your quilt.
Unlike backing fabric, where it is almost always necessary to piece the backing pieces, batting is produced in larger sizes. This means that often only one piece of batting is required (and no piecing seams).
However, sometimes you may be using batting that is narrower than the width of the quilt top. In this case, you will need to piece the batting.
Either way, this quilt batting calculator can help you quickly calculate the length of quilt batting required for your quilt.
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How To Use The Quilt Batting Calculator?
First, enter the quilt top width and quilt top length. Use the illustration as a guide. The QW (quilt top width) is the horizontal dimension of the quilt top and the QL (quilt top length) is the vertical dimension of the quilt.
Enter the width of the batting you are using. This is the width of the batting on the bolt.
NOTE: You can only enter one width of batting to run the calculation. If you are using leftover pieces of different widths, you can only use the calculator to calculate the required finished batting size.
Enter the desired overage. This is the amount of batting that hangs over the edge. It is required for long-arm quilting to attach the quilt to the frame, so consult your long-armer about the exact amount of overage. Even if you plan to quilt on your domestic machine or by hand, some overage is required to account for the shifting of the quilt sandwich layers as you quilt.
Press CALCULATE to run the calculation.
Reading The Results Of The Batting Calculator
The calculator provides two different calculations:
Option A calculates the required batting yardage (in inches and yards) for vertical piecing.
Option B calculates the required batting yardage (in inches and yards) for horizontal piecing.
For each, the number of batting pieces and the number of required piecing seams are calculated. If more than one batting piece is required, the calculator adds the seam allowance required for piecing (a 1/2” seam allowance is added) to the final batting yardage calculation.
Generally, we recommend choosing the option that requires the least batting yardage.
Further Reading
backing & Basting a Quilt
If you’re wondering how to prepare batting for a quilt and how to baste a quilt for quilting, make sure you read our tutorials:
- Read our guide on how to choose quilt batting.
- Once you’ve chosen and prepared your batting and backing, it’s time to make a quilt sandwich! Learn how to baste a quilt with our step-by-step tutorial.
Quilt Batting Calculator FAQ
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Disclaimer: Our calculators have been exclusively designed and copyrighted by Designed to Quilt. They are made available for unrestricted use, solely intended for personal, non-commercial purposes. Designed to Quilt does not provide any warranty or representation regarding the calculators’ functionality or precision. Designed to Quilt will not be held liable for any damages resulting from their utilization.
