Robert Kaufman Quilt Calculator

Enter Quilt Details

Measurement Unit

Target Quilt Width

Target Quilt Height

Finished Block Width

Finished Block Height

Sashing Width

Inner Border Width

Outer Border Width

Seam Allowance

Usable Fabric Width

Backing Overage Per Side

Batting Overage Per Side

Batting Roll Width

Binding Cut Width

Waste Allowance Percent

Shrinkage Percent

Example Data Table

Project	Quilt Size	Block Size	Sashing	Borders	Fabric Width
Lap Quilt	50 x 60 in	10 x 10 in	1 in	2 in and 4 in	42 in
Throw Quilt	60 x 72 in	12 x 12 in	1 in	2 in and 5 in	42 in
Bed Quilt	90 x 100 in	10 x 10 in	1.5 in	3 in and 6 in	44 in

Formula Used

Columns: ceil((target width + sashing) / (block width + sashing))

Rows: ceil((target height + sashing) / (block height + sashing))

Top width: columns × block width + (columns − 1) × sashing

Top height: rows × block height + (rows − 1) × sashing

Finished width: top width + 2 × inner border + 2 × outer border

Finished height: top height + 2 × inner border + 2 × outer border

Top yardage: top area ÷ (fabric width × 36) × waste factor

Backing yardage: backing panels × backing height ÷ 36 × waste and shrinkage factor

Binding length: 2 × (finished width + finished height) + joining allowance

How To Use This Calculator

Enter the target quilt width and height.
Add your finished block size.
Enter sashing, border, and seam values.
Add fabric width, backing overage, and batting width.
Set waste and shrinkage allowances.
Press the calculate button.
Review the result above the form.
Download the CSV or PDF for project records.

Robert Kaufman Quilt Planning Guide

Why Accurate Yardage Matters

A quilt looks simple after it is finished. The planning behind it is detailed. Each block, seam, border, backing panel, and binding strip changes the final fabric need. A small rounding error can leave a quilter short during cutting. This calculator helps turn a design idea into measured yardage. It is useful for sampler quilts, strip quilts, block layouts, and border based projects.

What This Calculator Estimates

The tool starts with the desired finished quilt size. It then checks the finished block size and optional sashing. From those values, it estimates the number of block columns and rows. It also reports the planned quilt top size before borders. Border fabric is estimated from the total strip length and strip width. Backing and batting are calculated with user defined overage. Binding is based on the full quilt perimeter plus extra joining length.

Using The Results Well

Yardage should always be rounded up before shopping. Fabric may shrink, edges may be squared, and prints may need directional matching. The waste and shrinkage fields help cover those real cutting issues. Wider fabric can reduce backing seams. Narrower fabric may require extra panels. Always compare the estimate with your pattern instructions when a designer gives exact cutting directions.

Planning Blocks And Borders

The block grid result is helpful when you know the target quilt size but not the layout. If the calculated top is larger than planned, reduce block count, block size, or sashing. Borders can then bring the quilt closer to the desired size. Inner borders frame the block field. Outer borders add size and visual balance. Both need seam allowance when cut.

Better Quilt Preparation

Before cutting, press fabric, square the edges, and label pieces. Make a sample block when accuracy matters. Measure that block after pressing. If it differs from the planned size, update the calculator. This step protects the full quilt from repeated errors. Keep the CSV or PDF with your project notes. It records assumptions, fabric width, allowances, and final yardage for later reference.

Final Checks

Review grain direction, print repeat, and washing plans. Add extra fabric for mistakes, labels, test cuts, or future repairs when possible on larger quilts.

FAQs

Is this an official Robert Kaufman tool?

No. This is an independent quilt planning calculator. It uses common quilting yardage methods to estimate blocks, borders, backing, batting, binding, and fabric needs.

Why does the calculator round block counts up?

Quilt layouts need whole blocks. A partial block count is not practical for standard grid planning, so the tool rounds columns and rows upward.

Should I buy exactly the calculated yardage?

No. Always round up. Extra fabric helps with squaring, shrinkage, cutting mistakes, print matching, and future repairs.

What does backing overage mean?

Backing overage is extra fabric added beyond the finished quilt size. Longarm quilters often need extra backing on every side.

What does batting overage mean?

Batting overage is extra batting around the finished quilt. It helps during quilting, trimming, basting, and frame loading.

Can I use centimeters?

Yes. Choose centimeters in the unit field. The calculator converts internal measurements and reports practical yardage values.

Why is fabric width important?

Fabric width controls how many strips or backing panels are needed. Wider fabric can reduce seams and lower yardage requirements.

Does the calculator replace pattern instructions?

No. Use it for planning and checking. Follow the pattern when it provides exact cutting layouts, color placement, and fabric requirements.