Compare backing fabric widths

How to use it

1. Enter quilt-top size, overhang and joining seam allowance.
2. Choose directions allowed by the print.
3. Enter at least two labeled, distinct measured usable widths.
4. Compare theoretical yardage first; purchase rounding is applied afterward when selected.

Formula and variables

For every width, calculate the permitted vertical and horizontal panel layouts using the same seam rule. Keep the lower-yardage permitted layout for that width. Compare those theoretical amounts across width options.

Width optionin

Distinct net cuttable width being compared.

Theoretical yardageyd

Panel cut length total before purchase rounding.

Lowest-yardage optionlabel

The entered width with the lowest theoretical yardage.

Independent example

60 × 80 in top, 4 in overhang, 1/2 in seams; compare the default 40, 42, 44, 60 and 108 in usable widths.

At 40 in, vertical panels use two 88 in cuts: 176 ÷ 36 = 4.8889 yd. At 60 in, two 68 in cuts use 136 ÷ 36 = 3.7778 yd. At 108 in, one 68 in cut in the horizontal orientation uses 68 ÷ 36 = 1.8889 yd, the lowest of these options. Rounded purchase examples are 5, 4 and 2 yd respectively.

• 4.889 yd at 40 in
• 3.778 yd at 60 in
• 1.889 yd at 108 in
• 108 in usable is the lowest-yardage option

What the result means

This is a material-use comparison, not a price comparison. A wider fabric can have lower yardage without being the lower-cost option.

Common questions