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How much binding does a 50 by 60-inch quilt need?
Published by Binding Desk
For a trimmed 50 by 60-inch quilt, the perimeter is 220 inches. Allowing 10 extra inches gives a target of 230. Cut seven 2½-inch strips from fabric with 40 usable inches across when joining square ends on the diagonal.
Measure what will go under the needle
Measure the trimmed quilt sandwich. If the top measured 50 by 60 before quilting, check it again before ordering fabric. Measure usable binding fabric from one clean cut edge to the other after excluding both selvages. A bolt marked 44 inches wide can yield a shorter strip.
This estimate assumes four straight sides and crosswise-cut strips with 45-degree joins. A scalloped edge needs its actual travel distance and a binding suited to its curves.
Compare the last two strip counts
Six strips cut at 40 inches give 240 raw inches. There are five joins between them. At 2½ inches per join, subtract 12½ inches. That leaves 227½ inches, barely more than the quilt perimeter and 2½ inches short of the target.
Seven strips give 280 raw inches with six internal joins. Their estimated length before closing the loop is 265 inches. You can leave a generous tail or shift the starting point to keep a seam away from a corner.
Translate strips into a fabric cut
Seven strips × 2½ inches consumes 17½ inches measured along the selvage. Half a yard is 18 inches, leaving only half an inch for straightening the cut. Measure the shortest side of a remnant. If you prewash or need to square up a skewed edge, choose a cut with room for that loss.
Lay the joined strip loosely around the quilt before stitching. If your finish requires more than the 10-inch handling allowance used here, check the joined length against your own perimeter-plus-tails target.