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Can your leftover strips make enough scrappy quilt binding?
Published by Binding Desk
Add the usable lengths of all the pieces, then subtract one cut-strip width for each diagonal join between pieces. Compare that joining-adjusted total with the quilt perimeter plus the length you want for handling the ends.
Build a pile of compatible strips
Trim off selvages and ragged ends, square each end and measure the remaining length. Use pieces with the same cut width and compatible fabric weights so the folded binding covers the quilt edge evenly. Keep very short pieces aside until you know where the corners will fall.
Price each additional seam in inches
For a 36 by 45-inch baby quilt, the perimeter is 162 inches. Adding 10 inches for the tails brings the target to 172. Suppose six 2¼-inch-wide scraps measure 38, 36, 34, 30, 25 and 18 inches. Their raw lengths add to 181.
Six pieces have five joins. Subtract 5 × 2¼ = 11¼ inches. The chain will measure about 169¾ inches, which falls short. A seventh scrap measuring 12 inches adds only 9¾ useful inches after its new join. The revised chain measures about 179½ inches, enough for this plan.
Choose the order before cutting away triangles
Arrange the scraps on the quilt edge, keeping join positions clear of corners where the folds will add bulk. If you are using stripes, open each pinned join and check its direction. Sew a seam, unfold it and confirm the long edges run straight before trimming its excess.
A calculator that assumes every strip comes from the same width of fabric will misread an assorted scrap pile. Keep your measured inventory with the quilt until all joins are sewn, then measure the actual continuous strip once more.