Now that you know how to create a continuous bias strip, let’s learn how to calculate yardage. Now, I’m not just talking about determining the total amount of bias needed to bind your quilt. I mean, how much material is actually needed to create that continuous bias strip used to finish your project. This way, you are not left guessing. You can head to the store with confidence and purchase that fabric! Or if your anything like me, you will be digging through stash!
Continuous Bias Formula
This project is for all levels.
Skill Level- 1 Button
You can calculate the amount of fabric needed using the above formulas. The above chart walks you through a few different ways to calculate your fabric.
Example:
- 360″ of bias x 4 1/2″ wide = 1620 ÷ 42″ wide fabric = 38.57″ ÷ 36 = 1.07 yards of fabric.
- 220″ of bias x 3″ wide = 660 / 42″ wide fabric = 15.72″ / 36 = 0.436 yards
Example:
- 325″ bias x 2″ wide = 650 = 25.49″ or 26″ square of fabric
- 150″ bias x 3″ wide = 450 = 21.21″ or 22″ square of fabric
Example:
- 15″ (14.5″) x 18″ (17.5) = 253.75 ÷ 2 1/2″ bias = 101.5″ bias
- 20″ (19.5) x 22.5″ (22) = 429 ÷ 4″ bias = 107.25″ bias
I know what your thinking, this math stuff is for the birds. I just want to sew! But to be fair, sewing and pattern making actually requires a great deal of math. Ask any sticher how much fabric is needed to complete a pattern and they will have to do a few quick calculations. They are instantly thinking, how wide is the fabric. Since fabric comes in different widths, this measurement is key when calculating yardage.
Continuous Bias Cheat Sheet
To get everyone on their merry way of stitching, I have created this easy cheat sheet. To make things easy for you, I have created this cheat sheet. First, I suggest knowing the total amount of bias needed for your project. Refer to your pattern or measure the total area. Then, using the chart above, match up the total bias length with the total width. Find the cross point on the chart and this is the magic number of square inches needed to create your continuous strip of bias. You will see that it really does not take that much fabric. For example, less than 1 yard is needed to create 300″ of 4″ wide bias. (That’s pretty wide bias in my book.)
Let me show you an example:
My project requires 72″ of bias 2″ wide along the outside edge. By finding those numbers on the chart, you can see that I will need a 13″ square of fabric to create the needed bias strip. That means, that I need less than a fat quarter to create the bias strip.
Creating custom bias is a great way to give your project that personal touch and creative flair. The key is not to be caught short on fabric. With a few minutes of prep work and simple calculations, you can be stitching with bias in confidence and complete your project with little fabric leftovers.
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Comments & Reviews
Thanks so much for the cheat sheets. I think I may understand it now. However, what if I need a much smaller amount, like going around a pillow?
Glad you found it helpful LuLu. You might want to take a look at the post Creating Continuous Bias. It will show you how to create any amount of bias using the least amount of fabric. Here is a direct link: https://thesewingloftblog.com/2013/06/14/creating-continuous-bias/
~Heather
Hey, thank you so much for this, I have used your ‘From Yardage’ formula and posted it to my blog in the form of a spreadsheet so it can be done for you! You can find it below, I have linked you in the post and hope this is ok, of course if you’re not happy I can remove it. Thanks
THANK YOU! I had 1 1/2 yd of fabric that I wanted to use for piping fabric for a pillow cover but I didn’t know if it would be enough. Your formula solved my dilemma!! It will be enough! Now I know what to use from now on!! When this problem comes up again! I was racking my brain!! Thanks for letting me clear my head before it exploded! lol
Thank you!! The chat sheet is greatly appreciated!