QuiltSandwich Tips
on how to solve quilting problems

How can I use QuiltSandwich cutting diagram before cutting fabric? 

The cutting diagram shows exactly how the strips and pieces are best cut from fabric. Use it before cutting fabrics for a pattern or kit to avoid coming up short. Because yardage calculations can be fine-tuned for special circumstances like one-way fabrics or fabric grain.

The Yardage Calculator increments yardage by 1/8 yard, which is 4 1/2".

1. Get a cutting diagram by entering piece dimensions and adjusting settings and let QuiltSandwich figure the yardage needed


For this example, we'll figure the yardage for:

  • 4 — 6" blocks

  • 44" wide fabric

  • One-way design fabric

Scroll down in the calculator panel to set:

  • Cut edge shrinking/squaring-up allowance to 1/2"

  • Selvage edge shrinkage/squaring-up allowance to 1"

2. Review the cutting diagram

Check direction to fold fabric.


Check amount against the scale. The fabric is shown folded selvage-to-selvage. The scale confirms the 44" width of fabric (WOF) runs the length of the strip — as it should for a one-way design fabric.

White area — the Pieces. Pieces are shown as a strip marked with piece cut lines. The numbers '4' & '2' count out the four pieces needed from the folded strip. Follow this cutting diagram for 4 — 6 1/2" blocks, and the possibility of two more from the un-numbered block.

Yellow area — the Shrinking/Squaring-up Allowances. This shows the amount of the fabric that you can expect to loose after shrinking and squaring up the fabric — helping you visualize the impact of these allowances and help ensure you don't run short of fabric.

Squaring up is a key allowance to compensate for the trimming needed because fabric never comes off the bolt perfectly square.

However, if your fabric is already squared up, set the squaring up allowance to zero.

Grey area — the extra fabric. Because the yardage calculator increments yardage in 1/8 yards (which is 4 1/2") there will usually be some extra fabric or scrap. When 'Least Fabric' is set the amount of extra fabric is minimized as much as possible.

In this example, a 6 1/2" block requires two 1/8 yard increments, so the yardage calculator recommends 1/4 yard.

The scale on the cutting diagram shows how many inches are in the grey area. If your shop allows you to purchase less than 1/4 yard you have the information you need to request less fabric. If you are working with a kit or a scrap you have the information you need to plan.