Bias Binding
 

I seldom do Bias binding but I have a quilt that really NEEDS bias so here I go. My question is, How much fabric do I need to cut 240 inches of binding 2 1/2 inches wide? What is the formula? I plan to use a video by Sew very easy to cut and put the binding together. The continues binding looks way to complicated for me.

The Robert Kaufman mobile app says you need one yard of 41" fabric. Sounds a little light to me; I'd go with one and a quarter yards just to be sure.

Thanks I will do 1 and a quarter just to be safe.

I may not be thinking properly here - if your fabric is 40" wide (or more) you should need 6 strips = 240", right?
so 6 strips @ 2 1/2" width should be 15". I would go with 7 strips, just in case of error and seam allowances for joining them - (17 1/2", only 1/2 yd.)

here is a continuous bias binding guide and calculator http://so-sew-easy.com/continuous-bi...ng-calculator/

Gay. I calculated the same way as you did then realized it is bias.

A yard seems like a lot to me, but it depends on how you want to cut the binding piece, whether in a square or rectangle, and whether you're using the continuous binding method (which I gather you are not). For bias you don't really have to cut absolutely on the 45 degree diagonal, since you will have the bit of stretch you want even if you're cutting somewhat off, say at 30 degrees for example. Most of the calulators assume you are cutting at 45 degrees.

Here is one online calculator - http://www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/C...Calculator.php

Theoretically, it takes the same amount of fabric for a straight cut binding as for a bias cut binding.
Length times width equals area.

However - that does not factor in fabric lost/wasted in joins or matching a design if that is important.

When I can, I cut from selvage to selvage and usually have a couple of big triangles left over. But if a lot of seams don't bother you and you are trying to squeak by with as little fabric as possible, theoretically, 1/2 yard of 40 inch usable width would do it. I would go with an absolute minimum of 5/8 yard (if available) and preferably 3/4 yard.

If it was me - and I had the money and the fabric was available - I would go with 1-1/4 yards.

240 x 2.5 = 600 inches

600 / 40 = 15 inches

That would be the length of 40 inch wide fabric to cover 600 inches of area.
That does not take into account joins, pattern matching, or cutting errors.

I never make bias binding, don't need that much give. I always try to make sure with WOF binding strips to have enough. Adding on is a pain.