Pieced Binding Planner
Design and calculate requirements for multi-color, scrappy, rainbow, or ombre quilt binding with our visual layout planner.
Pieced Binding Planner
Uses first two fabrics in A-B-A-B pattern
Guide to Pieced & Multi-Color Binding
What is Pieced Binding?
Pieced binding (also called scrappy binding or multi-color binding) uses multiple fabrics joined together to create the binding for your quilt. Instead of one continuous fabric, you combine different colors, patterns, or scraps to add visual interest and coordinate with your quilt design.
Pieced binding can be as simple as alternating two fabrics or as complex as a rainbow gradient using dozens of different prints. It's a great way to use up fabric scraps, add a pop of color, or create a cohesive finish that ties together all the fabrics in your quilt.
Popular Pieced Binding Styles
Alternating Binding
Uses two fabrics in a simple A-B-A-B pattern. This classic approach is easy to plan and creates a rhythmic, balanced look. Perfect for beginners or when you want a cohesive two-color theme.
Scrappy Binding
Combines leftover scraps from your quilt or stash in a random, playful arrangement. Each strip can be different, creating a truly unique finish. Great for using up small pieces and adding a charming, handmade quality.
Rainbow/Gradient Binding
Gradually transitions through the color spectrum or from light to dark. Creates a stunning ombre effect that draws the eye around the quilt. Requires careful planning of color sequence for smooth transitions.
Custom Pattern Binding
Follows a specific repeating sequence like A-A-B-C or matches the block pattern of your quilt. Allows you to create intentional color placement, such as matching binding colors to specific quilt blocks or creating visual rhythm.
Planning Your Pieced Binding
When planning pieced binding, consider:
- Color Balance: Distribute colors evenly around the quilt, or intentionally place certain colors at specific locations (like corners)
- Scale: Mix large and small prints for visual interest, or keep patterns consistent for a cohesive look
- Value: Consider light, medium, and dark fabrics - too many lights or darks can look unbalanced
- Fabric Quantity: You may need less of each fabric than for single-fabric binding, but plan for extras
- Seam Placement: Diagonal seams are less visible than straight seams and distribute bulk better
How to Join Binding Strips with Diagonal Seams
Diagonal seams (also called mitered seams) create the smoothest, least bulky joins for binding strips:
- Place two strips right sides together at a 90° angle, overlapping the ends
- Draw a diagonal line from the top left to bottom right corner of the overlap
- Sew along this diagonal line
- Trim the seam allowance to ¼"
- Press the seam open to distribute bulk
- Repeat for all strips in your planned sequence
Pro Tip: Our calculator automatically adds 5" to each fabric's requirement to account for diagonal seam joins. This extra length ensures you have enough fabric even after trimming seam allowances.
Fabric Selection Tips
For Scrappy Binding:
- Use leftovers from your quilt top for a coordinated look
- Include at least one fabric that appears in the quilt
- Vary the scale of prints (mix large and small patterns)
- Keep a consistent color temperature (all warm or all cool tones work better together)
For Rainbow/Gradient Binding:
- Choose fabrics with similar values (all light, all medium, or all dark)
- Use solid colors or subtle tone-on-tone prints for smoothest transitions
- Test your sequence by laying out strips before cutting
- Consider the color wheel: red → orange → yellow → green → blue → purple
For Alternating Binding:
- Choose two fabrics with good contrast for definition
- One fabric can match the quilt border, the other can add a pop of color
- Consider using a neutral (white, gray, black) paired with a color
- Test at corners - alternating colors create interesting corner effects
How to Use the Pieced Binding Planner
- Enter your quilt dimensions or total binding length if you already know it
- Select a binding pattern:
- Alternating: Simple A-B pattern with your first two fabrics
- Scrappy: Distributes fabrics based on your percentages
- Gradient: Transitions through all fabrics in order
- Custom: Enter your own sequence like "A,A,B,C" or "1,1,2,3"
- Add your fabrics using the "+ Add Fabric" button (2-10 fabrics supported)
- Assign percentages to each fabric, or click "Distribute Evenly" for equal amounts
- Choose colors that represent your actual fabrics using the color picker
- Click "Generate Binding Plan" to see your visual layout and cutting requirements
Tips for Successful Pieced Binding
- Buy a little extra: Add 10-20% to your calculated yardage for safety
- Pre-wash consistently: Either pre-wash all fabrics or none of them
- Cut carefully: Accurate cutting ensures proper strip length
- Label your strips: If using many fabrics, label them A, B, C to match your plan
- Join in sequence: Follow the layout order shown in the calculator
- Press as you go: Press each seam open immediately after sewing
- Mock up first: Lay out your strips before joining to verify the sequence
- Consider corner placement: Note which colors will appear at corners
- Test on scraps: Practice diagonal seam joins on scrap fabric first
Creative Pieced Binding Ideas
- Seasonal Colors: Create rainbow binding for a spring quilt, or warm reds/oranges for fall
- Block Matching: Match binding colors to specific blocks - use the same fabrics in the same order
- Complementary Contrast: Use colors opposite on the color wheel for high impact
- Monochromatic Gradient: Transition from light to dark within a single color family
- Low-Volume Scrappy: Use all light/neutral scraps for subtle, modern binding
- Bold Accent: Use mostly neutral scraps with occasional pops of bright color
- Vintage Charm: Combine reproduction prints in muted colors for antique appeal
- Modern Minimal: Alternate solid colors with low-volume prints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not calculating enough fabric - always buy extra when using multiple fabrics
- Forgetting to account for diagonal seam joins - they use more fabric than straight seams
- Using too many similar values - vary light, medium, and dark for best visual effect
- Not testing the color sequence - lay out strips before cutting to verify the look
- Mixing fabric widths without recalculating - all binding strips should be the same width
- Placing seams at corners - plan your layout to avoid seams landing right at corners
- Not pressing seams open - this creates unnecessary bulk in the binding
- Using too many busy prints - balance bold patterns with solids or tone-on-tone fabrics