Quilting Circles? Why Pi Is Your Best Friend
Reading time: 2 minutes and 54 seconds
Why should you never have a conversation with Pi?
Because it just goes on… and on… and on.
Okay, now that I’ve got that out of my system—Happy Pi Day! 🎉
As quilters, we love tidy math: measure twice, cut once, and hope everything lines up (more or less). But then there’s Pi (π = 3.141592653… forever), the mathematical equivalent of that one stray thread that just won’t go away.
Where Does Pi Show Up in Quilting?
Think this infinite number is just for mathematicians? Nope! If you’ve ever made a Dresden plate, drunkard’s path, or any quilt with circles, congrats—you’ve already been using it.
Binding a Round Quilt? Pi to the Rescue!
Ever run short on binding for a circular quilt? Let me show you this handy trick.
To calculate the binding you need, multiply the quilt’s diameter by π (Pi).
For example, if your round quilt is 40 inches in diameter, the formula is:
40 × 3.14 = 125.6 inches
Don’t forget to add at least 6 extra inches to join the ends—otherwise, you might find yourself cursing mid-project. (We’ve all been there.)
Pi is Just One Number in Quilting
So next time you’re quilting circles, remember—Pi isn’t just a number. It’s your secret weapon for precision (and avoiding last-minute fabric runs). For more number-related quilt size knowledge, check out The Ultimate Quilt Guide: Never Guess Again! And if you’re a member of The Modern Quilt Guild, check out this article: Quilt Math – Pattern Writing Tips by Yvonne Fuchs (must have login).
Happy stitching! 🧵✂️🎉
Hey there, I’m Theresa, The AI Quilter. I’m here to help you connect technology and creativity in ways that feel human, creative, and completely your own.
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