Raw top size versus projected finished size
For a top you can measure now, choose current unfinished top and enter its actual edge-to-edge width and length. For a pattern's projected finished center, choose finished seam-line size: the planner adds a seam allowance at each opposite edge to recover the raw rectangle. The distinction is preserved in the results and cross-tool links.
Finished border width is the visible width between seam lines. The cut strip width is finished border width plus two project seam allowances. This page plans one uniform straight border round, with butt-corner assembly. Mitered corners, cornerstones and shaped borders require separate cut geometry.
Assembly order changes the cut list
With sides first, cut two side strips to the current raw top length. Once attached, the top is wider; cut the top and bottom strips to that new raw width. Top-first assembly reverses those roles. Both produce the same resulting rectangle. The planned lengths assume a squared top; check actual center measurements after attaching the first pair.
Cut border width = finished border width + 2 × project seam New raw width = original raw width + 2 × finished border width New raw length = original raw length + 2 × finished border width Projected finished size = new raw size − 2 × project seam
Each attached border adds its cut width but consumes a seam allowance on both joined edges. That leaves the finished border width as the net increase on each side. No rounded display value is used as input for the next step.
Worked example: 40 × 50-inch finished center
At a ¼-inch seam allowance, the raw center is 40½ × 50½ inches. A 3-inch finished border is cut 3½ inches wide. Sides first requires two 3½ × 50½-inch strips, then two 3½ × 46½-inch strips. The resulting top is 46½ × 56½ inches raw, with a projected finished seam-line size of 46 × 56 inches.
Top first uses two 3½ × 40½-inch strips and then two 3½ × 56½-inch side strips. If the starting 40 × 50 inches means actual raw top instead, the result is 46 × 56 inches raw and 45½ × 55½ projected finished. The planner does not silently swap those conventions.
An assigned unpieced fabric plan
The stock estimate cuts four unpieced strips lengthwise along the bolt, with their cut widths fitting across the usable fabric width. It sorts lengths from longest to shortest, fills each cutting row with as many equal-width strips as fit, and purchases the longest length in each row. Every row assignment is listed. A shorter strip in a row leaves an end offcut; unused fabric width also remains.
This is a feasible cutting plan, not an optimal layout across all possible joins or mixed grains. It intentionally does not divide a pooled total strip length by WOF and pretend those lengths can be cut without seams. If a cut width exceeds usable fabric width, the plan is rejected. Directional motifs follow each strip's length and may turn at corners; use a different layout if they must all remain upright.
Carry the resulting top forward
Use the bordered-size links to open backing or binding with the resulting raw top dimensions. Ordinary current-project links retain the starting dimensions; their labels distinguish the two actions. No project values are silently saved in browser storage. Further border rounds can be planned from the updated raw size, but this tool never automatically adds a second round.
The Arbee Designs border-measuring lesson demonstrates sequential center measurement. Diagrams are dimensioned schematics, not full-size sewing patterns; actual squareness, shrinkage and quilting take-up are not validated.