Fabric Yardage Calculator
Type the pieces you need to cut - or start from a ready project - choose the fabric width, and the calculator lays the pieces out on the fabric and tells you how many yards to buy.
How the yardage is worked out
The calculator lays your pieces in rows across the usable width of the fabric (the width minus about half an inch of selvedge on each side), longest pieces first, and turns a piece sideways when it only fits that way. The length of fabric those rows use is your yardage, plus the shrinkage you expect from prewashing and an extra 10% when the fabric has a nap or a one-way print, or you must match plaids.
The answer is rounded up to the next eighth of a yard, the smallest cut most fabric shops sell. A metric figure is given beside it.
Fabric widths
- 44/45 in - quilting cotton and many dressmaking fabrics.
- 54 in - most home decor and upholstery fabric.
- 58/60 in - apparel fabric, knits, fleece and minky.
- 108 in - wide quilt backing, so a quilt back needs no seam.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for curtains?
For each panel, add 8-10 in to the finished length for the hems and header, and use 1.5 to 2.5 times the window width for fullness. Type each panel as a piece and the calculator adds them up.
Should I add extra fabric for shrinkage?
Yes for cotton, linen and rayon you will prewash: about 3-5% for cotton and up to 10% for some linens and rayons. Polyester barely shrinks.
How many inches are in a yard of fabric?
36 inches. Half a yard is 18 in, a quarter yard 9 in and a fat quarter is a half yard cut in half across the width, about 18 x 21-22 in.
Guides that go with this tool
- Which wrap dress pattern fits your bust and stays closed
- Which wool fabric fits your suit style, season, and sewing needs
- Which fabric weight makes trousers drape without bagging at the knee
- What fabric actually holds tie-dye color after washing
- Which fabric to sew a swimsuit that keeps stretch in chlorine
- Which fabric fits a wrap, flowy, or lined skirt for summer or work wear