Calculate the amount of fabric needed for sewing, upholstery, curtains, and other projects.
Updated 4/29/2026
inches
inches
inches (per side)
Total Yardage
1.36
yards
Total Meters
1.24
meters
Panels Needed
1
panel
⚠ Pattern & Nap Limitations: This calculator assumes solid-color or non-directional fabric in straight orientation. For patterned fabrics, you must account for:
Fabric yardage refers to the linear measurement of fabric needed for a project. A yard of fabric is 36 inches (0.914 meters) long and whatever width the bolt comes in (typically 45", 54", or 60" for quilting and upholstery). When calculating fabric needed, you must account for the finished size of your project, plus seam allowances on all sides that will be hidden in the construction.
The complexity of fabric calculations comes from the fact that fabric is sold as continuous rolls in standard widths. If your project is wider than the bolt width, you'll need multiple panels sewn together. Additionally, if your fabric has a directional print or pattern repeat, you may need extra fabric to match the pattern across seams, which this calculator doesn't account for but you should add manually.
Different project types require different calculations. A simple rectangular cushion cover is straightforward, while pattern-matched drapery panels or quilts with borders require more careful planning. Always purchase slightly more fabric than calculated (5-10% extra) to account for shrinkage, cutting errors, and future repairs or alterations.
Common Fabric Bolt Widths
| Quilting Cotton | 45" |
| Upholstery | 54" |
| Home Decor | 54-60" |
| Linen/Specialty | 58-60" |
| Athletic/Stretch | 50-58" |
Standard Seam Allowances
| Quilting | 0.25" |
| Garment Sewing | 0.5" |
| Upholstery | 0.5-0.625" |
| Home Decor | 0.5-1" |
Scenario: Making a decorative pillowcase with finished dimensions of 18" × 18", with fabric that comes in 54" width and using 0.5" seam allowance.
Step 1: Add seam allowance to width
18" + (2 × 0.5") = 19"
Step 2: Determine panels needed
19" ÷ 54" = 0.35, round up to 1 panel
Step 3: Calculate linear length needed
1 panel × (18" + 2 × 0.5") = 1 × 19" = 19"
Step 4: Convert to yards
19" ÷ 36" = 0.53 yards (round up to 0.75 yards)
Result: Purchase 0.75 yards of 54"-wide fabric. This provides enough for cutting two 19" × 19" squares for front and back of the pillowcase, plus a small amount of extra for mistakes or pattern matching.
Seam allowances are the fabric portions hidden inside the seams. When two pieces are sewn together and the seam is pressed, these allowances are hidden between the fabric layers. Without them, your finished piece would be smaller than planned. Standard allowances vary: quilting uses 0.25", garment sewing uses 0.5", and upholstery often uses more.
For most natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool), yes—pre-washing is recommended as these fabrics shrink. Typical shrinkage is 2-10% depending on fiber type and weave. Synthetic fabrics like polyester rarely shrink. If you don't pre-wash, purchase 5-10% extra fabric to account for potential shrinkage after your first wash.
Directional patterns (stripes, prints, florals with obvious tops/bottoms) require "nap matching"—all panels cut in the same direction. This means you may need extra fabric as you can't rotate pieces. Add 10-20% extra for pattern matching. This calculator assumes non-directional fabrics; always add manual adjustment for patterns or naps.
One yard = 36 inches = 0.914 meters. One meter = 100 centimeters = 1.094 yards. Fabric sold in yards is common in the US and UK, while Europe uses meters. Conversion is approximate due to rounding, so always specify which unit when ordering. This calculator displays both for easy comparison.
For finished dimensions, measure to the exact size you want after construction. This is the final size after seams are made but before any topstitching or binding. For items like pillowcases or cushion covers, don't include zipper openings or edge bindings in the calculation—those are typically added separately inseams.
Yes, typically buy 5-15% more than calculated. This extra accounts for shrinkage, pattern matching, cutting errors, and future repairs. If you're a beginning sewer, consider 15-20% extra. For solid-color, pre-washed, non-directional fabrics with no pattern matching, the minimum 5% is usually sufficient.
Disclaimer: Fabric yardage calculations are estimates based on linear footage and width assumptions. Actual requirements vary by fabric type, pattern repeats, shrinkage, and project design. This calculator provides planning estimates only. Always measure your project carefully and add 10-15% extra for waste, pattern matching, and mistakes. Verify final measurements before purchasing. Fabric prices and availability vary. Results are for budgeting purposes only.
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