How Much Fabric Do I Need? How to Calculate + Sewing Yardage Charts

Get the latest free sewing patterns and tutorials by signing up for our Sewing It Up newsletter!                                               

1. First, let's talk about how fabrics manufactured in different widths, which usually range around 45" (115cm) to 60" (150cm), there are exceptions when it comes to specialty fabrics or from where the material originates. In this article, the focus is on the 45" (115cm) to 60" (150cm) range.

2. Fabric is measured and sold in meters in most countries or yards in the US by length.

1yd = 0.9144m
1 yd= 36 inches
1m = 100cm, 1 000mm

3. Fabrics come in a variety of materials and fibers from all-natural to human-made and blends and in different weights, textures, directions, or naps. Other fabrics have a thickness and pile to consider (such as faux furs). Knowing as much about the properties of that pretty material before you buy and cut it will save you many heartaches.

Some fabrics will shrink in the wash, other materials should only be Dry Cleaned, and there are outdoor fabrics to consider. When it comes to sewing, there are no limits, whether it is garment sewing for babies to adults, home decor from upholstering to making curtains, crafts, and toy making. Play it safe, when in doubt buy extra!

Fashion or home decor, quilting, or crafting? Know before you go!

Measuring your own body or that chair you want to upholster gives you a clear picture of how much surface you need to cover and how much fabric you should buy.

Learn more by visiting our guide: What Size Am I? & Other Sizing Woes Solved

When fabric shopping using a commercial pattern, the information on the back of the envelope gives you all the information you need.

However, if you have chosen to create and draft your pattern, you will need to do some math. P.S. I don't like to do the math!

1. To count the amount of fabric needed for garment sewing, I check the material's width. I also consider if there is a nap or a printed pattern.

2. Then, I count how many widths of the fabric I will need for all the project pieces.

For example, if I am making a pair of pajama bottoms with a drawstring waistband, I would need to calculate the two legs (front and back and add on the waistband plus fabric for the hem and seams), I will be cutting four pieces.

3. Always round up to the next whole number. Then count the total desired length and multiply by the number of widths.

Don't want to do the math yourself? There are several fabric yardage calculators for clothing and other makes available for free. It certainly makes it easier, right?

1. Sailrite's Fabric Calculator - This calculator perfectly calculates how much fabric you need for cushions, foam, pillows, cones, awnings, boat covers, canopies, shades, chairs, upholstery, and more!
    
2. Online Fabric Store Calculator - This simple calculator determines the fabric yardage for any project. You'll also find lots of helpful information for finding the exact amount of fabric needed.
    
3. Quilter's Paradise Pieces to Yardage Area Calculator - If you quilt, then don't miss out on using this handy calculator. It's incredibly helpful for speeding up your quilt planning.
    
4. Yarn Tree's Cross Stitch Calculator - Cross-stitchers, here's your helpful calculator. Simply input all the information you know and it will tell you what you need for thread, needle, fabric, and more!
    

To help you out, I've created some cheat sheets to guide you when fabric shopping!

Use these charts to help you plan your sewing projects and make wise purchases—the information provided includes average sizes.
 

Depending on the type of and width of fabric, many projects are possible from only one yard or meter of fabric. 

For example, many upholstery fabrics measure 54 inches or about 137cm in width, which can allow for making three cushions measuring 12' by 12" (30cm x 30cm).

Other popular sewing projects to make with one yard or meter:

Tote bags
Masks ( make 12 to 15 masks with just one yard or meter)
Baby Blankets (for each layer, will depend on fabric)
Misses short skirt (small-medium)
Sleeveless Top
Little Girl's Dress