Estimate how much fabric you need for your sewing project
This calculator helps you estimate the amount of fabric needed for various sewing projects, accounting for waste, seam allowances, and pattern considerations.
Waste allowance accounts for:
Yes, it's wise to round up to the nearest quarter or half yard. Fabric can't always be re-ordered in the same dye lot, and having extra allows for mistakes or future matching projects.
Check the "directional print" option. One-way patterns require all pieces to be cut in the same direction, which can significantly increase yardage needs, sometimes by 25-50% depending on the pattern layout.
Use 10% for standard projects, 15% for beginners or complex patterns, and 20% for fabrics requiring pattern matching (like stripes or large-scale prints).
The waste allowance helps, but if you're working with natural fibers like cotton or linen, pre-wash your fabric before cutting. This can cause 2-5% shrinkage, which is why the calculator's waste allowance is important.
1 yard = 0.914 meters, and 1 meter = 1.094 yards. If buying metric fabric, multiply yards by 0.914 to get meters, or add about 10% to the meter amount to get yards.
Fabrics like velvet, corduroy, or fleece have a directional texture (nap). Treat these like directional prints—all pieces must be cut in the same direction, requiring more yardage.
This calculator works for simple upholstery estimates, but complex furniture projects often require professional measurement due to curves, tufting, and pattern matching. Use this as a starting estimate only.