Fabric Yardage Calculator
Calculate exactly how much fabric you need in yards and meters for sewing pillows, shirts, dresses, curtains, and quilts with our free yardage calculator.
Determine how many yards or meters of fabric you need for sewing, quilting, and home decorating projects. Choose from popular presets including throw pillows, shirts, dresses, curtains, and quilts, or calculate custom rectangular cuts with bolt width adaptations and shrinkage allowances.
Key Features & Calculations
- Built-in project presets (Pillow, Shirt, Dress, Curtains, Quilt)
- Accounts for standard bolt widths (44/45", 54", 60")
- Calculates both yards and meters simultaneously
- Optional shrinkage & pattern matching safety buffers
- Rounds to standard retail fabric cuts (1/8 yd, 1/4 yd)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate how much fabric you need?
To calculate fabric yardage: 1) Determine the finished dimensions of all pattern pieces including seam allowances and hems. 2) Check the usable width of your fabric bolt (typically 44/45 inches for cottons or 58/60 inches for apparel knits and wools). 3) Divide the total linear length required by 36 to convert inches to yards (or divide by 39.37 for meters). 4) Always add 5% to 10% extra fabric for natural fiber pre-wash shrinkage and pattern matching.
Why does fabric bolt width matter for yardage?
Fabric is sold by linear yard off the bolt, but bolts come in different widths. Standard quilting cottons and lawn fabrics are usually 44 to 45 inches wide, whereas apparel wools, synthetics, and knits are commonly 58 to 60 inches wide. A wider fabric (60") allows you to place pattern pieces side by side that would otherwise require twice the linear length on a narrow 44" bolt, saving 20% to 35% in total purchased yardage.
How much extra fabric should I buy for shrinkage?
For 100% natural fibers like cotton, linen, rayon, and wool, buy an additional 5% to 10% yardage. Natural fibers contract in length when first washed and dried. For example, if your pattern specifies 3 yards of 100% linen or cotton khaddar, purchase 3.25 to 3.5 yards to ensure you do not run short after pre-washing.