How to Calculate Fabric Yardage
Fabric is sold by the yard (36 inches). To find how much you need, calculate the total length of fabric required based on your project dimensions and the fabric's width, then round up to the nearest quarter yard.
| Project Type | Typical Fabric Width | Waste to Add |
|---|---|---|
| Quilting cotton | 44–45 inches | 10–15% |
| Upholstery fabric | 54–60 inches | 15–20% |
| Apparel / dressmaking | 44–60 inches | 10–15% |
| Drapery / curtains | 54–60 inches | 20% + repeat |
| Bedding / quilts | 44–60 inches | 15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply the length of your project by the number of pattern repeats needed, then divide by 36 (inches per yard). Always add 10–15% extra for seam allowances, hems, and mistakes. For quilts, calculate each piece separately and sum the totals.
A standard twin quilt (68×88 inches) requires roughly 5–6 yards of fabric for the top, 5.5 yards for backing, and 0.75 yards for binding. If using multiple fabrics in blocks, calculate each color separately based on how many blocks need that fabric.
A pattern repeat is the distance between where a pattern element starts and where it begins again. Stripes, plaids, and floral prints have repeats ranging from 1 inch to 24+ inches. You must account for repeats when matching seams, which wastes extra fabric — add one full repeat per cut.
Add at least 10% extra for straightforward projects. For fabrics with large pattern repeats (12+ inches), add 15–20%. For beginners, add 20%. It's cheaper to have leftover fabric than to run short mid-project when dye lots may differ.
Divide the total inches by 36. For example, 108 inches ÷ 36 = 3 yards. For partial yards, fabric stores typically sell in 1/4-yard increments — so round up to the nearest 0.25 yards. Always round up, never down.
Yes. Enter the curtain width (multiply by fullness factor: 1.5× for light gather, 2.5× for full gather), the drop length plus hem allowance (typically 8 inches), and the pattern repeat. For multiple panels, multiply by the number of panels.