Calculate fabric yardage needed for sewing projects
Calculating fabric requirements accurately is essential for successful sewing projects. This calculator helps you determine exactly how much fabric you need based on your project dimensions, fabric width, seam allowances, and waste factors. Whether you're making quilts, curtains, or garments, proper fabric estimation saves money and prevents mid-project fabric shortages.
The calculator accounts for multiple panels when your project width exceeds the fabric width, adds seam allowances on all sides, and includes a waste percentage for pattern matching, shrinkage, and cutting errors. Results are provided in yards, meters, and inches for easy fabric store shopping.
| Width | Fabric Type | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 36"-42" | Quilting Cotton | Quilts, small projects, patchwork |
| 44"-45" | Standard Cotton | Garments, crafts, general sewing |
| 54"-58" | Home Decor | Curtains, upholstery, pillows |
| 60" | Wide Cotton/Linen | Bedding, tablecloths, large projects |
| 108" | Extra Wide | Quilt backing, seamless bedding |
Project: Queen Size Quilt Top
Dimensions: 95" × 90"
Fabric Width: 44" (standard quilting cotton)
Seam Allowance: 1/4" (quilting standard)
Waste Allowance: 10% (standard)
Calculation Steps:
Result: Purchase 9 yards of 44" wide fabric (rounded up to nearest 1/4 yard)