Fabric Yardage Calculator - Calculate Exact Amount & Save Money
Stop over-buying fabric! Calculate the exact yardage needed for quilts, garments, and sewing projects with automatic seam allowances and shrinkage calculations.
Fabric Yardage Calculator
Calculate fabric yardage needed for your sewing or quilting project.
Results
How to Use This Fabric Calculator
Select Your Project Type
Choose from quilt, garment, home decor, or craft project. This helps the calculator apply appropriate industry standards for your specific needs.
Enter Project Dimensions
Input the final length and width you want for your finished project. For quilts, measure the bed dimensions. For garments, check your pattern requirements.
Specify Fabric Width
Standard cotton quilting fabric is 44 inches wide. Home decor and apparel fabrics are often 60 inches. Wide backing fabric comes in 108-120 inches. Always verify your fabric width at the store!
Set Seam Allowances
Standard seam allowance is 1/4 inch (0.25") for quilting and 5/8 inch (0.625") for garment sewing. The calculator automatically adds seam allowances to all sides of your project.
Account for Shrinkage
Cotton fabrics typically shrink 3-5% when washed. Set the shrinkage factor to 0% if you're using pre-washed fabric or 5-7% for natural fibers that haven't been pre-shrunk.
Enter Fabric Cost
Input the price per yard to calculate your total fabric budget. This helps you compare fabric options and stay within budget for your project.
Quick Fabric Yardage Reference Guides
Standard Quilt Sizes & Yardage
| Quilt Size | Dimensions | Backing Fabric | Batting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Quilt | 36" × 52" | 2.5 yards (44" wide) | 1.5 yards |
| Throw Quilt | 50" × 65" | 4 yards (44" wide) | 2 yards |
| Twin Quilt | 68" × 86" | 5.5 yards (44" wide) | 2.5 yards |
| Full/Double Quilt | 85" × 92" | 7.5 yards (44" wide) | 3 yards |
| Queen Quilt | 90" × 100" | 8.5 yards (44" wide) | 3 yards |
| King Quilt | 108" × 100" | 9.5 yards (44" wide) | 3.5 yards |
Pro Tip: These measurements include standard overhang. Add 10-20 inches for pillow tuck and side drop if needed. For pieced tops, multiply by the number of fabrics used.
Garment Fabric Requirements
| Garment Type | Size S-M | Size L-XL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple T-Shirt | 1.5-2 yards | 2-2.5 yards | 45" fabric width |
| Blouse/Shirt | 2-2.5 yards | 2.5-3 yards | Add 0.5 yd for sleeves |
| Casual Dress | 2.5-3.5 yards | 3.5-4.5 yards | Depends on length |
| Maxi Dress | 4-5 yards | 5-6 yards | Floor length |
| Pants/Trousers | 2-2.5 yards | 2.5-3.5 yards | 60" wide fabric |
| Skirt (knee length) | 1.5-2 yards | 2-2.5 yards | Add for pleats/gathers |
| Jacket/Blazer | 2.5-3.5 yards | 3.5-4.5 yards | Plus lining fabric |
Important: These are estimates for 45-60 inch wide fabrics. Always check your specific pattern requirements. Add 0.5 yards for directional prints or pattern matching.
Standard Fabric Widths by Type
Cotton Quilting Fabric
44-45 inches wide (most common)
Home Decor Fabric
54-60 inches wide
Apparel/Fashion Fabric
45-60 inches wide
Wide Backing Fabric
108-120 inches wide
Knit Jersey Fabric
58-60 inches wide
Linen Fabric
45-60 inches wide
Expert Fabric Buying Tips
Always Buy Extra (The 10% Rule)
Purchase 10-15% more fabric than calculated. This accounts for cutting errors, pattern matching, shrinkage variations, and potential mistakes. It's better to have leftover fabric than to run short mid-project!
Check Fabric Width Before Calculating
Don't assume standard width. Measure or ask the store clerk to confirm the fabric width. A difference of even 4-6 inches can significantly impact yardage requirements and your budget.
Consider Directional Prints
One-way prints, napped fabrics (velvet, corduroy), and stripes require extra yardage. You can't flip pieces upside down, so plan for 15-25% additional fabric. Always lay out your pattern pieces before cutting.
Prewash Natural Fibers
Cotton, linen, and rayon shrink significantly. Prewash your fabric before cutting to avoid disappointment. Factor in 3-7% shrinkage in your calculations if buying fabric you'll prewash.
Buy from Same Dye Lot
Fabric colors vary between dye lots. If you need multiple cuts or return for more fabric, slight color differences will be noticeable. Buy all fabric for one project at once, from the same bolt.
Pattern Matching Requires Extra
Large prints, plaids, and geometric patterns need careful matching at seams. Add 0.5-1 yard extra per cut to ensure you have enough fabric to match patterns perfectly across all seams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fabric do I need for a quilt?
For a standard quilt, you'll need fabric based on the quilt size: Baby quilt (36×52 inches) needs 2-3 yards, Throw (50×65 inches) needs 3-4 yards, Twin (68×86 inches) needs 5-6 yards, Queen (90×100 inches) needs 8-9 yards, and King (108×100 inches) needs 10-12 yards. Always add 10% extra for seams, shrinkage, and mistakes.
What is the standard fabric width?
Standard quilting cotton is 44-45 inches wide. Home decor fabrics are typically 54-60 inches wide. Wide backing fabric comes in 108-120 inches. Always check your fabric width before purchasing, as it significantly affects yardage calculations.
Should I prewash fabric before calculating yardage?
Yes, always account for shrinkage! Cotton fabric typically shrinks 3-5% when prewashed. Add 5-10% extra yardage if you plan to prewash. Our calculator automatically includes a shrinkage factor to ensure you have enough fabric after washing.
How do I calculate fabric for a garment?
Garment fabric needs vary by size and style. As a general guide: Simple top (1.5-2.5 yards), Dress (2.5-5 yards), Pants (2-3 yards), Jacket (2.5-4 yards). Always check your pattern requirements and add 0.5 yards extra for matching patterns or directional fabrics.
What's the difference between yards and meters?
1 yard = 0.9144 meters (approximately 0.91 meters). If your pattern is in meters, multiply by 1.1 to convert to yards. For example, 2 meters = 2.2 yards. Most U.S. fabric stores sell by the yard, while European and Australian stores use meters.
How much extra fabric should I buy for mistakes?
Always buy 10-20% extra fabric beyond your calculated needs. For beginners, add 0.5-1 yard extra. For complex projects with pattern matching or directional prints, add 15-25% more. Leftover fabric is always better than running short!
Can I use fat quarters instead of yardage?
Fat quarters (18"×22") are great for small projects and scrappy quilts. One fat quarter = 0.25 yards of fabric, but with different dimensions (shorter but wider). Four fat quarters ≈ 1 yard, but fat quarters are more versatile for cutting varied shapes.