Fabric Yardage Calculator
Calculate how much fabric you need for your sewing project. Accounts for garment type, size, fabric width, and pattern matching.
Fabric Yardage Calculator
Calculate how much fabric you need for your sewing project
Formula
Yardage = Base × Width Factor × (1 + Nap%) + Pattern AllowanceBase yardage adjusted for fabric width, directional patterns, and pattern matching
Quick Reference Chart (45" Fabric)
| Garment | XS | M | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Dress | 2.0 yd | 2.5 yd | 3.0 yd |
| Midi Dress | 2.5 yd | 3.0 yd | 3.5 yd |
| Maxi Dress | 3.5 yd | 4.0 yd | 4.5 yd |
| Pants | 2.0 yd | 2.5 yd | 3.0 yd |
| Blouse | 1.5 yd | 2.0 yd | 2.5 yd |
| Jacket | 2.5 yd | 3.0 yd | 3.5 yd |
How to Use
- 1Select garment type — Choose the type of garment you want to make (dress, skirt, pants, etc.).
- 2Choose your size — Select your size from XS to 3XL.
- 3Enter fabric width — Select the width of your fabric (36", 45", 54", or 60").
- 4Indicate directional fabric — Specify if your fabric has a nap or directional print.
- 5Add pattern repeat — If your fabric has a pattern, enter the repeat length for matching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my fabric is directional?
Directional fabrics include velvet, corduroy, one-way prints, and fabrics with a nap. If the fabric looks different when viewed from different directions, it's directional.
What is pattern repeat?
Pattern repeat is the distance between identical points in a repeating pattern. You'll need extra fabric to match patterns at seams.
Why does fabric width matter?
Wider fabric allows pattern pieces to be laid out more efficiently, often requiring less total yardage than narrower fabric.
Should I buy extra fabric?
Yes! It's recommended to buy an extra 1/4 to 1/2 yard for mistakes, shrinkage, and pattern matching.