Fabric Yardage Calculator
By Garment Type
Estimate fabric needed for common garment types
Custom Project
Calculate fabric for a custom rectangle-based project
in
in
Formula
Yardage = (Rows needed × Piece length) / 36 | Rows = ceil(Quantity / Pieces across width) | Adjust for size, fabric width, and pattern matching
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fabric do I need for a dress?
A simple knee-length dress typically needs 3 yards of 45-inch wide fabric for a medium size. Add 0.5 yards for long sleeves, 1-1.5 yards for a maxi length, and extra for pattern matching.
Does fabric width affect how much I need?
Yes. Wider fabric means fewer yards needed. A project requiring 3 yards of 45-inch fabric might only need 2.25 yards of 60-inch fabric. Always check your pattern's fabric requirements for the specific width.
How much extra should I buy for mistakes?
Buy 10-15% extra fabric as a general rule. Add more for: directional prints (+0.5 yd), plaids/stripes needing matching (+0.5-1 yd), or if this is your first time making the garment.
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