Sewzy
Fabric yardage calculator
How the fabric yardage calculator works
The calculator treats every piece as a rectangle and lays the pieces out in rows across the width of the fabric, the way you would on a cutting table. The length of the piece runs along the grain, which is the direction of the selvage (the finished edge). Here are the steps, in order:
Cut width = piece width + 2 × seam allowanceCut length = piece length + 2 × seam allowancePieces per row = fabric width ÷ cut width, rounded downRows = number of pieces ÷ pieces per row, rounded upFabric length = rows × cut length × (1 + shrinkage percent ÷ 100)Yards = fabric length ÷ 36, rounded up to the next ⅛ yd
When the fabric has no direction, the calculator also tries the layout with every piece turned a quarter turn and keeps whichever uses less length. Tick the directional box for velvet, corduroy, fleece, faux fur or a one-way print and it only tests the first layout, because the pieces cannot be turned.
Worked example. Four pieces, each 30 in long by 20 in wide, with a ⅝ in seam allowance on 44 in fabric and 5 percent shrinkage. The cut size is 31¼ in by 21¼ in. Two pieces fit across 44 in, so you need two rows of 31¼ in, which is 62½ in. Adding 5 percent gives 65⅝ in. That is 1 yard and 29⅝ in, between 1¾ yd and 1⅞ yd, so the answer rounds up to 1⅞ yd, or 1.71 m.
This is an estimate for rectangles. Real sewing patterns have curved and angled pieces that nest together, so use the yardage chart that comes with your pattern for the final number, and treat this calculator as a quick check for simple pieces such as cushion covers, tote bag panels, curtains and quilt backs. Shrinkage here is applied to the length only.
Fabric width and yards to meters
| Width | Inches | Centimeters | Often used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 to 45 in | 44 to 45 | 112 to 114 | Quilting cotton, many printed cottons |
| 54 in | 54 | 137 | Lighter home decor fabric, some apparel fabric |
| 58 to 60 in | 58 to 60 | 147 to 152 | Apparel fabric, wide cotton, many knits |
| Yards | Inches | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ yd | 9 in | 0.23 m |
| ½ yd | 18 in | 0.46 m |
| ¾ yd | 27 in | 0.69 m |
| 1 yd | 36 in | 0.91 m |
| 1½ yd | 54 in | 1.37 m |
| 2 yd | 72 in | 1.83 m |
| 3 yd | 108 in | 2.74 m |
| 4 yd | 144 in | 3.66 m |
| 5 yd | 180 in | 4.57 m |
One yard is 36 in, or 0.9144 m. Fabric width is measured from selvage to selvage, so check the label on the bolt.
Porch goose size finderFree tool
Sewing pattern size calculatorFree tool
Seam allowance converterFree tool
