How Much Fabric Do I Need?
Fabric requirements depend on the garment type, your size, and the fabric width. Wider fabric (54-60") requires less yardage than narrow fabric (36-45") because pattern pieces fit more efficiently. Directional prints, plaids, and napped fabrics need 10-15% extra for pattern matching.
Fabric Yardage by Garment Type (45" width)
| Project | XS-S | M-L | XL-XXL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple dress | 3.0 yd | 3.5 yd | 4.5 yd |
| Button-up shirt | 2.0 yd | 2.5 yd | 3.0 yd |
| Pants | 2.0 yd | 2.5 yd | 3.0 yd |
| A-line skirt | 1.5 yd | 2.0 yd | 2.5 yd |
| Curtains (per panel) | 3.0 yd | 4.0 yd | 5.0 yd |
| Pillowcase (standard) | 0.75 yd | ||
Fabric Width Guide
| Width | Common Fabrics | Yardage Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 36" | Specialty cottons, silk | Need most yardage |
| 45" | Quilting cotton, linen, most prints | Standard reference |
| 54" | Home dec, some knits | ~15% less than 45" |
| 60" | Knits, fleece, some wovens | ~25% less than 45" |
FAQ
Should I buy extra fabric?
Yes. Buy at least 1/4 yard extra for straightening the grain and potential cutting mistakes. For pattern matching (plaids, stripes, large prints), buy 1/2 to 1 extra yard.
Does fabric shrink after washing?
Many fabrics shrink 3-5% after the first wash. Always pre-wash and dry your fabric before cutting. Cotton and linen are especially prone to shrinkage. Our calculator includes a small buffer but pre-washing is still essential.
What about napped or directional fabrics?
Velvet, corduroy, and one-way prints require all pattern pieces to be laid in the same direction, using more fabric. Our calculator adds 10% when you select directional print adjustment.
Related Tools
- Seam Allowance Calculator — add seam and hem allowances to cut dimensions
- Bias Tape Calculator — fabric needed for bias binding
- Elastic Waist Calculator — elastic cut length for skirts and pants
- Button Spacing Calculator — even button placement for garments