Fabric Calculator – How Many Yards of Fabric Do I Need?
Calculate how many yards of fabric you need for sewing and crafting projects.
Fabric Yardage Reference by Project Type
Fabric is sold by the yard (36 inches) or meter (39.37 inches). Width varies: quilting cotton is typically 44–45 inches wide; apparel fabric runs 54–60 inches wide; home décor fabric is often 54–60 inches. Wider fabric means fewer yards needed for the same project.
| Project | Fabric Width | Yards Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Pillowcase (standard) | 44 in | 0.75 yards |
| Tote bag (simple) | 44 in | 0.75 yards |
| A-line skirt (medium) | 60 in | 1.5 yards |
| Simple dress (size 12) | 60 in | 3–4 yards |
| Twin quilt (backing) | 44 in | 5–6 yards |
| Full curtain panel | 54 in | 3–4 yards per panel |
Always add 10–15% extra for seam allowances, shrinkage (pre-wash cotton can shrink 3–5%), and pattern matching on prints. For prints with large repeats (12+ inches), add one full repeat per panel. Shrink-wash fabric before cutting to prevent post-sewing shrinkage.
How many yards of fabric do I need for a dress?
A simple dress for a size 10–12 requires approximately 3–4 yards of 60-inch-wide fabric. Add 1–2 extra yards for patterns with large prints or multiple sizes.
How do I convert yards to meters?
1 yard = 0.9144 meters. To convert: yards × 0.9144 = meters. For fabric, always round up to the nearest 0.25 yard/meter to ensure enough material.