# Fabric Calculator

Calculate fabric yardage from project dimensions, panel count, seam allowances, hems, and pattern repeat. Works for curtains, upholstery, and garments.

## What this calculates

Figure out exactly how much fabric to buy. Enter your project dimensions, number of panels, seam allowances, hem sizes, and pattern repeat to get total yardage and meters. Works for curtains, cushion covers, upholstery, garments, and any project where you are cutting panels from a bolt.

## Inputs

- **Project Width** (inches) — min 0.5 — Total width of the finished project
- **Project Length** (inches) — min 0.5 — Total length of the finished project
- **Number of Panels** — min 1, max 20 — How many identical pieces (e.g. 2 curtain panels, 4 cushion covers)
- **Seam Allowance** (inches) — min 0, max 4 — Added to each side of each panel
- **Top Hem / Header** (inches) — min 0, max 12 — Extra fabric for top hem or rod pocket (e.g. 3 inches for curtains)
- **Bottom Hem** (inches) — min 0, max 12 — Extra fabric for bottom hem (e.g. 4 inches for curtains)
- **Pattern Repeat** (inches) — min 0 — Distance between repeats of the printed pattern. 0 for solids.
- **Fabric Bolt Width** — options: 36 inches, 45 inches, 54 inches, 60 inches, 72 inches, 108 inches (wide)

## Outputs

- **Cut Width Per Panel**
- **Cut Length Per Panel**
- **Panels Per Bolt Width**
- **Total Fabric Needed**
- **Total Fabric Needed**
- **Estimated Waste** — formatted as percentage — Percentage of purchased fabric that is waste/offcuts

## Details

How the math works:

  - Cut width = project width + seam allowance on each side

  - Cut length = project length + seam allowances + top hem + bottom hem

  - Pattern repeat adjustment: if your fabric has a repeat, each panel length is rounded up to the next full repeat so the pattern matches across panels

  - Panels per bolt width = how many panels fit side by side on the bolt

  - Total fabric = (number of panel rows) x (adjusted cut length)

Common projects:

  - Curtains: 54" wide x 84" long, 2 panels, 3" header + 4" bottom hem, 54" fabric

  - Throw pillows: 18" x 18", 4 covers, 0.5" seam, no hems, 54" fabric

  - Tablecloth: 60" x 102" (for a 6-foot table with drop), 1 panel, 1" hem all around

  - Seat cushion: 20" x 20", 6 cushions, 0.5" seam, 45" fabric

Pattern repeats explained:

A pattern repeat is the distance before the design starts over. If your fabric has a 12-inch repeat and your cut length is 88 inches, each panel uses 96 inches (the next multiple of 12). This ensures the pattern aligns across panels. Larger repeats waste more fabric.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How much extra fabric should I buy beyond the calculated amount?**

A: Buy 10-15% extra for cutting mistakes, pattern matching, and fabric shrinkage. If you are new to sewing or working with a tricky fabric (silk, velvet, or slippery knits), 20% extra gives you more room for error. It is much easier to buy extra upfront than to find the same dye lot later.

**Q: What is a pattern repeat and how does it affect yardage?**

A: A pattern repeat is the distance before a print design starts over. When cutting multiple panels (like curtain pairs), each panel must start at the same point in the pattern so they match when hung side by side. This means each panel is rounded up to the next full repeat, which can add significant yardage for large prints.

**Q: Which bolt width should I choose?**

A: It depends on your project. Home decor fabrics (curtains, upholstery) are typically 54 inches. Quilting cotton is 44-45 inches. Apparel knits are usually 60 inches. Wider fabric costs more per yard but you may need fewer yards, so compare total cost.

**Q: How do I calculate fabric for something with irregular shapes?**

A: For irregular shapes (like pattern pieces for a garment), use the bounding rectangle that fits around the largest piece. Measure the widest point for width and the longest point for length, then add seam allowances. This overestimates slightly, but ensures you have enough fabric.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/everyday/fabric
Category: Everyday Life
Last updated: 2026-04-08