Sewing Measurement Converter
Convert between inches, centimeters, yards, and meters — plus quick reference charts for fabric widths and seam allowances.
Fractional inches
Sewing patterns in the US use fractional inches (⅛, ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, ⅞). The converter shows the nearest ⅛" fraction alongside the decimal. When measuring, round to the nearest ⅛" — that's the precision most sewing requires.
Yards vs. meters
US fabric is sold by the yard (36"). European and international fabric is sold by the meter (~39.4"). If a US pattern says "3 yards" and you're buying in meters, you need about 2.75 meters. If a European pattern says "2.5 meters" and you're buying in yards, you need about 2.75 yards.