Fabric Yardage Calculator

Measure each pattern piece at its widest point (width) and longest point (height, along the grainline). Don't include seam allowances if you plan to add them later, but if the pattern already includes SA, measure the piece as-is.

Width is measured perpendicular to the grainline. Height is measured parallel to the grainline — this is the dimension that runs along the fabric length.

For curved pieces (armholes, necklines, curved skirt hems), use the bounding box — the widest width and longest height, as if the curve were straightened. This slightly overestimates, which is the safer direction.

"Cut on fold" means the pattern piece is printed at half its actual cut width, with one edge placed on the folded fabric. The fold becomes the center front, center back, or other center line.

When you check On Fold, enter the width as printed on the pattern (the half-width). The calculator doubles it to get the full cut width. For example: a front bodice piece that measures 9" wide on the pattern and is cut on fold → enter 9", check On Fold → calculator uses 18" effective width.

The calculator uses a strip-packing layout that packs pieces as efficiently as possible — but real cutting isn't perfectly efficient. Fabric has a selvage on each edge (typically ½–1" per side) that can't be used. Pieces often need a little space between them. And most sewers make at least one small cutting mistake.

The 10% buffer covers these real-world inefficiencies. For simple geometric pieces (rectangles, squares) you may need less. For complex shapes, directional fabrics, or pattern matching, you may need significantly more — consider adding ¼–½ yard beyond the calculator's estimate.

Fabrics with nap (velvet, corduroy, fleece), one-way prints, or large repeats can't be laid out the same way as non-directional fabrics. All pieces must face the same direction, which means you lose the ability to rotate or flip pieces to fit them together.

For nap or directional fabrics, add at least ¼–½ yard to the calculator's result. For large print repeats, add one full repeat length per major piece.