How to Calculate Yards of Fabric

Various Types of Fabric

The basis of well-made garments, draperies or upholstery is accurate fabric measurements. Every pattern specifies the exact yardage needed to complete the project. These pattern layouts are developed by professionals, so skimping on the amount of fabric is not recommended. Even if it appears that the pattern is calling for too much fabric, measuring the precise yardage of fabric is essential. The grain of the fabric and the cut of the garment must be taken into consideration when calculating the amount of fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Nonstretch tape measure
• Pattern
• Fabric
• Table
• Fabric-width conversion chart

Instructions

1. Lay the fabric flat on the table and fold it in half.

2. 

   Measure the first repeat from one point in the fabric to exactly that point in the next repeat with the tape measure. This is usually 12 to 24 inches.

3. 

   Refer to the back of the project pattern for the recommended amount of fabric needed to complete the project. The project pattern calculates the amount of plain fabric needed but gives no allowance for a fabric pattern, for instance, repeated snowflakes, flowers, or any type of object. Step 4 illustrates how to measure fabric with a repeated pattern. The project pattern also recommends the total yardage needed for various widths of fabric and takes seam allowances into consideration.

4. 

   Divide the overall required length of fabric, as stated in the project instructions, in inches by the size of the repeat. If the repeat ends in a fraction, be sure to round up to get enough fabric for an additional repeat. An example of this measurement: if the recommended length needed for the project pattern is 97 inches and the fabric repeats are 12 inches apart, the calculation is 97 inches divided by 12 inches which equals 8.1. The amount of fabric needed, rounding up from 8.1, is 9 repeats. The 9 repeats changes the total length of the required fabric to 108 inches.

5. Measure the yards of fabric with the tape measure once the number of pattern repeats is calculated. Using the example above, divide 108 inches by 12 to get the number of feet needed. In this case, the number of feet needed equals 9. Divide the 9 feet by 3 feet to get the number of yards. The above example would require 3 yards of fabric. Nine feet divided by 3 feet equals 3 yards. This calculation can be used for any type of repeated pattern in the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the measurements to even half inches. Fractions make no difference , so it is easier to round up to the ½ inch.

• Purchase all the needed fabric at the same time because the color lot and pattern repeat may not be available in the future.

Resources

• Fabric Conversion Chart