Fabric Yardage Calculator
Select your garment type, size, and fabric details to calculate exactly how much fabric to buy.
How to Read a Pattern Envelope
Commercial sewing patterns list yardage requirements on the back of the envelope based on garment view, size, and fabric width (usually 44–45" and 60" columns). Always check both columns — wider fabric generally means you need less yardage because pieces can be placed more efficiently side by side.
This calculator uses base yardage values for 60" fabric at size M with 5/8" seam allowance, then scales for your inputs. These are estimates — always check your specific pattern envelope, especially for garments with many pieces, facings, pockets, or linings.
Why buy extra? Fabric can be cut incorrectly, damaged during washing, or have flaws. A 10% buffer also gives you material for making pockets, testing stitches, or repairs later. For pattern matching (plaids, stripes, large prints), buying extra is essential so you can align repeats at seams.
Seam allowance matters: patterns with 3/8" SA (common in knit patterns) use slightly less fabric than those with 1" SA used in tailoring and structured garments.