If you’ve ever wandered through a fabric store or browsed online and wondered, “How much fabric do I actually need?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions sewists ask (and one we’ve all gotten wrong at least once!).
Whether you’re quilting, dressmaking, or sewing a home décor project, knowing how to calculate fabric requirements will save you time, money, and frustration.
Let’s break it down together.
Understanding Fabric Widths
Most quilting cottons come in 112 cm (44 inches) wide, but other fabrics—like upholstery or dress fabrics—can range from 140–150 cm (55–60 inches).
Always check the width of the fabric you’re buying, because it directly affects how much you’ll need.
💡 Tip: If your pattern specifies how much fabric is required, it will always note the fabric width (e.g., “1 metre of 112 cm-wide fabric”).
For Quilters: How Much Fabric Do I Need?
Quilting projects come in all shapes and sizes, so your fabric needs will depend on the quilt’s finished dimensions. Here’s a quick guide for common quilt sizes:
| Quilt Type | Approximate Size | Fabric Needed (for quilt top only) |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Quilt | 36" × 52" (91 × 132 cm) | 2–3 metres |
| Lap Quilt | 50" × 65" (127 × 165 cm) | 3–4 metres |
| Twin Quilt | 70" × 90" (178 × 229 cm) | 5–6 metres |
| Queen Quilt | 90" × 100" (229 × 254 cm) | 7–8 metres |
| King Quilt | 110" × 110" (279 × 279 cm) | 8–9 metres |
🧵 These estimates cover the quilt top only — you’ll still need extra fabric for backing, binding, and borders.
For Dressmakers: How Much Fabric Do I Need?
For clothing projects, it depends on your size, pattern, and fabric width. Here are a few general guidelines:
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Simple skirt or shorts: 1–1.5 metres
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Blouse or shirt: 1.5–2 metres
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Dress: 2–3 metres (more for full skirts or long sleeves)
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Pants: 2–2.5 metres
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Jacket or coat: 2.5–3 metres
✂️ Tip: Always check your pattern’s fabric layout guide — it accounts for pattern direction, nap, and seam allowances.
For Home Projects: How Much Fabric Do I Need?
If you’re sewing for your home, measurements can vary widely, but here’s a quick cheat sheet:
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Cushion cover (45 cm): 0.5 metre per cushion
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Table runner (2 metres long): 1 metre
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Curtains: Measure your window width × 2.5 for fullness, then divide by the fabric width to calculate how many metres you’ll need
🏡 Tip: When sewing with patterned fabric, buy a little extra to match prints or repeats perfectly.
How to Estimate Fabric Like a Pro
Here’s a simple way to estimate how much fabric you’ll need if you’re not following a pattern:
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Measure your project’s length and width in centimetres.
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Add seam allowances (usually 1–1.5 cm on each side).
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Divide your total by the fabric width (minus 5–10 cm for safety).
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Round up to the nearest 25 cm – trust me, it’s always better to have a little extra than not enough!
When in Doubt – Add a Little Extra
Every sewist has a story about running short on fabric mid-project (and realising the fabric’s now sold out!). When in doubt, buy an extra 25–50 cm. It can save you the heartbreak of mismatched dye lots or unfinished projects.
Remember, any leftover fabric can always become quilt squares, scrunchies, or trim for your next project. Nothing goes to waste in a true crafter’s studio!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, sewing isn’t just about precision—it’s about creativity and joy. The more you sew, the easier estimating fabric will become.
So next time you’re shopping for fabric, use these general guidelines as your safety net, and trust your instincts. With time, you’ll develop your own sense of how much you need for each type of project.
And if you’re ever unsure, drop by Behind the Seams or contact us at Crafty Fox—I’m always happy to help you figure it out!