Metragem de Tecido para Projeto

How to estimate fabric yardage

Yardage is just linear meters × bolt width. In Brazil bolts come in 1.40 m, 1.50 m and 1.60 m. A few rough project sizes: simple dress ~1.5 m, straight pants 1.2–1.5 m, jacket 1.8–2.3 m, basic shirt ~1.5 m. The math is length = pattern_area / bolt_width. Tack on 10–15% loss for cutting no matter what, and bump that to 20%+ when you're working with directional prints or a one-way nap. Anything with elastane (lycra/spandex) tends to "skew" off-grain, so pre-wash it before you cut. Keep in mind that heavy weaves lose 3–8% in their first wash, which is worth factoring into how much you buy.

Applications

Think atelier yardage quotes, cost sheets for series production (confecção em série), alteration shops weighing leftover fabric against buying new, slow-fashion and sustainability work that's trying to cut waste, and home sewists ordering online from Zonna, Maximus or Tecidos.com.br.

FAQ

Why does 1.40 m vs 1.50 m bolt matter so much? Those extra 10 cm of width can shave 10–20% off the length you need, because more pattern pieces fit side by side.

Should I always pre-wash? Do it for cotton, linen, viscose and anything with elastane. Synthetic polyester rarely shrinks, so you can skip it there.

How much extra for striped or plaid fabric? Around 20–30%, since you have to line the pattern up across every seam (xadrez, listrado).