Fabric Yardage Calculator for Sewing Projects
Enter pattern area in cm² and bolt width in cm, 140 cm by default, to get linear meters of fabric with a 15% cutting waste margin built in.
Length (m)
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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).
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The results provided by this tool are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, medical, legal, tax or accounting advice. Always confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and official sources.