DIY

How Much Fabric Do You Need?

Built by Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds · Verified formula

Calculate fabric yardage for curtains, upholstery, clothing, and quilts. Account for pattern repeats and seam allowances.

📅 Updated April 2026 ✅ Formula verified 📖 4 min read 🆓 Free · No sign-up

In this article

Calculating Fabric Yardage
Pattern Repeats

Calculando Tela

Para cortinas: (alto de ventana + 6" para dobladillos) × ancho × 2 (para fullness) ÷ ancho de tela (54" estándar) = paneles necesarios. Para una ventana de 60" alto × 48" ancho: cada panel = 66" alto. Dos paneles × 66" ÷ 36"/yarda = 3.7 yardas. Siempre compra 10-15% extra por patrón y errores.

Anchos Comunes

Tela de ropa: 44-45" o 58-60" de ancho. Tela de tapicería: 54". Tela de cortinas: 48-54". El ancho afecta dramáticamente cuántas yardas necesitas — una tela de 60" de ancho requiere 25% menos yardas que una de 45" para el mismo proyecto.

⚡ CalcWolf Insight

The most expensive sewing mistake: buying one yard too little of a fabric that gets discontinued. Fabric stores cannot reorder from the same dye lot, and colors vary between batches. Always buy 10-15% more than calculated. Leftover fabric makes great throw pillows, tote bags, or test pieces for technique practice.

Frequently asked questions

¿Cuántas yardas para cortinas?▾

Depende del tamaño y fullness. Ventana estándar 48×60": ~4 yardas con fullness 2x. Ventana grande 72×84": ~7 yardas. Siempre agrega 10-15% para dobladillos, patrón y errores.

¿Cuántas yardas para tapizar una silla?▾

Silla de comedor: 1-1.5 yardas. Sillón: 6-8 yardas. Sofá de 3 plazas: 12-16 yardas. Estos incluyen la tela extra necesaria para coincidencia de patrón y ajuste.

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Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds

Founder, CalcWolf · GLVTS · Blickr

All formulas sourced from primary references — IRS publications, peer-reviewed research, and official standards. Results are tested against independent reference calculators before publishing. Rates and brackets updated when official sources change. Editorial policy →