Fabric Yardage Calculator for Craft Projects

Free fabric calculator

Estimate fabric for repeatable craft pieces

Plan rectangular pieces from the finished size, fabric width, edge allowance, quantity, pattern repeat, optional rotation, and waste. The layout remains visible so you can check every assumption.

US and metric measurements
Pattern repeat and waste
Optional 90 degree rotation

1 Enter the fabric and finished piece

Use this for rectangles such as table runners, simple covers, bunting pieces, fabric panels, reusable cloths, and repeated craft cuts. It is not a garment or upholstery pattern calculator.

Fabric keywordUsed only if you open the supply search. Usable fabric widthin Finished piece widthin Finished piece lengthin Piece quantity Edge allowance per sideinAdded to both sides of both dimensions. Vertical pattern repeatinUse 0 for solids or patterns that need no matching. Waste and shrinkage%

Allow 90 degree rotationKeep this checked only when the grain, nap, print direction, and project allow pieces to turn.

The result rounds up to the next 1/8 yard or 0.1 meter purchase increment.

Check the layout

How the fabric estimate works

Build the true cut size

The allowance is added to every edge, so each cut dimension includes twice the per-side allowance.

Fit pieces across the usable width

The calculator compares straight and optional rotated layouts, then keeps the valid layout that needs less purchased length.

Round up, never down

Pattern repeat adjusts each cutting row. Waste is added after layout, then the purchase amount rounds up to a practical store increment.

Core formulas

cut size = finished size + (2 × edge allowance)

rows = round up(quantity ÷ pieces across fabric width)

purchase length = round up(rows × adjusted row length × (1 + waste))

Worked example

Four simple fabric panels

Four finished 12 by 18 inch panels with a 0.5 inch allowance on every edge need 13 by 19 inch cuts. Three straight cuts fit across 44 inch fabric.

If the material can rotate safely, two rotated cuts fit per row and require less length. With 10% waste, the calculator rounds the purchase up to the next 1/8 yard.

Common questions

Fabric yardage questions

When should I turn off piece rotation?

Turn it off for directional prints, nap, one-way motifs, grain-sensitive pieces, or any project where the cut direction matters.

Does the calculator include seam or hem allowance?

Yes. Enter one per-side edge allowance. It is added to the left and right of the width and to both ends of the length.

What does vertical pattern repeat change?

Each cutting row rounds up to the next full repeat so matching does not silently reduce the available length. Complex motif placement may still need extra fabric.

Can I use this for garments or upholstery?

No. Clothing sizes, shaped pattern pieces, bias cuts, railroading, cushion depth, and upholstery matching require pattern-specific calculations.

Should I prewash fabric before measuring?

Follow the fabric and project care instructions. If shrinkage is expected, include it in the waste and shrinkage percentage or measure after prewashing.