How To Figure Yardage For Fabric

How to Figure Yardage for Fabric: A Comprehensive Guide

Calculating the correct yardage for your fabric project can feel daunting, especially for beginners. One wrong calculation can mean you’re short on fabric mid-project, forcing a frustrating trip to the fabric store or, worse, abandoning a beloved project altogether. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to accurately calculate yardage for a variety of sewing projects. We'll cover everything from understanding fabric width to accounting for pattern pieces and shrinkage, ensuring you always have enough fabric – and avoid unnecessary waste.

Understanding Fabric Width

Before we delve into calculating yardage, it's crucial to understand fabric width. Fabric is typically sold in widths of 45 inches (approximately 114 centimeters) or 60 inches (approximately 152 centimeters). Knowing your fabric width is the foundation of accurate yardage calculation. Always check the fabric's selvedge (the finished edges of the fabric) for the width information. This seemingly small detail significantly impacts your calculations. A wider fabric means fewer cuts and potentially less fabric waste.

Common Fabric Widths:

• 45 inches (114 cm): This is the most common width for cotton, linen, quilting fabrics, and many others.
• 60 inches (152 cm): Often used for wider fabrics like double gauze, some linens, and certain types of upholstery fabric.

Knowing the fabric width allows you to more accurately determine how many pieces you can get from a single length of fabric.

Deciphering Sewing Patterns

Most sewing patterns provide a yardage recommendation, but this is often a general guideline. Several factors can influence the actual yardage you need, including:

• Fabric Width: As discussed earlier, the width significantly affects yardage. A wider fabric will require less total length.
• Pattern Size: Larger sizes naturally require more fabric.
• Fabric Design: Large, bold prints might require additional fabric to match patterns, whereas smaller prints might allow for more efficient cuts.
• Nap: Fabrics with a nap (a directional texture like velvet or corduroy) need to be cut in the same direction for consistency. This often necessitates more fabric.
• View: Patterns often have several design variations (views). Each view may have different yardage requirements.

Understanding Pattern Instructions:

Sewing patterns usually provide a yardage chart. This chart will show the required yardage for various sizes and usually breaks it down by fabric width. Always check the chart carefully and select the row corresponding to your size and fabric width.

Don't rely solely on the pattern's suggestion. Consider the following:

Factors Affecting Yardage Calculations:

Several crucial factors beyond the pattern's recommendations influence your fabric needs:

1. Shrinkage:

Pre-washing your fabric, especially natural fibers like cotton and linen, is highly recommended. These fabrics can shrink considerably after the first wash. Always pre-wash and dry your fabric before cutting to account for shrinkage. The amount of shrinkage varies depending on the fiber content and washing method. Allow extra yardage to account for this, usually around 5-10%, depending on the fabric.

2. Pattern Matching:

If your fabric has a distinct pattern or print that needs matching, you'll likely need more fabric than indicated on the pattern. Consider the size and repeat of the pattern. Larger patterns require more careful planning and often necessitate extra fabric to ensure correct alignment.

3. Seam Allowances:

Seam allowances are the extra fabric added to each seam for stitching. The pattern usually specifies the seam allowance (typically ½ inch or 1.5 cm). The seam allowances are already included in the pattern pieces' dimensions, but you still need to keep this in mind during layout.

4. Additional Fabric for Mistakes:

Always add extra yardage to account for potential mistakes. This is especially important for beginners. A little extra fabric provides a safety net, allowing you to correct errors without jeopardizing the entire project. Consider adding a few extra inches or even a half-yard, depending on your experience level and the project's complexity.

Calculating Yardage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let's walk through a practical example of calculating yardage for a simple skirt.

Example:

Let's assume you're making a skirt using a pattern that requires 2 yards of 45-inch-wide fabric for your size.

Step 1: Check Pattern Instructions: The pattern states 2 yards for your size using 45-inch wide fabric.

Step 2: Account for Shrinkage: Let's assume a 5% shrinkage rate for the fabric. This adds 0.1 yards (5% of 2 yards).

Step 3: Account for Mistakes: Add an extra 0.5 yards for potential mistakes.

Step 4: Total Yardage: Add the initial yardage, shrinkage allowance, and mistake allowance: 2 yards + 0.1 yards + 0.5 yards = 2.6 yards.

Step 5: Round Up: It’s always best to round up to the nearest half yard or even full yard to ensure you have enough fabric. In this case, you should buy 3 yards of fabric.

Therefore, for this example, you should purchase 3 yards of 45-inch wide fabric.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Fabric Usage

• Layout Planning: Before cutting, carefully plan the layout of your pattern pieces on the fabric. Use the pattern's layout suggestions as a starting point, but experiment to find the most efficient arrangement.
• Use Pattern Templates: Create templates from sturdy material like cardboard or freezer paper. This prevents fabric from shifting and ensures accurate cutting.
• Efficient Cutting: Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for precise cutting.
• Utilize Fabric Scraps: Don't discard small fabric scraps. They're perfect for smaller projects or embellishments.
• Fabric Storage: Proper fabric storage protects your fabric from damage and ensures it's ready for future projects.

Advanced Considerations:

• Plaids and Stripes: Matching plaids and stripes requires careful planning. You’ll likely need more fabric than indicated due to the need for accurate pattern matching.
• Bias-Cut Fabrics: Bias-cut garments require more fabric due to the fabric's stretch and drape.
• Complex Garments: Intricate garments with multiple pattern pieces may require more detailed yardage calculations. It's better to err on the side of caution.

Conclusion:

Calculating fabric yardage accurately is a crucial skill for any sewist. This guide provides a comprehensive approach, helping you understand the various factors that influence yardage needs and providing a step-by-step process for accurate calculation. By considering fabric width, shrinkage, pattern matching, and potential mistakes, you can ensure you have enough fabric for your project, minimizing waste and maximizing your sewing experience. Remember, accurate yardage calculations translate to less stress and more successful projects! Happy sewing!