Enter finished curtain dimensions. The calculator multiplies rod or track width by fullness, divides it across panels, then adds heading, hems, lining, and repeat rounding.
| Piece name | Width incm | Length incm | Qty | Actions |
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Tip: If your fabric has a one-way print or nap (velvet, corduroy), keep orientation on and avoid rotation. For matching stripes/plaids, add extra margin.
Inputs: 12 pieces, 18 in x 18 in finished, 1 in width allowance, 1 in length allowance, 45 in fabric, no repeat, 5% extra, round to 1/4 yd.
Output: 2 pieces fit across, 6 rows need 114 in before margin, then about 3.50 yd after rounding.
Inputs: 72 in rod, 2 panels, 2x fullness, 84 in drop, 4 in top, 8 in bottom, 4 in side hems, 54 in fabric, 12 in repeat.
Output: total gathered width needs 3 fabric drops at 96 in long; buy about 8.50 yd after a 5% margin and 1/4 yd rounding, before lining.
Inputs: front and back, 18 in x 18 in finished, 1 in allowances, 44 in fabric, 5% extra, round to 1/4 yd.
Output: 2 pieces fit across and 1 row is needed; buy about 0.75 yd after margin and rounding.
Inputs: one 16 in x 72 in runner, 2 in width allowance, 4 in length allowance, 45 in fabric, no nap, 5% extra, round to 1/4 yd.
Output: one long row needs 76 in before margin; buy about 2.25 yd after rounding.
Inputs: two bodice pieces 20 in x 24 in, two sleeve pieces 16 in x 22 in, 58 in fabric, 1 in allowances, no nap, 5% extra.
Output: rotated sleeves may reduce length if rotation is allowed; check the diagram and add extra for curves, bias, or pattern matching.
New to estimating fabric? This guide explains the terms you’ll see in the calculator and how to choose a safe amount of fabric for curtains, clothing, costumes, cushions and more. It uses both imperial (in/yd) and metric (cm/m) so you can shop in the UK, Europe, or North America with confidence.
Choose a width that allows your largest pattern piece to fit across the fabric. If a piece won’t fit, increase fabric width, allow 90° rotation (when there’s no nap), or split the piece and add seam allowance.
Nap means the surface has a direction (velvet, corduroy) or the print is one-way (up/down). When nap is on, all pieces must point the same way and cannot be rotated; you’ll often need more length. “Place on fold” pieces (waistbands, some bodice fronts) are cut against the fold to create a mirrored, seamless piece. If you split a fold piece into two halves, add a centre seam allowance.
Repeats are the distance before a motif lines up vertically again—e.g., a 12″/30 cm floral repeat. For one-way prints, each piece’s length should round up to the next whole repeat to keep motifs aligned at hems and across joined panels. Plaids and stripes benefit from an extra safety margin so lines match at side seams, pockets and cuffs.
Most shops cut in ⅛, ¼, or ½ yard increments, or 10 cm increments in metric. Always round up. If your project is close to a boundary, buy a little extra—especially with nap or matching.
This calculator uses a conservative, easy-to-verify layout. Complex garments with curved pieces or bias cutting may require additional yardage. When in doubt, take your cut list to the counter and confirm with the retailer.
Napkins: 18-20 in squares. Cushion covers: front plus back at pillow size plus seam allowance. Table runners: finished width and length plus generous hem allowance. Curtains: rod width times fullness, split across panels.
A 44-45 in width suits quilting cotton and small home projects. A 54 in width is common for decor fabric. A 58-60 in width can reduce yardage for garment or upholstery pieces that fit side by side.
Plain panels often use 1.3x-1.5x. Eyelet, tab, and rod-pocket panels often use 1.5x-2x. Pencil pleat and gathered headings often use 2x-2.5x.
Enter vertical repeat for directional layouts. Add 5-15% extra for stripes, plaids, large motifs, or visible joins; buy more when matching across multiple curtain widths.
One yard is 36 inches. The results show both yards and metres regardless of the selected input units.
Fabric width is the usable width across the bolt. Common widths include 44-45 in quilting cotton, 54 in decor fabric, and 58-60 in apparel fabric.
Use the repeat field and add an extra margin. Five to fifteen percent is a common buffer, but large repeats and visible joins can need more.
Yes. Nap, pile, and one-way prints prevent rotation and can increase length. Turn on the nap setting when direction matters.
Most curtains use 1.5x to 2.5x fullness. Eyelet and tab tops are often lower; pencil pleat and gathered headings are often close to 2x.
Prewash washable fabric when possible. If you cannot prewash first, add shrinkage so the estimate includes expected loss.
Choose wider fabric, allow rotation only when there is no nap or directional print, or split the piece and add a seam allowance.
