As a beginner, figuring out how much fabric you need for a project can be one of the trickiest parts of sewing. This guide covers everything you need to know about buying fabric by the yard.
Calculating fabric yardage
How much fabric you actually get in a yard can vary depending on the width of the fabric, and there are a few simple measurements worth knowing before you buy.
Let's break it down by feet, inches, and width so you always know exactly what you're getting.
How big is a yard of fabric?
A yard of fabric is 36 inches long, but the width depends on the fabric itself and can vary quite a bit.
When you buy fabric off a bolt, you're buying it by the length; the width stays the same no matter how many yards you get.
How many feet in a yard of fabric?
A yard of fabric is 3 feet long. This is the same as any standard yard measurement.
How many inches in a yard of fabric?
A yard of fabric is 36 inches long. This is a handy number to remember when calculating how much fabric you need for a project.
Fabric yardage dimensions by width
When you buy fabric by the yard, you're buying a 36-inch length of whatever width that fabric comes in.
So the total amount of fabric you get depends on both the yardage and the width of the fabric.
|
Yardage |
45” Width (in/ft) |
54” Width (in/ft) |
60” Width (in/ft) |
|
1 Yard |
36” x 45” (3’ x 3.75’) |
36" x 54" (3' x 4.5') |
36" x 60" (3' x 5') |
|
2 Yards |
72" x 45" (6' x 3.75') |
72" x 54" (6' x 4.5') |
72" x 60" (6' x 5') |
|
3 Yards |
108" x 45" (9' x 3.75') |
108" x 54" (9' x 4.5') |
108" x 60" (9' x 5') |
|
4 Yards |
144" x 45" (12' x 3.75') |
144" x 54" (12' x 4.5') |
144" x 60" (12' x 5') |
|
5 Yards |
180" x 45" (15' x 3.75') |
180" x 54" (15' x 4.5') |
180" x 60" (15' x 5') |
Fabric width explained
Fabric width is the measurement from one selvage edge to the other (The selvage being the finished edges that run along each side of the fabric).
Width is set by the manufacturer and stays the same throughout the whole bolt, so it doesn't change no matter how many yards you buy.
Common fabric widths (45”, 54”, and 60”)
Most fabric comes in one of three standard widths: 45", 54", or 60".
Lighter fabrics like quilting cotton tend to come in 45", while heavier fabrics like upholstery or fleece are more commonly found in 54" or 60".
Expert tip: If you're unsure of the fabric width, check the bolt label; it will usually list the width in inches or centimeters.
Average cost of a yard of fabric
The average cost of a yard of fabric varies depending on the type, quality, and where you buy it.
Budget fabrics can cost as little as a few dollars per yard, while specialty or designer fabrics can run much higher.
How much is a yard of fabric on average?
On average, a yard of fabric costs anywhere from $3 to $20 for everyday sewing fabrics. The price goes up for specialty materials like silk, wool, or anything with a designer label.
Average fabric prices by material
Fabric prices vary a lot depending on the material. Cotton and polyester are generally the most affordable options, while natural fibers like linen, silk, and wool tend to cost more per yard.
|
Price Range |
Fabric Type |
Fiber Category |
Average Price Per Yard |
|
Cheap |
Polyester, Acrylic, Basic Cotton Blends |
Synthetic / Blended |
$3 – $8 |
|
Low-Cost |
Quilting Cotton, Rayon, Broadcloth |
Natural / Semi-Synthetic |
$6 – $12 |
|
Mid-Range |
Linen Blends, Better Quality Cotton, Challis |
Natural / Blended |
$10 – $18 |
|
Premium |
Linen, Wool, Bamboo, Higher-End Knits |
Natural / Semi-Synthetic |
$15 – $30 |
|
Luxury |
Silk, Cashmere, Fine Wool |
Natural |
$25 – $100+ |
Related article: What Is Modal Fabric and Why It’s Considered Eco Friendly
Choosing the right amount of fabric
The right amount of fabric depends on what you're making, the size you're sewing, and the width of the fabric you choose.
When in doubt, buying a little extra is always a good idea; running short mid-project is no fun!
Fabric yardage examples for common sewing projects
Here are a few common examples to give you a general idea:
-
Pillowcase: Around 1 yard is usually enough for a standard pillowcase.
-
Pair of shorts: Most shorts patterns need around 1 to 1.5 yards depending on the size.
-
Maxi dress: A maxi dress typically needs anywhere from 3 to 5 yards depending on the style and size.
-
Curtains: Curtains can need a lot of fabric, usually 3 to 6 yards per panel depending on the window size and how much fullness you want.
If you're following a sewing pattern, the exact yardage is usually listed right on the pattern, taking the guesswork out of it completely.
How fabric shrinkage affects yardage
Some fabrics, especially natural fibers like cotton and linen, can shrink when washed.
For example, natural fibers like 100% cotton can shrink by 3% to 5%, while some loose weaves can shrink as much as 10% (Cotton Incorporated).
It's a good idea to pre-wash your fabric before cutting, that way you can ensure the project will not shrink later on.
Extra fabric needed for patterns and prints
If your fabric has a pattern or print, you'll need to buy extra to make sure the design lines up correctly across your project.
How much extra depends on the size of the pattern repeat, but a general rule is to add at least half a yard to your total.
How to get fabric cut at a fabric store
Simply bring your fabric bolt to the cutting counter and tell the staff how many yards you need.
They'll measure and cut it for you on the spot, so you don't need to worry about cutting it yourself.
Where to buy fabric on a budget
There are plenty of places to find affordable fabric without compromising too much on quality:
-
Thrift stores are a surprisingly good source for cheap fabric, usually found in the textile/linen sections. You can usually find nice curtains, table cloths, sheets, etc.
-
Remnant bins at fabric stores are worth checking; these are leftover pieces sold at a discount and are great for smaller projects.
-
Local mom & pop stores are worth looking up in your area! There are usually a surprising number of fabric and quilting stores around, and the staff are typically very helpful and knowledgeable.
-
Online retailers like Fabric Wholesale Direct or Etsy can have great deals, especially when buying in bulk.
-
Craft chain stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby frequently have sales and coupons. Unfortunately, ever since JOANN went out of business, these are the only major craft chain options left.
-
Facebook Marketplace or local selling apps can be a great place to find fabric from people destashing their sewing supplies.
FAQ
How long is a yard of fabric?
A yard of fabric is 36 inches, or 3 feet long.
What is a bolt of fabric?
A bolt is the roll of fabric you see on the shelves at a fabric store; it's just how fabric is stored and sold before it's cut into smaller lengths.
What is a “fat quarter” in fabric?
A fat quarter is a quarter yard of fabric cut in a way that gives you a wider, more usable piece (typically 18" x 22") and is especially common in quilting.
How wide is a yard of fabric?
The width of a yard of fabric varies depending on the fabric, but most commonly comes in 45", 54", or 60" widths.
How much does a yard of fabric cost?
The cost of a yard of fabric varies widely depending on the type and quality, but everyday sewing fabrics generally range from about $3 to $20 per yard.
Do fabric prices vary by material type?
Yes, fabric prices vary quite a bit depending on the material.
Natural fibers like silk and wool tend to cost more, while polyester and cotton are generally more affordable.
Why are some fabrics more expensive than others?
Fabric price is mostly determined by how difficult or costly the material is to produce.
Natural fibers, specialty weaves, and designer fabrics all cost more to make, which is reflected in the price.
What is the average price of cotton fabric per yard?
Cotton fabric typically costs anywhere from $3 to $12 per yard depending on the quality and where you buy it.
What is the cheapest fabric for sewing projects?
Polyester and basic cotton are generally the most affordable fabric options, and both are widely available at most fabric and craft stores.
How much fabric do I need for a dress?
It depends on the style and size, but most dress patterns need anywhere from 2 to 5 yards of fabric.
