How Do You Calculate Fabric Yardage for an Order?
Three variables are considered when calculating fabric yardage: the product's pattern/size requirement, the fabric's width (typically 140-150 cm), and the allowance needed for the repeat pattern. As a simple rule, it's recommended to always add a 5-10% safety margin to the calculated net yardage.
Why add a safety margin?
Cutting waste, the extra allowance needed to align the repeat pattern, and possible cutting errors can make the calculated "exact" yardage insufficient in practice; leaving a safety margin reduces the risk of running short on fabric during production.
How does fabric width affect yardage?
On a narrower fabric (e.g. 140 cm), a wide pattern piece may not fit across the width; in that case the piece is cut along the fabric's length instead, requiring more yardage. Clarifying the fabric's width up front directly affects the accuracy of your yardage calculation.
How does a large-scale repeat pattern affect yardage?
When a large-scale repeat pattern is chosen, extra fabric allowance may be needed so pattern pieces can be cut with the design correctly aligned; small-scale repeat patterns generally need less of this extra allowance.
What should you do if you're not sure?
If you're unsure about your yardage calculation, you can create a custom price request specifying your product's measurements and chosen fabric/pattern, or contact us directly; the correct yardage can then be clarified together.
Get Help with YardageHow many cushion covers come from one meter of fabric?
This depends on the cushion size and the fabric's width; for a standard cushion cover, more than one cover can usually be cut from a 140-150 cm wide fabric.
What margin is enough when calculating yardage?
As a general rule, adding 5-10% extra to the calculated net yardage is recommended; for large-scale repeat patterns, this margin can be kept slightly higher.
What happens if I order the wrong yardage?
An order with insufficient yardage can lead to a fabric shortage during production; if unsure, getting support before ordering is recommended.