Quick Answer: A yard of fabric is 36 inches long (3 feet) and typically 44-60 inches wide, depending on the fabric type. For most projects, multiply the number of pieces by the length of each piece, then add 10-15% for waste. A standard throw blanket needs 2-3 yards, a dress needs 3-5 yards, and a tote bag needs 1-1.5 yards.
Buying too little fabric means an extra trip to the store (and a potential dye lot mismatch). Buying too much wastes money. This guide helps you calculate the exact yardage for any project.
How Big Is a Yard of Fabric?
| Measurement | Length | Width (varies by fabric) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yard | 36 inches (3 feet / 91.4 cm) | 44-60 inches (112-152 cm) |
| Half yard | 18 inches (1.5 feet / 45.7 cm) | 44-60 inches |
| Quarter yard | 9 inches (22.9 cm) | 44-60 inches |
| Fat quarter | 18 x 22 inches | (pre-cut quilting piece) |
Common Fabric Widths
| Fabric Type | Typical Width |
|---|---|
| Broadcloth | 58-60 inches |
| Polar Fleece | 60 inches |
| Faux Fur | 60 inches |
| Nylon Spandex | 58-60 inches |
| Cotton Spandex | 58-60 inches |
| Acrylic Felt | 72 inches |
| Cotton Canvas | 60 inches |
Yardage by Project Type
Blankets & Throws
| Size | Yardage Needed |
|---|---|
| Baby blanket (30x36") | 1-1.5 yards |
| Lap blanket (36x48") | 1.5-2 yards |
| Throw (50x60") | 2-3 yards |
| Twin (66x90") | 3-4 yards |
| Queen (90x108") | 6-8 yards |
| No-sew tie blanket (50x60") | 2 yards x 2 pieces = 4 yards total |
Garments
| Garment | 45" Wide Fabric | 60" Wide Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirt | 2-2.5 yards | 1.5-2 yards |
| Simple dress | 3-4 yards | 2.5-3 yards |
| Pants | 2.5-3 yards | 2-2.5 yards |
| Skirt | 1.5-2.5 yards | 1-2 yards |
| Coat/Jacket | 3-4 yards | 2.5-3 yards |
Home Decor & Accessories
| Project | Yardage Needed |
|---|---|
| Tote bag | 1-1.5 yards |
| Pillow cover (18x18") | 0.5-0.75 yards |
| Table runner (14x72") | 1-1.5 yards |
| Curtain panel (standard window) | 3-4 yards per panel |
| Apron | 1.5-2 yards |
How to Calculate Yardage
- Determine project dimensions — length and width of each piece you need to cut
- Check fabric width — how many pieces fit across the width?
- Calculate total length — stack your pieces end to end
- Add waste factor — add 10-15% for cutting waste, pattern matching, and mistakes
- Convert to yards — divide total inches by 36
Formula: (total length in inches + 15% waste) / 36 = yards needed
Yards, Meters & Inches: Quick Conversions
Patterns from different countries use different units. Here is a fast reference:
| You Have | Multiply By | To Get |
|---|---|---|
| Yards | 0.914 | Meters |
| Meters | 1.094 | Yards |
| Yards | 36 | Inches |
| Meters | 39.37 | Inches |
A quick rule of thumb: a meter is about 10% longer than a yard, so if a European pattern calls for meters, buying the same number in yards leaves you slightly short — add 10%.
Tips to Avoid Buying Too Little (or Too Much)
- Buy it all in one cut. Dye lots vary slightly between orders, so purchase your full amount at once to keep the color consistent across the project.
- Add extra for one-way prints and nap. Directional prints, stripes, and pile fabrics like faux fur must be cut the same way, which uses more yardage — add 15–25%.
- Allow for shrinkage. Natural fibers like cotton canvas can shrink 5–10% on the first wash; add that back if you pre-wash before cutting.
- Match the width to the pattern. Pattern yardage is usually listed for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric — using our wider 60–72 inch fabrics often means buying less.
Shop Fabric by the Yard
Browse our full collection at EOVEA Fabric. All fabrics are sold by the yard with free standard shipping on every U.S. order. Express shipping from $4.90.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet is a yard of fabric?
It depends on the width. A yard of 45-inch fabric = 11.25 square feet. A yard of 60-inch fabric = 15 square feet. A yard of 72-inch felt = 18 square feet.
Should I buy extra fabric?
Always buy 10-15% more than your calculation. This accounts for cutting waste, straightening grain, pattern matching, and potential mistakes. For beginners, add 20%.
What's the difference between a yard and a meter?
A yard is 36 inches (91.4 cm). A meter is 39.4 inches (100 cm). A meter is about 10% longer than a yard. If a pattern calls for meters and you're buying yards, multiply by 1.1.
How do I convert a pattern's meters to yards?
Multiply the meters by 1.1 (a meter is about 10% longer than a yard). For example, a pattern calling for 2 meters needs about 2.2 yards. Rounding up to the next quarter yard is always safe.
Does fabric width change how much I need?
Yes, a lot. Wider fabric fits more pattern pieces across, so you buy fewer yards. A dress needing 3–4 yards of 45-inch fabric often needs only 2.5–3 yards of our 60-inch goods. Always check the yardage for your fabric's actual width.
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Felt, canvas, fleece, spandex, broadcloth & faux fur — cut to your exact yardage. Free U.S. shipping over $49.99.
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