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 | 45 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 | 58 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
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.
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