"How many yards do I need?" is the question we answer most at APC Fabrics. The honest answer is always "check your pattern envelope," but when you're planning a project or shopping a sale, these estimates will get you very close.
Yardage chart for 54 to 60 inch wide fabric
| Project | Yardage (adult M) |
|---|---|
| T-shirt | 1.25 to 1.5 yds |
| Button-up shirt | 1.75 to 2 yds |
| Blouse | 1.5 to 2 yds |
| Simple dress | 2 to 2.5 yds |
| Maxi dress | 3 to 4 yds |
| Skirt (knee length) | 1.25 to 2 yds |
| Pants / trousers | 2 to 2.5 yds |
| Jeans (selvedge, 30-33 in wide) | 3 to 3.5 yds |
| Hoodie / sweatshirt | 2 to 2.5 yds |
| Lined jacket | 2.5 to 3 yds + lining |
| Baby clothes (each) | 0.5 to 1 yd |
| Throw pillow (18 in, front and back) | 0.75 yd |
| Tote bag | 1 yd |
| Curtain panel (84 in) | 2.75 yds per panel |
| Baby quilt top | 1.5 to 2 yds |
| Queen quilt top | 8 to 9 yds total |
Width changes everything
Most charts assume 54 to 60 inch wide fabric, which is what most apparel fabric (and nearly everything at APC) is. If your fabric is 44/45 inches wide, add roughly 25 to 40% more yardage. Specialty fabrics run narrower still: traditional selvedge denim is 30 to 33 inches wide, which is why jeans take 3+ yards.
When to buy extra
Add about 10% for shrinkage on natural fibers (always pre-wash), half a yard or more for matching plaids, stripes, or large prints, extra for napped fabrics like velvet and corduroy where all pieces must run the same direction, and a little margin if you're a beginner, recutting a botched piece is much cheaper than a second shipping fee.
Frequently asked questions
How many yards for a quilt?
A baby quilt top takes 1.5 to 2 yards; a queen quilt needs 8 to 9 yards across top, batting allowance, and backing. Backing fabric at 108 inches wide saves piecing.
Is it cheaper to buy more at once?
Usually. APC Fabrics offers volume pricing on bulk orders and free US shipping over $65, so consolidating projects into one order saves real money.
What if I buy too little?
Dye lots vary between rolls, so matching later isn't guaranteed. When in doubt, round up half a yard.
Ready to cut?
Browse all fabrics by the yard, every order is cut fresh from the roll in Los Angeles. Not sure about a fabric? Order a swatch pack first.