Fabrics
How much fabric do I need?
From the minimum amounts printed in 357 of our sewing guides, a typical dress needs about 2.05 m (2.2 yd), pants 2.22 m (2.4 yd), a skirt 1.8 m (2.0 yd) and a top 1.2 m (1.3 yd). Each pattern page shows its own figure; buy a little extra if your fabric may shrink or has a print to match.
Fabric by type of garment
The median of the minimum amount each sewing guide asks for, and the range half of the patterns fall into. Measured on the 357 patterns whose guide prints a figure.
| Garment | Patterns | Typical range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | 71 | 1.55–2.5 m | 2.05 m (2.2 yd) |
| Tops & Blouses | 65 | 0.9–1.5 m | 1.2 m (1.3 yd) |
| Skirts | 32 | 1.3–2.2 m | 1.8 m (2.0 yd) |
| Jackets & Coats | 31 | 1.4–2.2 m | 1.8 m (2.0 yd) |
| Menswear | 30 | 1.55–2.3 m | 2 m (2.2 yd) |
| Pants | 26 | 2.1–2.4 m | 2.22 m (2.4 yd) |
| Vests & Corsets | 25 | 0.7–1.05 m | 0.9 m (1.0 yd) |
| Bags | 19 | 0.3–1.5 m | 0.8 m (0.9 yd) |
| Jumpsuits & Rompers | 15 | 1.9–2.4 m | 2.2 m (2.4 yd) |
| Sweatshirts & Cardigans | 12 | 1.9–2.2 m | 2.15 m (2.4 yd) |
| Dog & Cat Clothes | 11 | 0.23–1 m | 0.25 m (0.3 yd) |
| Shorts | 9 | 0.95–1.3 m | 1.2 m (1.3 yd) |
| Capes & Accessories | 6 | 0.9–1.6 m | 1.1 m (1.2 yd) |
| Pajamas & Loungewear | 5 | 1.65–2.5 m | 2.35 m (2.6 yd) |
What changes the amount
- Fabric width. The layouts are drawn for common widths (115 or 150 cm, about 45 or 60 in). On narrower fabric you need more length.
- Your size. The guide gives one minimum for the pattern; larger sizes take more of it, so check the cutting layout for your size before you buy.
- Prints and nap. Stripes, checks, one-way prints, velvet and corduroy need every piece cut in the same direction, which takes more fabric.
- Shrinkage. Cotton and linen can shrink in the first wash; pre-wash before you cut.
Where to find the exact figure
On each pattern page, the list under the description shows the fabric the sewing guide asks for, when the guide prints it, for example 2.55 m (2.8 yd) of fabric. The sewing guide itself has a Fabric consumption page with the cutting layout. Recommended fabrics are on the best fabrics for beginners guide.
Dress patterns with their fabric amount
#4
Easy Dress PDF Sewing Pattern
#8
Boho Dress PDF Sewing Pattern
#16
Slit Dress PDF Sewing Pattern
#17
Casual dress PDF Sewing Pattern
#18
T-shirt Dress PDF Sewing Pattern
#29
BodyCon Dress PDF Sewing Pattern
Every pattern in the library, for one payment. 550+ PDF sewing patterns with layered A4 / US Letter files, A0 copy-shop files and illustrated guides, for $49, new releases included.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for a dress?
About 2.05 m (2.2 yd) for most of our dress patterns (the median of 71 sewing guides); maxi and full-skirted dresses need more, short and slip dresses less.
How much fabric do I need for pants?
About 2.22 m (2.4 yd) for most of our pants patterns (the median of 26 sewing guides).
Should I buy extra fabric?
A little: for shrinkage if you pre-wash, and for matching stripes, checks or one-way prints. The guide's figure is a minimum.
More sewing guides
- How to measure yourself for a sewing pattern
- How to use a PDF sewing pattern
- Sewing pattern size chart, XS to XXXL
- PDF vs paper sewing patterns: which should you buy?
- What is a layered PDF sewing pattern?
- Seam allowance on sewing patterns: what it is and how much is included
- The best fabrics for beginner sewing projects
- What you need to start sewing clothes
- Beginner vs intermediate sewing patterns: what's the difference?