Needlecrafts Sewing Sewing Basics

Fabric Yardage Conversion Chart

By
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove is an award-winning seamstress and tailor who shares her knowledge with beginner sewers on how to work with patterns and fabrics. She has over 40 years experience and has been writing and authoring books for two decades.
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Updated on 08/04/19
fabric conversion chart

The Spruce/Debbie Colgrove

Almost all sewing patterns will give you an amount of fabric you need to purchase to construct the pattern. What do you do when the pattern calls for 60" wide fabric, but the fabric you want to use is 45" wide?

In most cases, you can use the chart shown here to purchase an equivalent amount of fabric in a different width. For example: Let's say the pattern you plan on making says that you need 2 yards of 60" wide fabric, but the fabric you want to use is only 32" wide. According to the chart, you would need to buy 3 3/4 yards of the 32" wide fabric.

A Few Pointers

  1. Be very careful to check the pattern pieces when you are changing the width of your fabric purchase. Even though you will get the amount stated on the chart, it won't do you any good if the pattern piece is 45" wide and the fabric is only 36" wide. In some cases, you can add a seam, but in many cases, you can not without changing the design.
  2. Always allow for shrinkage on your purchase, especially 100% cotton. Machine wash and dry your fabric before cutting out your project.
  3. Always consider matching plaids and prints before purchasing an exact amount that is quoted on the pattern envelope. A commercial pattern will include information such as "not recommended for plaids or a one-way design" or yardage requirements for a fabric with nap vs. a fabric without nap. All of these factors come into play when purchasing the needed
  4. Print the yardage conversion chart to keep in your wallet or pocketbook, so it is at hand when you need it. To preserve the chart, try laminating the chart or fusible vinyl so you can whip off dirt and keep the chart for many years.

Buying fabric when it is on sale or using a coupon from flyers that most fabric stores mail out, makes the fabric more affordable and allows for buying extra fabric. Follow tips to save money on sewing clothing and other textile needs.

Be sure to sign up for all fabric store mailings, so you receive the best coupons and know when sales are taking place. There are many free patterns to make with scraps of fabric so your extra fabric will not go to waste.