Subtitle: Fabric Yardage Explained for Sewing, Upholstery & Crafting Projects
1. Standard Fabric Yard Dimensions
Basic Measurements
| Unit | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Yard Length | 36″ | 91.4 cm |
| Common Widths | 45″, 54″, 60″ | 114, 137, 152 cm |
Note: 54″ is standard for linen (International Textile Manufacturers Federation)
Visualization:
- 45″ wide: Fits 2 adult T-shirts side-by-side
- 54″ wide: Covers a 36×27″ table with 9″ overhang
2. Calculating Yardage for Common Projects
Project Cheat Sheet
| Item | Yardage Needed (54″ width) |
|---|---|
| Dress | 2-3 yards |
| Curtains (per panel) | 1.5× window height |
| Queen Duvet Cover | 6 yards |
Try Our: Fabric Calculator Tool
3. Why Fabric Width Matters
Width Comparison
| Width | Best For | Waste Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 45″ | Quilting cotton | 15-20% |
| 54″ | Apparel linen | 8-12% |
| 60″ | Upholstery | 5-8% |
Pro Tip: Wider fabrics reduce seam needs for large projects
See Examples: Width Selection Guide
4. Linen-Specific Considerations
- Shrinkage Allowance: Add 5% for pre-wash shrinkage
- Pattern Matching: Requires 10-15% extra yardage
- Selvage Use: 0.5-1″ unusable on each side
Download: Linen Project Planning Sheet
5. International Conversions
| Country | 1 Yard Equivalent |
|---|---|
| USA | 36 inches |
| UK | 0.9144 meters |
| EU | 100 cm (approximate) |
Important: Always confirm with supplier as some mills use 100cm=1 “metric yard”