Quilting Fabric Cut Calculator
Tell the calculator your cut size and how many pieces you need - instantly see how many yards to buy, how the cuts fit across your fabric bolt, and how much is wasted. Generates a shopping card to take to the store. Nothing uploaded.
Fabric width
Cut dimensions
Seam allowance ?
Pieces needed
Price per yard (optional)
Display in
Cutting layout
Results
Shopping card
Quilting fabric yardage and cutting layout
How yardage is calculated from cut size and fabric width
Yardage needed depends on your cut size, the fabric width (usually 40-42 inches after selvage removal), and the number of pieces needed. The calculator divides the number of cuts by how many fit across the fabric width, then multiplies by the cut length to get total yardage. For example, if you need 100 two-inch cuts and your fabric is 42 inches wide, you get 21 cuts per row (42 ÷ 2), requiring 5 rows. Each row uses 2 inches of fabric length, so you need 10 inches or roughly 0.3 yards just for the cuts. The calculator adds a 10% waste buffer for miscuts, selvage removal, and shrinkage - this is standard quilting practice.
Understanding seam allowance and fabric width assumptions
The calculator assumes your "cut size" input already includes seam allowance (typically 1/4 inch on each side for quilting). Standard quilting fabric is 44-45 inches wide, but after removing selvage (the tightly woven edges), usable width is 40-42 inches. The calculator defaults to 42 inches - you can adjust this if your fabric runs narrower. Seam allowance is critical: a "3-inch finished block" requires a 3.5-inch cut piece (3 + 1/4 + 1/4), so always input the cut size, not the finished size.
FAQ
What is selvage and why do I need to remove it?
Selvage is the finished, tightly woven edge of fabric that runs lengthwise on both sides of the bolt. It shrinks differently than the main fabric and can pucker in a finished quilt. Standard practice is to trim off 1/2 inch to 1 inch from each side before cutting. This reduces usable width from 44-45 inches to about 40-42 inches, which is what the calculator assumes.
Should I buy extra fabric for mistakes and shrinkage?
Yes. The calculator adds 10% as a standard buffer. Pre-washing can cause additional shrinkage (2-3%), so if you pre-wash, consider buying an extra 0.25-0.5 yards on top of the 10% buffer. For large projects or specialty fabrics, buying extra is good insurance against miscuts.
Can I use this calculator for non-quilting sewing projects?
Yes. The logic works for any project requiring rectangular cuts. Adjust the "usable fabric width" if your fabric is not standard width, and account for different seam allowances if your project uses something other than 1/4 inch. The cutting layout diagram will show you how efficiently the cuts fit, helping you spot potential waste.