Pattern Fabric Calculator — Convert Pattern Requirements

Sewing patterns list fabric requirements for specific bolt widths (e.g., "2.5m of 150cm wide fabric"). If your fabric is a different width, you need more or less length. A narrower fabric needs more length; a wider fabric needs less.

No. If a pattern calls for 2m of 150cm fabric and you buy 2m of 112cm fabric, you may not have enough to lay out all pattern pieces. Always convert using the area method.

This calculator gives the minimum fabric based on area equivalence. For directional fabrics (one-way prints, velvet, corduroy or any nap), add 15–25% more than calculated because every piece must lie the same way, so they cannot be nested head-to-toe. If your pattern envelope quotes a separate "with nap" figure, use that — and allow at least +20% if it does not. Stripes, checks and large repeats that need matching can take an extra 25–50%.

Yes, always round up to at least the nearest 10cm. Fabric shops cut by the metre or half metre, and having a small amount extra is much better than being short.