A pin tuck is a very narrow fold of fabric (1–3mm wide) stitched close to the fold. Pin tucks add texture and decoration. They are commonly seen on formal shirts, blouses, and christening gowns.

How much extra fabric do tucks need?

Each tuck uses twice its width in extra fabric. A 3mm pin tuck uses 6mm of extra fabric per tuck. If you have 20 pin tucks at 3mm each, you need 12cm of extra fabric width.

What is a released tuck?

A released tuck is stitched for only part of its length, then released to create fullness below. Used for shaping at the waist or decorative detail on skirts.

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Tuck Calculator — Pin Tucks & Decorative Tucks

Calculate fabric needed for pin tucks, released tucks and decorative tuck details.

Finished Width

Width of the tucked area when complete

Tuck Width

Width of each tuck fold

Spacing Between Tucks

Gap from one tuck fold to the next — keep it at least twice the tuck width

How We Calculate This

Each tuck takes up twice its width in fabric, because the fold doubles back on itself — a finished 0.25cm pin tuck eats 0.5cm of fabric. The number of tucks that fit is set by how far apart you space them: each tuck repeat occupies one tuck width plus the spacing gap.

The formula

Number of tucks = Finished width ÷ (Tuck width + Spacing), rounded down to a whole tuck

Extra fabric = Number of tucks × Tuck width × 2

Total fabric width = Finished width + Extra fabric + (2 × Seam allowance)

The ×2 is the “intake” — the fold has two sides. Heavily corded or decorative tucks can take up to ×2.5, which you can set with the Tuck Fabric Multiplier under Advanced Options. Seam allowance defaults to 0cm because the finished width is usually the panel you have already drafted with seams.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before cutting or purchasing fabric.