How much fabric do I need?

Whether you're new to sewing or have years of experience, working out how much fabric you need can be a challenge. Even with a pattern guide, it’s not always straigh­tforward—­especially when dealing with fabric width variations or leftover pieces. If you've ever wondered if you can squeeze a pattern out of less fabric or how to make the most of your stash, this guide is for you.

To make things easier, we’ve broken this blog into clear sections so you can skip to the parts most relevant to you.

Making the Most of Your Fabric

If you’re working with leftover fabric or want to be as efficient as possible with your fabric usage, here are some practical tips:

·         Opt for spaghetti straps – If your pattern has wider straps, consider narrowing them to save fabric.

·         Sew a cape – If you have around a metre of coating or jacketing fabric, a cape can be a stylish and simple project. For extra detail, use a contrasting lightweight fabric for the lining. This Caplet pattern features a bold, sculpted silhouette.

·         Make a skirt – A straight, pencil, or A-line skirt can often be made from as little as 1 metre, depending on the fabric width.

·         Create a short semi-circle skirt – If you have around a metre of fabric, you may be able to make a shorter semi-circle skirt, though this depends on the width of your cloth. You can find a selection of skirts here.

Pattern Suggestions for Smaller Fabric Pieces:

·         Tessuti – Kate Top Sewing Pattern (UK 16-22)

·         Puff & Pencil – Halter Top Sewing Pattern

·         Liesl + Co – Tribeca Knit Cami Pattern

·         Tilly and the Buttons – Jaimie Pyjama Bottoms & Shorts

·         Made by Rae – Geranumim Girls Dress Pattern (0-5yrs)

Making the Most of 45-Inch Wide Cotton

Many sewers avoid 45-inch wide cottons, assuming they’re only for crafting, but they can work beautifully in dressmaking too. If your fabric feels slightly stiff, use it for structured patterns such as an A-line skirt.

Great patterns for 45-inch wide cottons:

·         Serendipity Studio 123 – Bebe Dress

·         Burda Style Jenny Variation C: Skirt (#6058)

Working with Wider Cottons

Wider cotton fabrics often require less meterage than narrower fabrics, but be mindful of pattern repeats:

·         If the fabric has an abstract or irregular pattern, you may not need to match it precisely.

·         If the fabric has a structured design like florals or stripes, you might need extra fabric for pattern matching.

For more tips on choosing the right fabric for your sewing projects, check out our other blog posts or join the discussion in our Facebook group.

Final Thoughts

Sewing is all about creativity, and working out fabric requirements doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you're working with leftovers or choosing a new fabric, thinking about width, pattern placement, and garment style can help you make the most of your materials.

What’s the best thing you’ve made from fabric scraps? Share your projects with us—we’d love to see them!