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Fabric Calculator

Estimate yardage for custom drapery, Roman shades, and cornices. Enter your finished dimensions and we'll calculate cut lengths, widths needed, and total fabric with seam and hem allowances built in.

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Estimates only — add 10–15% for cutting errors

This calculator provides a working estimate. Always round up to the nearest half-yard and add a buffer for pattern matching, waste, and cutting. Solid fabrics need less buffer than repeating patterns.

Drapery Yardage

Calculates face fabric for rod-pocket, pinch pleat, or ripplefold panels.

inches
inches
One way = all fabric stacks to one side. Split draw = two panels meet in the center.
inches
Each fabric width is lengthened by one repeat to allow pattern matching.
Recommended allowances (editable)
in
Standard: 8″ (pinch pleat / ripplefold)
in
Standard: 8″ (double 4″ hem)
in
Increase for deeper rod projections
in
Standard: 4″ center overlap / hem

Fabric Needed

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Enter your dimensions above to see the yardage estimate.

Drapery tips

  • For rod-pocket or tab top panels, use 2× fullness minimum for a polished look.
  • Pinch pleat and ripplefold headers typically use 2.5–3× fullness.
  • Stack-back is typically 1/3 of the total covered width per side — add to your finished width input.
  • Lined drapery requires separate yardage for lining (same cut length, no pattern repeat needed).
  • Interlining adds weight and light blocking — calculate same as lining.
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Estimates only — add 10–15% for cutting errors

Roman shades require precise cuts. Always verify measurements twice and add a buffer. Pattern repeats require extra yardage to align folds correctly.

Roman Shade Yardage

Calculates face fabric and optional lining per shade.

inches
inches
shades
inches
Folds must land at pattern intervals. Allow one full repeat per shade.
Recommended allowances (editable)
in
× 2 sides = cut width add
in
Staple / mounting board wrap
in
Standard: 8″ (double 4″ hem)

Fabric Needed

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Enter your dimensions above to see the yardage estimate.

Roman shade tips

  • Inside mount: use the exact opening width. Outside mount: add 2–3″ per side for light gap coverage.
  • Fold spacing is typically 7–9″ apart — pattern repeats should align with your chosen fold spacing.
  • Standard lining adds body and light filtering. Blackout lining adds a third layer (face + blackout + lining).
  • For wide windows exceeding the bolt width, a seam will fall in the center — plan accordingly.
  • Roman shades using our supplied fabric have fabric added to the quote at cost.
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Cornice fabric wraps all surfaces — measure all three dimensions

Fabric covers the face, both returns, and wraps around the top and bottom edges. Return depth and cornice height directly affect total yardage. Pattern matching across seams requires additional fabric.

Cornice Yardage

Calculates fabric to wrap a cornice box including returns and edge wrap.

inches
inches
Typically 3–6″ — the depth from wall to face of cornice.
inches
pieces
inches
Self welt uses the same fabric as the cornice. Extra yardage calculated and added to total.
Recommended allowances (editable)
in
Folds over top board
in
Folds under bottom edge
in
× 2 sides = width add

Fabric Needed

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Enter your dimensions above to see the yardage estimate.

Cornice tips

  • Return depth adds to the total horizontal run of fabric: total wrap = face + 2 returns + 4″ side tuck allowance.
  • For cornices wider than your bolt width, a seam is unavoidable — position it at a return, not the face center.
  • For patterned fabric, buy at least one additional repeat per cornice to allow centering on the face.
  • Welting/cord trim requires additional yardage — approximately 1 yard per 4 linear feet of trim.
  • Batting or foam padding is measured separately — not included in fabric yardage.

Want us to calculate for you?

Our free in-home consultation includes precise measurements and a fabric recommendation.

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