Learn how to make easy conversions of yardage if you plan to use a fabric that comes in different widths with this Yardage Conversion Chart.
When you visit a fabric store, you’ll find the fabric is rolled onto bolts. However, those bolts of fabric contain fabric in a variety of widths.
Then when you read a sewing pattern to determine the amount of fabric needed for your project, the yardage measurements are typically for a 44-45-inch-wide fabric.
But, what if the fabric you want to use for your project comes in a different width?
That’s where the Yardage Conversion Chart below will help you to make easy conversions if you plan to use a fabric that comes in a different width.
Yardage Chart
First let’s break down the yardage. When you look at a sewing pattern, whether a physical tissue paper pattern in an envelope or a pattern you download, it will specify the yardage needed for your project.
One yard of fabric equals 36″ or 91.5cm. But, what if your pattern calls for 1/4 or 5/8 yard? How many inches is that?
| Yardage | Inches | cm |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 4 1/2 | 11.4 |
| 1/4 | 9 | 23 |
| 1/3 | 12 | 30.5 |
| 3/8 | 13 1/2 | 34.25 |
| 1/2 | 18 | 45.75 |
| 5/8 | 22 1/2 | 57 |
| 2/3 | 24 | 61 |
| 3/4 | 27 | 68.5 |
| 7/8 | 31 1/2 | 80 |
Yardage Conversion Chart
| Fabric Width | 35-36″ | 39″ | 41″ | 44-45″ | 50″ | 52-54″ | 60″ |
| Yardage | 1 3/4 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 1 3/8 | 1 1/4 | 1 1/8 | 1 |
| 2 | 1 3/4 | 1 3/4 | 1 5/8 | 1 1/2 | 1 3/8 | 1 1/4 | |
| 2 1/4 | 2 | 2 | 1 3/4 | 1 5/8 | 1 1/2 | 1 3/8 | |
| 2 1/2 | 2 1/4 | 2 1/4 | 2 1/8 | 1 3/4 | 1 3/4 | 1 5/8 | |
| 2 7/8 | 2 1/2 | 2 1/2 | 2 1/4 | 2 | 1 7/8 | 1 3/4 | |
| 3 1/8 | 2 3/4 | 2 3/4 | 2 1/2 | 2 1/4 | 2 | 1 7/8 | |
| 3 3/8 | 3 | 2 7/8 | 2 3/4 | 2 3/8 | 2 1/4 | 2 | |
| 3 3/4 | 3 1/4 | 3 1/8 | 2 7/8 | 2 5/8 | 2 3/8 | 2 1/4 | |
| 4 1/4 | 3 1/2 | 3 3/8 | 3 1/8 | 2 3/4 | 2 5/8 | 2 3/8 | |
| 4 3/4 | 4 | 3 7/8 | 3 5/8 | 3 1/4 | 2 7/8 | 2 3/4 | |
| 5 | 4 1/4 | 4 1/8 | 3 7/8 | 3 3/8 | 3 1/8 | 2 7/8 |
These charts should help you in determining how much fabric you need for your project and how to convert for your fabric requirements for different widths of fabric.
How to Use the Fabric Conversion Chart
It occurred to me that maybe you are a little confused or not sure how this fabric conversion chart will help you. So, let me give you an example.
Example #1:
Let’s say your pattern calls for 2-3/4 yards of 44″ wide fabric. But, the fabric you’ve chosen for your project comes in 60″ width. So, do you still need 2-3/4 yards of fabric? Based on the fabric conversion chart, you do not! You only need 2 yards of fabric.
How did I come to this conclusion? Well, take a look at the Fabric Width row and find the column labeled 44-45″. Come straight down that column until you come to 2-3/4 yards. Then in the same row as the 2-3/4 yards, go straight across until you’re under the 60″ column and you’ll see 2 yards.
So for a pattern that calls for 2-3/4 yards of 44-45″ wide fabric, you’ll only need 2 yards of 60″ wide fabric.
Example #2:
Okay, so what if your pattern calls for 2-3/4 yards of 44″ wide fabric; but, the fabric you’ve selected for your project only comes in 36″ width. How much fabric would you need?
Let’s break it down into steps:
Step One: Locate the fabric width column labeled 44-45″.
Step Two: Come straight down that column to the 2-3/4 yardage.
Step Three: Then go straight across (to the left) to the 35-36″ column. There you will see 3-3/8 yards.
So, you will need 3-3/8 yards of 35-36″ fabric for your project.
Download Printable Fabric Yardage Conversion Chart
You can download a printable copy of the Fabric Yardage Conversion Chart.
Sometimes it’s just really handy to have a printed reference document that you can refer to any time you want. I recommend that you download and print all the sewing reference guides from Hooked on Sewing and keep them together in a binder.
To download a free copy of the Fabric Yardage Conversion Chart that also includes the yardage chart, simply fill out the below form.
Learn to Sew Series
You will find an entire Learn to Sew series just for beginners here on Hooked on Sewing:
- Buying a Sewing Machine for Beginners
- Essential Sewing Tools for Beginners
- The Best Fabric and Thread for Learning to Sew
- Anatomy of a Sewing Machine
- Learn to Sew a Straight Stitch
- …And this is just the start!
All the lessons are designed to help you understand specific sewing skills, gain knowledge, and set you up for success in your sewing journey.
If at any point you have questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
Thank you so much for all the information you have provided. I’m in the “gathering” stage of my sewing and hope to start actually sewing before too long. You have been a great source of information and knowledge and it is much appreciated. I am looking forward to learning from you. Thanks again.
Hi, Becky! I am sooo glad you found Hooked on Sewing! If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Pam Baker
Hooked on Sewing
Hi Pam,
I am in the “gathering” stage of preparing material to start classes to teach people to sew. Your lessons are so easy to follow. If I use any of your pictures, charts, etc. do I need your permission? I’m not selling the information but I’m preparing some handouts for easy reference. I would also list your website as a great reference after the classes.
May I have your permission to use your information ?
Thank you,
Phillis
Hi, Phillis. Sorry for the delay in responding to your request. You hav emy permission to use pictures and charts downloaded from Hooked on Sewing so long as credit is given. Thanks for asking!!
Pam Baker
Hooked on Sewing
I would love these conversion charts
I’ve been sewing for over 50 years, descendant of generations of professionals, yet never really understood the conversions. Actually, never saw this chart before. Isn’t that amazing? My ancestors seemed to have an innate understanding of all this, but never were that great at their ability to explain it to me.
Thanks!
Hi, Suze. So glad you found this helpful!
Even though I’ve been sewing forever, I’m always learning something new!