How Much Fabric to Buy?
Greetings, fellow sewing enthusiasts! I’m Malinda, a sewing pattern designer and blogger at So DIY. If you’ve ever found yourself perplexed while standing in front of a wall of fabrics, wondering how much fabric to buy for your projects, this article is for you.
How Much Fabric to Buy?
Over my 25 years of sewing experience, I’ve gathered valuable insights and tips on making the perfect fabric purchase.
Join me as I unveil the secret behind selecting the right amount of fabric and share my list of essential sewing supplies. Let’s dive in!
1. Understanding Fabric Width
When embarking on a fabric shopping adventure, the first step is to gauge the fabric’s width. Whether shopping online or in a store, this information is crucial. Garment fabrics typically come in widths ranging from 45 to 60 inches.
Remember, the wider the fabric, the more value you’ll get per yard. Opt for wider fabrics whenever possible, as they offer better value without a significant difference in cost.
2. Knowing Your Pattern
If you’ve already chosen a pattern, great! Retrieve the pattern or find it online. Most patterns come with a yardage chart that provides estimates based on your size.
However, if you’re on the tall side or prefer longer garments, consider purchasing an extra quarter to half a yard for added length. Keep in mind that some patterns might require more fabric due to intricate details or larger sizes.
3. Suitability of the Fabric
Consider the fabric’s suitability for the desired garment. Not all fabrics are created equal.
While linen is versatile for dresses, tops, and skirts, a sweater knit is best suited for cardigans or pullover sweaters. Think about the intended purpose of the garment and choose a fabric that complements it.
4. Personal Preferences
Your personal preferences play a pivotal role in fabric selection. Do you envision a pullover sweater or a cropped version?
Does the fabric’s pattern or color align with your style? Consider what you’re comfortable wearing and how you’ll pair the fabric with your wardrobe.
5. General Yardage Estimates
Here’s a quick rundown of general yardage calculation for different types of garments:
- 1 yard: Simple tops, tank tops, shorts, or short skirts
- 1.5 yards: More complicated tops, longer skirts, or shorter dresses
- 2 yards: Long sleeve blouses, voluminous shirts, longer skirts, or pants
- 3–4 yards: Complicated dresses, jumpsuits, or voluminous dresses
- 4.5–5 yards: Larger dresses with lots of volume or details
Remember, these are rough estimates and can vary based on your size and the pattern’s complexity.
6. Stocking Up on Sewing Supplies
While fabric is the star of the show, don’t forget about your trusty sewing supplies. Here are a few essential items to keep on hand:
- Fusible interfacing: Stock up when on sale (5–10 yards) for added convenience.
- Thread: Grab essentials like white, black, navy, and gray when they’re on sale.
- Machine needles: Have a variety, including ballpoint needles for knit fabrics.
- Elastic: Keep 1" or 1.25" wide elastic, as well as 0.25" wide elastic, in your stash.
- Zippers: Stock up on zippers that suit your preferred projects.
- Rotary blades: Ensure you always have sharp blades for clean cuts.
Conclusion
Fabric shopping doesn’t have to be an enigma. Armed with knowledge about fabric width, pattern requirements, fabric suitability, personal preferences, and general yardage estimates, you’ll approach the fabric store with confidence.
Additionally, having a stash of essential sewing supplies will empower you to start your projects promptly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewist, these tips will guide you toward successful fabric purchases and satisfying sewing experiences. Happy stitching!
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