Estimating the right amount of fabric is critical when beginning any reupholstering project. Whether you’re working on your sofa or giving a fresh look to your favorite chair, getting the right amount of fabric will help avoid potentially costly mistakes.

Below, I’ll walk you through the important factors that determine how much fabric you’ll need. I’ll also explain how to calculate it for a successful reupholstering project!

Why Accurate Upholstery Fabric Estimation is Important

Estimating the yardage properly helps ensure your project runs smoothly. Delays, additional shipping costs, and fabric mismatches are all potential pitfalls of underestimation. Conversely, ordering too much fabric can lead to wasted material and money.

As they say, a little planning goes a long way!

Factors to Consider When Estimating Upholstery Yardage

There are several key factors to consider when estimating how much fabric you will need, including:

• Type of Furniture: It’s likely a sofa will require much more fabric than an ottoman, so be sure to consider the type of furniture you’re working on.
• Fabric Width: In general, upholstery fabric is sold in widths of 54 inches, so be sure to confirm before buying.
• Pattern & Repeat: Patterns will require extra fabric to match at the seams, especially those with large designs.
• Seam Allowances: Be sure to include extra fabric for seams, tufting or piping that may be included in the design.

General Upholstery Yardage Estimates

To give you a general idea of how much fabric you may need, here’s a quick reference chart for some common furniture items:

• Armchairs (no skirt): 6-8 yards
• Armchairs (w/skirt): 7-9 yards
• Sofas: 12-18 yards
• Sectional Sofas: 20-25 yards
• Ottomans: 2-3 yards
• Dining Chairs (w/upholstered backs): 1-2 yards per chair

Bear in mind these are just average estimates. You may need more or less depending on the size, shape and details of your furniture.

Step-by-Step Measuring for Upholstery Fabric

1. Break Down the Furniture: Separate your furniture into sections, such as back, seat, and arms. Take these sections and measure them individually.
2. Account for Seam Allowances: To account for seams, add an extra 1-2 inches to each measurement. That way, you’ll have enough fabric to cover the edges properly.
3. Consider the Pattern: Whenever using patterned fabric, be sure to measure the pattern repeat. You’ll need extra fabric for larger patterns to make sure the design matches at the seams.
4. Total the Yardage: After you have the measurements for every section and have taken into account the extras, add it all up for the final amount

Additional Tips for Upholstery Projects

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your next upholstery project:

• Order Extra Fabric: It’s never a bad idea to get an extra yard or two of fabric. This can safeguard against mistakes, as well as help with adjustments or potential repairs in the future.
• Double-Check the Fabric Width: Ensure the width of the fabric meets your requirements before ever placing an order.
• Consider Upholstery Tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job! Staple guns, upholstery foam and trimming scissors can all make your job easier!

Bringing It All Together

Getting accurate fabric yardage estimates can make your next project successful and stress-free. Hopefully these guidelines will help you bring your vision to life!

Thanks for visiting Bailey’s Fabric & Supply! Feel free to browse our wide selection of fabrics for inspiration, and check out the rest of our blog for more expert advice!

— Bri from Bailey’s Fabric & Supply