Calculate how much fabric to buy

Q: Is the calculator free, and what will I receive?

It is free. You enter your name and email address, and we send you a cutting plan with fabric labels and a PDF you can print.

Q: How accurate is it?

It is a guide based on the measurements you enter. Always double check your measurements and consult your fabric supplier, especially for expensive or patterned fabric.

Choosing your fabric can be tricky but you also want to make sure you buy the right quantity. It is more straight forward with a plain fabric but if you have pattern repeats you need to calculate it more accurately. Please enter a few details below based on your chosen fabric details and calculate.

If you need any help on how to apply your top cover then my online tutorials can also guide you step by step.

Fabric Calculator

Enter your measurements and receive a personalised cutting plan showing exactly how much fabric to buy.

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Fabric

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Chair

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Measurements

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Get plan

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Your plan

Tell me about your fabric

Be consistent throughout - do not swap between centimetres and inches.

Units

Fabric width

Measure from selvidge to selvidge - the woven edges running down both sides. Standard upholstery fabric is usually 122-142 cm (48-56 in) wide.

(selvidge to selvidge)

Please enter your fabric width.

Fabric name or link (optional - for your reference)

Helps if you are comparing fabrics - appears on your cutting plan.

Does your fabric have a pattern repeat?

A pattern repeat is where a design (floral, stripe, geometric etc.) repeats regularly. The repeat size is usually printed on the label or listed on the supplier's website. Plain fabrics and small all-over textures do not need matching.

Piping

Piping is always cut separately on the bias (diagonally across the fabric) so it bends around curves. It is never included in the main cutting plan - you need a separate piece of fabric for it.

What type of chair?

Choose the closest match. Wings are optional on armchair types - leave those fields blank if your chair has no wings.

Enter your measurements

Measure each piece at its widest and longest point. Add 5 cm (2 in) all round for tuck-ins. Leave optional pieces blank if not applicable.

How many chairs? (max 6 - enter measurements for one chair)

Almost there!

Your cutting plan is ready

Enter your name and email and I will send you your personalised plan plus free tips on applying your top cover.

Your personalised cutting plan to print and take to the fabric shop
Fabric labels to cut out and pin to each piece
Free guide: how to apply your top cover
Free guide: how to make your own piping
Access to Alison's free getting-started video tutorials

Building your cutting plan...

Remember to measure twice and cut once...

Click here to learn how to fit your top cover fabric to your chair

FAQ's

How does the fabric calculator work?

You choose your chair type, enter your fabric width, pattern repeat and the measurements of each piece. It adds an allowance for pattern repeats, then works out how many drops you need and the total to buy.

Does it allow for pattern repeats?

Yes. Each piece is rounded up to the next repeat, and an extra repeat is added for each cut so you can match the pattern.

Does it include piping?

Piping is shown separately. For contrasting piping it suggests 1.4 m x 1.4 m of fabric cut on the bias.

What about deep buttoning?

If you tick deep buttoning, it adds extra width and drop for the buttoned pieces and shows the number of columns and rows.

Is the calculator free, and what will I receive?

It’s free. You enter your name and email address, and we send you a cutting plan with fabric labels and a PDF you can print.

How accurate is it?

It’s a guide based on the measurements you enter. Always double check your measurements and consult your fabric supplier, especially for expensive or patterned fabric.