Fabric yardage calculator
Fabric measurement cheat sheet
| Cut | Size (42" fabric) |
|---|---|
| 1 yard | 36" × 42" |
| ½ yard | 18" × 42" |
| ¼ yard | 9" × 42" |
| Fat quarter | 18" × 21" |
| Fat eighth | 9" × 21" |
| 1 meter | 39.37" (about 1.09 yd) |
Questions
How many 5-inch squares can I cut from a yard?
From 42" fabric with 40" usable, you get 8 squares per row and 7 rows from 36", so 56 squares from one yard.
How many inches are in a yard of fabric?
36 inches. A half yard is 18", a quarter yard is 9", and a fat quarter is 18" × about 21".
Why is usable width less than the fabric width?
The selvages (finished edges) are trimmed off, and quilting cottons sold as 44" often measure 42" or less after washing. The calculator assumes 2" less than the nominal width.