Hello sew-friends! In today’s YouTube video, I’m answering one of the questions I’ve been asked most over the years – How do you know how much fabric to buy? I’ll be sharing my magic number for buying fabric, my best tips for deciding how much fabric you’ll need even when you don’t have a pattern in mind and the sewing supplies that I always stock up on.
I’ve been sewing for about 25 years now and have learned what works best for my sewing habits and the things I like to make. The more you sew, the better you’ll be able to estimate how much fabric you’ll end up using too. But in the meantime, read on and watch the video for my best tips to get you started.
Deciding how much fabric to buy
First, check the width of the fabric. The wider the fabric, the less you will need and the better value for your money. If I can’t decide between two otherwise equal fabrics, I always go with the one that is wider.
Next, is to consider the pattern and type of garment you want to make. If you already know what pattern you want to use, refer to the chart provided in the pattern. These charts are usually online as well, if you don’t have the pattern handy while you’re shopping. If you are tall or know that you’ll want to add length to the pattern, you may want to buy a little bit more than the pattern recommends. Usually, about half a yard more is all that’s needed.
If you don’t know what pattern you’ll plan to use, I recommend thinking about what types of garments the fabric is best suited for. Will this fabric make a good t-shirt or is it better for a skirt or dress? Not all fabric is suited for all garments and it’s always important to consider this before selecting a pattern.
Next, think about what you’d like to make with this fabric. Some fabric is well suited for a variety of garments but you may prefer to use it for a top versus a skirt versus a dress. For instance, you may prefer to use a very busy print as a top instead of a dress. Or, you may prefer a particular color as a bottom instead of a top.
PATTERN IDEAS BY YARDAGE
Ok. Now that you have all those things figured out. It’s time to think about yardage. Below are my estimates for how much fabric you’ll need for different types of garments. Remember, you’ll need more fabric if your fabric is narrow.
With 1 yard of fabric you can make, tank tops, simple tops, t-shirts short skirts and shorts. I recommend my Lou Box Top or the Lela Skirt patterns if you only have one yard of fabric.
The Lou Box Top is a versatile, loose fitting top with two neckline options and three hem options, for a total of six different silhouettes. Designed with beginners in mind, the steps are very easy to follow, using the most basic techniques and the loose fit of the design requires minimal fitting. It's a great project for beginners looking to get their feet wet and for more experienced sewists who want to add some quick-to-make basics to their wardrobe.
This is a digital pdf pattern that includes a print-at-home pattern, copy shop pattern and illustrated instructions for both woven and knit fabrics. THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT.
After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
The Lela Skirt is a casual skirt featuring an elastic waist, straight silhouette and a split hem in either knee or mid-calf length. This is a beginner friendly pattern that is equally easy-to-sew as it is to wear. This pattern is designed to be mix-and-match for a total of 18 different designs. Select from a gently curved hem, an exaggerated curved hem or a straight hem. You can also choose between in-seam pockets, angled pockets or scoop pockets.
This digital pattern includes an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, a print-at-home layered pattern for letter or A4 size paper, a US copy shop pattern and an A0 size pattern.
Model is 5’11” and is wearing a size 12.
THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT. After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
The Beginner's Bundle includes the Lou Box Top and Lela Skirt pdf patterns bundled together for a discounted price. These two patterns are a great way to practice your sewing skills and build your handmade wardrobe. Both patterns are designed for beginners, with easy to follow steps. And as a bonus, they each use only about a yard of fabric.
The Lou Box Top is a loose fitting top with two necklines and three hem options. The Lela Skirt is a casual elastic waist with three pocket styles and three hem options.
The bundle includes two digital PDF patterns each with a print-at-home pattern, copy shop pattern and illustrated instructions. THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT.
After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
With 2 yards of fabric you can make, blouses, long skirts, pants, simple dresses and sweatshirts. From my pattern shop, you can make the Lou Box Dresses, Nita Wrap Skirt or the Ali Sweatshirt.
The Lou Box Dress 1 is a loose-fitting cocoon style dress. Worn alone, it’s perfect for warm summer days. Paired with a sweater, tights and boots, it will take you through the colder months. Make it in linen for a casual look or printed silk for a luxurious night out. View A features a medium scoop neck, 3/4 length sleeves with cuffs, in-seam pockets and a knee-length skirt. View B features short cuff sleeves and patch pockets. Instructions are included for sewing the dress in both woven and knit fabrics.
This digital pattern includes an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, a print-at-home layered pattern for letter or A4 size paper, a US copy shop pattern and an A0 size pattern.
Model is 5’11” and is wearing a size 12.
THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT. After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
The Nita Wrap Skirt is a stylish wrap skirt with a fitted silhouette and dramatic angled front. There are three length options and three waistband closure options that can easily be mixed and matched. The pattern features waist darts, a built in front facing and an optional lining.
Make the mini length in denim or corduroy for a fun, casual look. Or, pair a neutral twill fabric with the midi-length for a sophisticated look that will take you from the office to happy hour in style.
This skirt can be a bit revealing so there is also a full coverage option. The skirt also works well when worn with tights or leggings.
This digital pattern includes an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, a print-at-home layered pattern for letter or A4 size paper, a US copy shop pattern and an A0 size pattern. The instruction booklet also includes tips for common pattern adjustments.
For additional help, there is a photo sewalong here.
Model is 5’11” and is wearing a size 12 skirt.
THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT. After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
An oversized sweatshirt with drop-shoulders, dolman sleeves, a shoulder yoke and two-piece sleeves with optional topstitching. View A features a crew neck, a straight body for a gender neutral silhouette and an optional kangaroo pocket. View B is cropped with a scoop neck that narrows to the high hip for a more feminine style. The kangaroo pocket can also be used with View B.
This casual and sporty style is easy to sew and fun to wear. Wear it to the gym, to the beach or anywhere you need an extra layer of warmth. The roomy fit pairs well with jeans and leggings for everyday stylish comfort.
This digital pattern includes an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, a print-at-home layered pattern for letter or A4 size paper, a US copy shop pattern and an A0 size pattern. Additionally, there is a printable color blocking worksheet to test out color arrangements before cutting your fabric.
Model is 5’11” and is wearing a size D.
THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT. After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
With 3 to 4 yards of fabric, you can make voluminous dresses, outerwear or jumpsuits. I recommend trying my Dana Jumpsuit pattern, if you’re looking to try a more complicated project. It’s an intermediate level and has the option of shorts or full length pants.
The Dana Jumpsuit is the perfect mix of sophistication and sport. Make the pants version in velvet or silk for sophisticated nighttime look or sew up the shorts length in a rayon crepe or cotton chambray for a carefree, summer romper. The front waist tie creates subtle shaping while maintaining total comfort.
This all-season jumpsuit features a dramatic front waist tie, a scoop neck, set-in elbow-length sleeves, an invisible back zipper and optional center front top stitching. Choose between a high curved or a deeper V-shaped back neckline.
This digital pattern includes an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, a print-at-home layered pattern for letter or A4 size paper, a US copy shop pattern and an A0 size pattern.
Model is 5’11” and is wearing a size 12.
THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT. After checkout, you will receive a link to the pattern that will be active for 24 hours after you click it. Prices are in USD.
This video sewalong will take you through all the steps of making the Dana Jumpsuit, from selecting your size and making fit adjustments to adhering interfacing, sewing an invisible zipper and attaching a neckline facing. Along the way, you’ll get all my tips and tricks for getting great sewing results, as well as additional insights into the design and how to make it work for you.
NOTE: The Dana Jumpsuit pattern must be purchased separately. You can find it here.
Who this is for?
This video sewalong is perfect for someone who wants to uplevel their sewing skills and learns well from a video format. This is an intermediate level pattern so it’s perfect for you if you’ve sewn a few beginner patterns before and would like someone to guide you through one that is a little more complicated.
How does it work?
You will receive lifetime access to 17 video sewing lessons, plus additional written and illustrated content to support the videos. This course is self-paced, so you can go as quickly or slowly as you’d like. After you purchase the e-course, you’ll receive an email with a download link. The pdf download will then give you instructions for accessing the private site with the video lessons.
LESSONS
1. Introduction to the pattern
2. How to select your size
3. How to print and assemble your pattern
4. Pattern piece review
5. Make a muslin + common pattern adjustments
6. How to adhere interfacing & assemble facings
7. How to sew the darts
8. Staystitch and finish seams
9. Stitch bodice front
10. Pockets and jumpsuit front
11. Sew the waist ties
12. Sew jumpsuit back
13. Stitch shoulder seams & attach sleeves
14. Sew the side seams
15. Attach the invisible zipper
16. Sew the neck facing
17. Sew the inseam and hems
If you still don’t know what you want to sew or justwant to keep your options open, my magic number when buying fabric is 3 yards. You can make pretty much anything with 3 yards and often get multiple garments from that amount.
Notions and supplies to stock up on
Last but not least, in the video I mentioned the supplies that I always stock up on. The list includes fusible interfacing, thread (in white, black, navy and gray), machine needles in a variety of weights and types, rotary blades and elastic in 1/4” wide and 1 to 1.25” wide. If you also have a favorite zipper type, it doesn’t hurt to stock up on those as well.
I hope that you find this tutorial helpful. These are my tried and tested methods for deciding how much fabric to buy and the more experience you get with sewing, the better you’ll know what magic number works for you. You can pin the image below to save these tips for later. And if you’re not already, you can follow Sew DIY on Pinterest right here. Happy sewing!
