How much fabric do I need?
Pick the piece, then the width and repeat of the fabric you like. The estimate comes from published upholstery charts, with a margin for matching and mistakes.
Why the repeat costs fabric
On a patterned fabric, each cushion, arm and back has to start at the same point of the design so the pattern lines up across the piece. The fabric between one usable start and the next is waste, and the longer the repeat, the more of it there is.
As a rule of thumb, a 13-inch repeat adds about 10% and a 27-inch repeat 25% or more. A half-drop match adds a little more again, because neighbouring pieces start half a repeat apart.
Yardage questions
How much fabric do I need for a sofa?
For a standard three-seat sofa in 54-inch fabric with little or no pattern, published charts give 8 to 12 yards. A large repeat, extra cushions, skirts or welting push it higher.
How much fabric for a dining chair seat?
Around 3/8 to 1 yard a seat, depending on the seat size and how the pieces fit across the width. Seat and back together usually need 1½ to 2 yards a chair.
How do I work out curtain fabric?
Each panel is one cut: the finished length plus about 6 inches for the hem and heading. Two 84-inch panels need two 90-inch cuts, which is 5 yards. With a pattern, round each cut up to whole repeats.
Should I order extra?
Yes, 10 to 20% or at least a yard. A second order later may come from a different dye lot and not match.
Sources: Famcor Fabrics yardage guide; Fabric Guru yardage charts.