Free sewing calculators
That fabric you have been saving deserves a little careful planning. Work out yardage for rectangular pieces, add a seam allowance or find the starting measurements for a circle skirt.
These are focused helpers, not an automatic dress-pattern generator. Choose the tool that matches the shape and question in front of you.
Every calculator is free. No account or membership. We reserve space for advertising to help cover running costs. Voluntary support is welcome, never required.
A little planning.
Something handmade.Photo: Redd Francisco / Unsplash
Choose a sewing calculation
Fabric yardage
Estimate fabric length for repeated rectangular pieces in the same orientation, such as simple panels, cushions and bags.
Open Fabric Yardage Calculator →Seam allowance
Add the same allowance to all four edges of a rectangular piece. Get the resulting cut width and length.
Open Seam Allowance Calculator →Circle skirts
Calculate the waist radius and outer radius of a full, half or quarter circle skirt. Add construction allowances separately.
Open Circle Skirt Calculator →Curtain fabric
Estimate full-width curtain drops from track width, fullness, drop, allowances and a standard vertical pattern repeat.
Open Curtain Fabric Calculator →Cushion covers
Calculate cut sizes for a simple envelope cushion cover with seam allowance, overlap and opening hems.
Open Cushion Cover Calculator →Fabric shrinkage
Measure shrinkage from a washed sample and estimate the starting size needed for a target after-wash size.
Open Fabric Shrinkage Calculator →Three checks before cutting
Finished size or cut size?
Start by checking whether your measurements include seam allowances. Do not add them twice. Follow the allowances stated in your pattern, especially for hems, openings and different seam types.
What shape are the pieces?
The Fabric Yardage Calculator lays out repeated rectangles. It does not nest curved garment pieces, arrange a whole dress pattern or decide the grain direction for you.
What else needs fabric?
Make a note of linings, facings, waistbands and finishing. Directional prints, nap, matching and any shrinkage allowance need attention outside a simple rectangular layout.
Sewing calculator questions
Can this calculate the fabric for any dress?
No. The yardage tool handles repeated rectangular pieces in a single orientation. A dress with curved pieces and shaping needs the designer’s yardage guidance and a checked layout.
Does the circle-skirt tool include seam and hem allowances?
No. It calculates the geometric radii from the selected circle fraction, waist circumference and length. Waistband, seams, hem and fabric layout are separate construction decisions.
Can I work in inches and yards?
Yes. Choose imperial in the dimension-based tools. The Fabric Yardage Calculator shows fabric length in yards for imperial inputs and metres for metric inputs.
Example of why pattern notes matter: Brother’s sewing project notes identify which seam allowances are already included. Always use the instructions for your own pattern.