I’m always sharing secondhand fabric in my IG subscription group so I thought I’d put together a quick guide that shows what you can actually do with different yardages of fabric and remnants, beyond the obvious:
Reupholstering chairs (and even sofas)
Pillows
Table skirts
Curtains + Roman shades
Lampshades
Quilts or coverlets
DISCLAIMER
In the world of custom, there is truly no such thing as “standard.”
Total yardage will vary depending on who you hire, especially for larger projects. For example, I looked into having a half-tester canopy made for our bedroom and received three completely different yardage estimates using the exact same measurements and fabric:
23 yards
28 yards
32 yards
That’s a pretty significant difference when you’re paying per yard. So take everything in this post as a guideline, not a rule, and always confirm with your workroom or upholsterer before purchasing.
ONE MORE DISCLAIMER
Pattern repeat matters!! Large-scale prints will require more yardage than small-scale patterns or solids because the design needs to be aligned and matched.
As a quick refresher:
1 yard of fabric = 36 inches (or 3 feet)
What to Do With Fabric, By Yardage:
Smaller remnants (under 1 yard/ scrap pieces)
Headbands or scrunchies
Framing mats or fabric backdrops for art
Cosmetic pouches
Small tote bags
Placemats or napkins
- Smaller needlepoint finishing
1 yard of fabric
One small-to-average pleated lampshade (or one larger non-pleated shade)
One small chair cushion
One double-sided pillow (18″–22″)
A small footstool
- Needlepoint finishing
2 yards of fabric
Seat + back of a simple dining chair
Two 16″ pleated lampshades (might need 2.5)
Fabric-wrapped trays or boxes
2–3 throw pillows
Chair pad cushions
A small bench cushion
3 yards of fabric
Two larger pillows (18″-22″)
A mix of pillows + a lampshade
Café curtains
A small Roman shade
~4-6 yards
Upholster a small chair
Ottoman or bench cushion
One longer Roman shade
Café curtains
Bed bolster + matching pillows
Pet bed cover
Small bed skirt
Shower curtain
Round or square table skirt
Upholster a smaller headboard
Slipcover for a stool or bench
Fabric wall panels
~6–10 yards
Upholster a bench
Larger headboard
Drapes for a small window
Upholster a chair (see chair graphic at the end of this post for reference)
Window seat cushion + pillows
- Larger quilt or coverlet
~10–14 yards:
King bed skirt
Half-tester canopy for a smaller bed
Upholster a loveseat
Pair of drapes for a larger window
Slipcover for an armchair
14-20 yards
Loveseat with a skirt
- Half tester for a larger bed
1-2 smaller windows worth of drapery
Upholstered larger bed + coordinating pillows
- Sofa (closer to 20-24 yards for an 80″ long sofa)
Another friendly reminder: PLEATING fabric uses more yardage! So a ruffled pleated chair will require more yards of fabric (likely only 1-2) than the same chair with a waterfall skirt.
Helpful Reference: Pillow Yardage
I reference this constantly when planning projects:
2 square pillows:
12″ x 12″ = 0.5-0.9 yds
14″ x 14″ = 1d
16″ x 16″ = 1.1 yds
18″ x 18″ = 1.2 yds
20″ x 20″ = 1.3 yds
22″ x 22″ = 1.4–2.7 yds
24″ x 24″ = 1.5–2.9 yds
26″ x 26″ (Euro) = 1.6–3.1 yds
Rectangle & lumbar pillows:
12″ x 16″ = 0.6-1.1 yds
14″ x 26″ = 1-1.6 yds
16″ x 42″ = 2-2.5 yds
this graphic has been circulating the world wide web for years and I always refer to it before taking the plunge on upholster:
I’ve referred back to this kind of breakdown so many times when debating whether to pull the trigger on a secondhand fabric find. Hopefully this gives you a better sense of what’s possible because even a couple of yards can turn into something really special!
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