Common Fabric Widths Reference
Fabric comes in a range of standard bolt widths, and the width you buy directly affects how much fabric you need. A wider bolt means you can fit more pattern pieces across the width, often reducing the total length required. This guide covers all the standard widths you'll encounter in UK fabric shops.
Standard Bolt Widths
| Width (cm) | Width (inches) | Common Name | Typical Fabric Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 35–36″ | Single width | Cotton prints, quilting cottons, Liberty Tana Lawn, batik |
| 112 | 44″ | Standard width | Dress cottons, cotton lawn, craft cottons, some silks |
| 114 | 45″ | Standard (US) | US-sourced cottons, quilting fabric, broadcloth |
| 137 | 54″ | Wide / furnishing | Upholstery fabric, curtain fabric, some wools, PU-coated |
| 140–142 | 55–56″ | European wide | Wool suiting, linen, viscose, ponte, scuba |
| 150 | 58–60″ | Extra wide | Jersey knits, stretch fabrics, fleece, sweatshirting, neoprene |
| 160 | 63″ | Extra wide | Some jerseys, activewear fabrics, interlock |
| 274–280 | 108–110″ | Sheeting width | Bed linen, curtain lining, quilt backing |
How Width Affects Yardage
Most commercial sewing patterns list fabric requirements for two widths — typically 112 cm (45″) and 150 cm (60″). The wider the fabric, the less length you need because you can place more pattern pieces side by side. Here's a rough comparison:
| Garment Type | 90 cm Width | 112 cm Width | 150 cm Width | Saving (150 vs 112) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple top / blouse | 2.5 m | 1.8 m | 1.3 m | ~28% |
| A-line skirt | 2.0 m | 1.5 m | 1.1 m | ~27% |
| Dress (mid-length) | 4.5 m | 3.2 m | 2.3 m | ~28% |
| Trousers | 3.5 m | 2.5 m | 1.8 m | ~28% |
| Lined jacket | 5.0 m | 3.5 m | 2.5 m | ~29% |
These are approximate for a UK size 12. Larger sizes and directional prints (nap, one-way designs) require more fabric.
Tips for Buying Fabric
- Always check the bolt width before calculating how much to buy. It's printed on the end of the bolt or listed online.
- Directional prints and nap fabrics (velvet, corduroy) need all pattern pieces laid in the same direction, increasing requirements by 10–20%.
- Pre-wash shrinkable fabrics before cutting. Cotton can shrink 3–5%, linen up to 10%.
- Buy 10–15 cm extra as a safety margin for straightening the grain and minor mistakes.
Related Calculators
- Fabric & Yardage Calculators — calculate exactly how much fabric you need for your project
Actual bolt widths can vary slightly between manufacturers and even between dye lots. Always measure or verify before cutting. Width is measured selvedge to selvedge (usable width may be 2–3 cm less if selvedges are tight or printed).