Fabric Guide

Fabric width

In the calculator, enter the usable width after removing unusable selvages or flaws. Measure again after prewashing when shrinkage matters. The current estimate uses separate 90-degree panels laid flat in one layer, rather than a folded full-circle layout.

Each panel reserves a square whose side is hem radius + joining seam allowance. The calculator fits as many of those squares across the width as possible, up to the panel count, then rounds the required number of rows up. Fabric length is the number of rows multiplied by the square's side, converted to metres or yards and rounded up to the next hundredth.

If even one reserved panel does not fit across the width, the result asks for manual layout and has no automatic fabric length. This does not mean 0 metres or yards. Consider wider cloth, a shorter skirt, or a separately planned panel split; review the panel-layout guide before changing the pattern.

The fabric-planning guide and worked example compare usable widths using the same measurements. The fabric-width guide explains what to measure on the actual cloth.

Skirt type

Increasing the circle fraction adds fullness, but also changes the waist radius and panel count. A smaller fraction is not guaranteed to need less fabric or fit a narrow width: compare the actual panel span and row count. A quarter circle is closer to an A-line shape, while a full circle gives more sweep.

Three-quarter circle skirts are useful when you want visible movement but need to control yardage.

The estimate is a simple reservation grid for non-directional fabric, not an optimized nesting plan or a minimum purchase guarantee. Add waistband and closure pieces, shrinkage reserve, and pattern-matching needs separately. The waistband guide covers those additional construction pieces.

Prints and stripes

Directional prints, stripes, and border designs need a deliberate cutting plan. Mark center front, center back, and side seams before cutting.

When matching every seam is unrealistic, choose the seams or motifs that matter most visually.

Use the print and stripe layout guide before relying on a non-directional estimate. Once the layout is settled, save the project with a free account to generate its full A4 or US Letter PDF. The PDF guide explains 100% printing and assembly: the waist and joining edges are seam lines that need allowances added, while the hem allowance is already included.