Curtain Lining Yardage Calculator

Use your own measurements for accurate buying.

1. Finished total width = window width + (2 × return) + overlap.
2. Finished panel width = finished total width ÷ panels.
3. Cut panel width = finished panel width × fullness.
4. Cut width with hems = cut panel width + (2 × side hem allowance).
5. Widths per panel = ceiling(cut width with hems ÷ lining fabric width).
6. Cut length = drop length + top allowance + bottom hem.
7. Total base length = widths per panel × cut length × panels.
8. Total final length = base length × (1+shrinkage) × (1+waste).
9. Convert final length to yards and meters.

• Select inches or centimeters for all measurements.
• Measure window width and desired finished drop length.
• Pick panels and fullness; adjust returns and overlap.
• Set hems, top allowance, shrinkage, and waste buffer.
• Press calculate; review the cut plan above the form.
• Download CSV or PDF for your project notes.

Material planning for garden settings

Garden rooms swing between heat, humidity, and cool evenings, so lining choices matter. This calculator estimates yardage from window width, drop, and hardware allowances, then adds buffers for shrinkage and trimming. Reliable yardage reduces rushed store visits and keeps plant-care schedules uninterrupted. Use it to compare standard, blackout, or thermal lining before you purchase.

Understanding width joins and fullness

Many lining fabrics are narrower than a finished panel. The tool computes how many fabric widths you must join per panel by dividing required cut width by usable lining width, then rounding up. Fullness increases cut width for better drape and improved light control around seedlings and tools. Typical ranges are 1.5× for a neat look, 2.0× for balanced folds, and 2.25–3.0× for richer gathers.

Allowances that affect the final buy

Returns and overlap reduce edge gaps and center light leaks, especially on patio doors. Side hems, top allowance, and bottom hem are included in the cut plan so you can sew clean edges without stealing finished coverage. Adjust these fields to match tape headers or ring tops. A 3–4 inch return per side is common, while overlap can be 2–4 inches for pairs.

Shrinkage and waste as risk controls

Pre-washing is common for lining in damp garden spaces. The shrinkage percentage inflates the base length to compensate for fabric draw-in after laundering. Waste buffer covers squaring, alignment, and minor cutting errors. Conservative settings help when matching batches or dye lots. When widths are joined, allow a little extra for seam pressing.

Using results for purchasing and cutting

Results display total lining in yards and meters plus a breakdown: widths per panel and cut length per width. Use the breakdown to map a cutting layout, confirm seaming needs, and estimate header tape. Download CSV for job notes or generate a PDF for the workshop binder. For purchasing, round up to the next full yard or meter. If your garden room has strong sun, consider heavier hems and higher fullness; they reduce flutter from fans and keep lining away from foliage and damp surfaces often.

What measurements should I enter for window width?

Use the inside trim width for the opening. If you want extra coverage, include your planned returns and overlap in their fields. Keep all entries in one unit system.

How do I choose a fullness factor?

Choose 1.5× for a tidy look, 2.0× for balanced folds, and 2.25–3.0× for richer gathers. Higher fullness improves light control but increases fabric use.

Does the calculator include hems and headers?

Yes. Side hem allowance is added to cut width, and top plus bottom allowances are added to cut length. Adjust these values to match your sewing method and heading style.

Why add shrinkage and waste percentages?

Shrinkage covers fabric draw-in after pre-washing. Waste covers squaring, trimming, and small mistakes. If you are joining many widths or matching coated linings, increase waste slightly.

What if my lining width is different from the label?

Measure the usable width after removing selvages. Enter that value so the widths-per-panel estimate is accurate. Small width changes can affect whether you need an extra joined strip.

How do CSV and PDF downloads work?

After calculating, use the buttons in the results card. CSV saves the breakdown for spreadsheets. PDF creates a neat summary for printing or sharing with a workroom.