Fabric Usage Graph
Example Data Table
| Project | Width | Height | Fabric Width | Fullness | Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drapery Panel | 96 in | 84 in | 54 in | 2.0 | 10% |
| Wide Valance | 120 in | 24 in | 54 in | 1.5 | 8% |
| Railroaded Shade | 72 in | 60 in | 118 in | 1.0 | 12% |
Formula Used
Cut width = finished width × fullness + side hems.
Cut height = finished height + top hem + bottom hem.
Repeat adjusted height = next full repeat above cut height.
Panels = cut width ÷ usable fabric width.
Yardage = panel count × cut height ÷ 36.
Total cost = final yardage × price per yard.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the finished project width and height first. Add the fabric roll width, pattern repeats, hems, seams, fullness, and waste percentage. Choose vertical direction for normal roll cutting. Choose horizontal direction for railroaded fabric. Press calculate. Review panels, yardage, waste, and estimated cost. Download the result as CSV or PDF for your workroom, client file, or purchase order.
COM Fabric Horizon Planning Guide
What This Calculator Does
COM means customer own material. It is often supplied by a client, designer, or purchasing team. This calculator helps estimate how much material is needed before cutting begins. It considers the visible horizon of the fabric, the roll direction, seams, hems, fullness, repeat matching, waste, quantity, and cost.
Why Fabric Horizon Matters
Fabric horizon describes the direction in which the material is planned across the project. Some fabrics are used vertically from the roll. Others are railroaded across the width. The right choice can reduce seams. It can also improve pattern flow. A poor choice may create extra joins, higher waste, and visible mismatches.
Better Yardage Control
Accurate yardage is important for drapery, shades, panels, cushions, wall fabric, and upholstery planning. Small errors can become costly. Pattern repeats must be rounded correctly. Hems and seams must be included before ordering. Waste must be added because cutting loss is normal.
Advanced Project Decisions
This tool supports practical estimating. You can compare standard and railroaded layouts. You can test different fullness values. You can see how a larger repeat changes the final order. You can also compare fabric prices and quantities for larger projects.
Professional Use
Designers, workrooms, estimators, and installers can use the output for early planning. The result is not a replacement for final workroom approval. Always confirm fabric behavior, shrinkage, pattern direction, flaws, and supplier rules before cutting.
FAQs
What is COM fabric?
COM means customer own material. It is fabric supplied by the client or designer for a custom project.
What does fabric horizon mean?
It means the planned direction of fabric use. It can be vertical from the roll or horizontal across the roll.
Why is fullness included?
Fullness adds extra width for gathers, folds, and visual richness. Drapery often needs more fabric than flat width.
Why does repeat affect yardage?
Pattern repeat requires matching. The calculator rounds cut height upward to reduce mismatched pattern placement.
What is railroaded fabric?
Railroaded fabric is used horizontally. It can reduce vertical seams on wide treatments or large panels.
Should I add waste?
Yes. Waste covers trimming, flaws, matching, shrinkage, and cutting loss. Many projects use 8% to 15% waste.
Can this estimate replace workroom approval?
No. Use it for planning. Final cutting should be approved by the workroom or fabric professional.
Can I download my result?
Yes. Use the CSV button for spreadsheet records. Use the PDF button for simple client or project documentation.