Are you ready to breathe new life into your furniture with reupholstery but feeling overwhelmed by the fabric yardage calculations? You’re not alone! Figuring out how much fabric or leather to buy can seem like a daunting task but fear not! Our comprehensive upholstery yardage chart is your secret weapon in this endeavor. Whether you’re updating a cherished heirloom or tackling a modern piece, we’re here to guide you step by step, ensuring your upholstery project is a success. Let’s dive in and simplify this process together!
What is an Upholstery Yardage Chart?
An upholstery yardage chart is a valuable tool that helps you estimate the amount of fabric or leather needed for various furniture types. We wanted to share these useful upholstery yardage charts from Leather Hide Store that cover nearly every major furniture group – think chairs, stools, recliners, loveseats, sofas, sectionals, benches, ottomans, and beds. You can easily download or print these detailed charts, making your project planning even simpler.
Understanding Fabric Yardage Estimates
For most upholstery projects, a fabric yardage chart provides estimates based on plain fabric that doesn’t require pattern matching. If you’re using patterned fabrics – such as stripes or florals – you’ll need to account for additional yardage, typically 10-15% more. So, how much upholstery yardage do you need?
Keep in mind that all our yardage estimates consider the outside backs of furniture. However, the estimates are general approximations and do not factor in various styles or extra elements like arm covers, self-lined skirts, and attached pillow backs. For the best results, we always recommend consulting your upholsterer for precise amounts.
Pattern Matching Considerations
When using patterned fabrics, additional yardage may be necessary to ensure seamless alignment:
- Vertical Repeat: The distance before the pattern repeats vertically.
- Horizontal Repeat: The distance before the pattern repeats horizontally.
General Guidelines:
- Small Patterns (under 2″): Add 10–15% extra fabric.
- Medium Patterns (2″–6″): Add 15–20% extra fabric.
- Large Patterns (over 6″): Add 20–25% extra fabric.
Tip: Always provide the pattern’s repeat measurements to your upholsterer for precise calculations.
Fabric to Leather Conversion
When opting for leather instead of fabric, it’s essential to understand the conversion due to differences in material dimensions:
- Leather Hides: Typically range from 45–60 square feet.
- Conversion Estimate: 1 yard of 54″ wide fabric ≈ 18 square feet of leather.
Fabric Yardage Approximate Leather (sq ft)
- 10 yards = 180 sq ft
- 12 yards = 216 sq ft
- 15 yards = 270 sq ft
- 18 yards = 324 sq ft
Note: Always consult with your upholsterer, as leather hides have irregular shapes, leading to potential waste.
Fabric Orientation: “Up the Roll” vs. “Railroaded”
Additional Factors to Consider
Most upholstery weight fabrics in the United States are 54 inches wide but be mindful of fabric patterns that have large repeats, which may require more yardage. Here’s how to estimate yardage when dealing with fabric repeats:
- Vertical Repeat Calculation: Add the horizontal repeat to the vertical repeat. For instance, if your fabric has a 10-inch vertical repeat and a 14-inch horizontal repeat, the total repeat is 24 inches.
- Adjusting for Yardage: If a chair needs 8 yards of plain fabric, a fabric with a 24-inch total repeat would require approximately 9.5 yards – 20% more than the plain version.
With our extensive knowledge and experience in the upholstery business, we aim to provide accurate estimates for your fabrication and upholstery needs. However, remember that these estimates are just that – estimates. We recommend purchasing a few extra yards for peace of mind, especially if your fabric features a large pattern repeat. If you’re looking to dive deeper into your reupholstery project, we invite you to consult a sewing or upholstery professional. And of course, feel free to contact us or visit us in-store for personalized assistance. Explore these upholstery yardage charts today and start your journey to beautiful, reupholstered furniture!
