How Much Fabric Do I Need? A Simple Guide for Common Projects

“How many metres do I need?” is the question we get asked most. The honest answer is “it depends on your pattern and size” — but after cutting thousands of orders, here are reliable starting points for standard-width fabric (140–150cm).

Quick reference table

• Adult t-shirt: 1.5 metres of cotton jersey
• Child's t-shirt: 1 metre
• Casual dress: 2–2.5 metres (maxi length: 3 metres)
• Wrap dress: 2.5–3 metres of a fluid knit like ITY or viscose jersey
• Fitted skirt: 1–1.5 metres of bengaline or scuba crepe
• Adult hoodie or sweatshirt: 2 metres of loopback jersey or fleece
• Kids' hoodie: 1–1.5 metres
• Joggers: 1.5–2 metres
• Blouse or shirt: 1.5–2 metres of a woven like poly cotton or linen
• Trousers: 2–2.5 metres
• Baby blanket: 1 metre of fleece + 1 metre of cotton jersey for backing

When to buy extra

Add roughly half a metre if any of these apply: you're matching a print or stripe across seams; your pattern is directional (one-way designs like our printed loopbacks); you're above the pattern's mid-size range; or it's your first time with the pattern. Knit fabrics also shrink a little on first wash — always pre-wash before cutting.

The advantage of buying by the metre

Because every Veratex Fabrics order is hand-cut off the roll, you get exactly the length you order as one continuous piece — no pre-cut bundles, no joins in the middle of your dress panel. If your project needs 1.8 metres, order 2 and keep the offcut for pocket linings and testing stitches.

Still unsure? Message us with your pattern and size and we'll tell you exactly how much to order.