
Below please find the Bettertex Yardage chart. This page can be used to estimate the amount of yards required for any custom project that deals with fabric. This includes Upholstery, Drapery, Pillows/Cushions, Roman Shades, and Bedding.
To use click the (+) sign and the page information will slide down.
UPHOLSTERY
Upholstery Yardage Estimator

Upholstered Cushions
Cushions | Without Pattern Match | With Pattern Match |
Up to 26" wide | 2 Yards Each | 2 1/2 Yards Each |
27" to 52" wide | 3 1/2 Yards Each | 5 1/2 Yards Each |
53" to 100" wide | 5 1/2 Yards Each | 7 1/2 Yards Each |
Upholstered Pillows (with self welt)
Size | Without Pattern Match | With Pattern Match |
Up to 18" wide | 1 Yard Each | 1 1/2 Yards Each |
18" to 24" wide | 1 1/2 Yards Each | 2 1/2 Yards Each |
25" to 36" wide | 2 1/2 Yards Each | 3 1/2 Yards Each |
37" to 46" wide | 3 Yards Each | 4 Yards Each |
Slipcovers for Upholstered Furniture
54" Wide Fabric - Solid
Furniture Type | Without Pattern Match | With Pattern Match |
Ottoman (up to 29" wide) | 3 1/2 Yards | 4 1/2 Yards |
Ottoman (between 30" and 45" wide) | 4 1/2 Yards | 5 1/2 Yards |
Round Ottoman | 6 Yards | 7 Yards |
Parson Chair | 4 1/2 Yards | 5 Yards |
Dining Chair with Arms (no loose cushion) | 5 1/2 Yards | 6 Yards |
No Cushion or 1 Cushion Chair | 7 Yards | 8 Yards |
2 Cushion Chair (up to 35" wide) | 8 Yards | 9 Yards |
2 Cushion Chair (36" to 46" wide) | 10 Yards | 12 Yards |
2 Cushion Love Seat (47" to 60" wide) | 13 Yards | 15 Yards |
4 Cushion Love Seat (47" to 60" wide) | 14 Yards | 16 Yards |
2 Cushion Sofa (61" to 85" wide) | 14 Yards | 16 Yards |
3 Cushion Sofa (61" to 85" wide) | 15 Yards | 17 Yards |
4 Cushion Sofa (61" to 85" wide) | 16 Yards | 18 Yards |
5 Cushion Sofa (61" to 85" wide) | 17 Yards | 19 Yards |
6 Cushion Sofa (61" to 85" wide) | 18 Yards | 20 Yards |
6 Cushion Sofa (86" +) | 20 Yards | 22 Yards |
1 Arm Sectional Small (nonsymmetrical, up to 46" wide and 1 to 3 loose cushions) | 8 Yards | 10 Yards |
1 Arm Sectional Large - (nonsymmetrical, up to 80" wide and 4 to 6 loose cushions) | 15 Yards | 17 Yards |
Center Sectional Small (up to 36" wide and 1 to 2 loose cushions) | 8 Yards | 10 Yards |
Center Sectional Large (up to 60" wide and 4 loose cushions) | 12 Yards | 14 Yards |
Slipcovers are fitted protective covers made of fabric that may be slipped on and off of upholstered furniture. Slipcovers can fit loosely or snuggly depending on your taste.
How to Measure for Slipcovers
Size & Fit for Standard Chair, Loveseat and Sofa Slipcovers (Regular Seat Cushions)

Chair | Oversized Chair | Loveseat | Sofa | |
Step 1: Measure furniture outside arm to outside arm. |
32 - 43" | 48 - 55" | 58 - 73" | 74 - 96" |
Step 2: Measure the maximum seat cushion width from the outside front of the furniture. |
34" MAX |
36" MAX |
59" MAX |
86" MAX |
Step 3: Measure the maximum seat cushion depth from the back of the seat cushion to the front of the seat. |
28" MAX |
28" MAX |
28" MAX |
28" MAX |
Step 4: Measure the maximum body width from the outside edge of the right arm, around the back of furniture to the outside edge of the left arm. |
116" MAX |
134" MAX |
140" MAX |
168" MAX |
Step 5: Measure the contour length from the back of the seat cushion, going over the top of the furniture back and down to the floor. |
64" MAX |
70" MAX |
64" MAX |
64" MAX |
Some Reminders
- Yardage amounts are based on solid, 54" wide upholstery fabric. Extra yardage may be required to match patterns.
- If you are using printed fabric add 25% to the yardage.
- We offer this information to accommodate our customers. We are not responsible for discrepancies in yardage.
DRAPERY
An important part of any decorative project is the drapery fabric you choose. Beyond simply selecting the right print and coordinating colors, decorating with drapery fabrics also entails purchasing the correct yardage. Failure to do so can stunt a project before it gets off the ground.
The following charts offer some estimates on how many yards you may need for specific window treatments. These charts are not intended to exhaustively treat every possible drapery project, but rather to give approximate yardages for some of the most common. Furthermore, as these charts are guidelines and not definitive statements, they do not eliminate the need for you to make exact measurements before purchasing fabric. Some members of our staff have over 40 years experience in the retail fabric industry, so if these charts do not satisfactorily clarify your questions feel free to send us your inquiries to info@bettertex.com.
Balloon Shades
Balloon Shades – 63" long window
Single Window | Double Window | |
Functional | 7 Yards | 10 Yards |
Stationary | 4 Yards | 7 Yards |
Balloon shades, like Roman shades, are composed of a fabric body that gathers up to the top of a window to create soft, billowing folds. Soft, lightweight fabrics should be chosen for balloon shades. Balloon shades should also be lined with a light material, but not with interlining. Balloon shades are intended to be light and airy.
Roman Shades
Roman Shades – 63” long window
- Single Window - 2 ½ Yards
- Double Window - 5 Yards
There are two types of Roman shades: classic and flat. Classic Roman shades have overlapping folds when lowered, while flat Roman shades have no folds when lowered. Roman shades should be made out of full bodied fabric.
Swags and Cascades
Single & Double Window - 3 ½ - 7 Yards, 1 ½ Yards per additional swag
A swag is a one-piece valance which is cut longer on either end so that it frames the entire top half of the window. Swags are usually hung over rods.
Swags should be done out of fabric that has body but is soft. Anything too crisp or stiff, such as chintz, is not a good choice. Cascades are folded pieces of fabric that fall from the top of the drapery heading to create a zigzag effect.
Drapery Panels
Drapery panels up to 96” long with basic 36” window
Single Window | Double Window | Triple Window | ||||
Solid | Solid | Solid | ||||
Functional | 9 Yards | 12 Yards | 13 Yards | 19 Yards | 18 Yards | 21 Yards |
Stationary | 7 Yards | 9 Yards | 10 Yards | 13 Yards | 12 Yards | 15 Yards |
Table Skirts & Shower Curtains
Table Size | Solid (54”) | Print (54”) | Trim |
20” x 30” | 4 Yards | 5 ½ Yards | 5 ½ Yards |
30” x 30” | 6 Yards | 7 ½ Yards | 7 ½ Yards |
36” x 30” | 6 ½ Yards | 8 Yards | 9 Yards |
48” x 30” | 9 Yards | 11 ¼ Yards | 10 Yards |
54” x 30” | 9 Yards | 1 ¼ Yards | 10 ½ Yards |
60” x 30” | 10 Yards | 12 ½ Yards | 11 Yards |
Standard Shower Curtain – 5 to 6 Yards | |||
Shower Valance – 3 Yards |
Standard Tablecloth and Napkin Sizes
The following standard tablecloth and napkin sizes are intended to expedite your fabric projects by giving you the approximate dimensions of most tablecloths and napkins. Actual sizes may vary, so this guide does not eliminate the need to take measurements of your tables before purchasing fabric.
Round Tablecloths
Total Diameter | 48" Wide Fabric | 54" Wide Fabric | Trim |
50" | 3 Yards | 1 1/2 Yards | 4 1/2 Yards |
56" | 3 1/4 Yards | 3 1/4 Yards | 5 Yards |
68" | 4 Yards | 4 Yards | 6 Yards |
74" | 4 1/4 Yards | 4 1/4 Yards | 6 1/2 Yards |
80" | 4 1/2 Yards | 4 1/2 Yards | 7 Yards |
86" | 5 Yards | 5 Yards | 7 1/2 Yards |
92" | 5 1/4 Yards | 5 1/4 Yards | 8 Yards |
96" | 8 Yards | 5 1/2 Yards | 8 1/2 Yards |
108" | 9 Yards | 6 Yards | 9 1/2 Yards |
114" | 9 1/2 Yards | 9 1/2 Yards | 10 Yards |
120" | 10 Yards | 10 Yards | 10 1/2 Yards |
126" | 10 1/2 Yards | 10 1/2 Yards | 11 Yards |
132" | 11 Yards | 11 Yards | 11 1/2 Yards |
Tablecloths
- 52" x 52"
- 52" x 70"
- 60" x 84"
- 60" x 102"
- 60" x 120"
- 60" x 144"
- 70" Round
- 90" Round
Napkins
- Dinner - 16" Square
- Luncheon - 14" Square
- Cocktail - 12" Square
How to Measure Your Windows
To avoid the pitfalls of purchasing too little or too much fabric, the following guide indicates the measurements you will need to take to get your window treatment project started off right.
You will need to measure:
- The window width including the frame
- The length from the top of the frame to the top of the sill
- Inside width
- Inside length
- The distance from top the of the frame to the ceiling
- The distance from the bottom of the apron* to the floor
- The distance from the right side of the frame to the wall
- The distance from the left side of the frame to the wall
- The length from the top of the frame to the floor
- The length from the ceiling to the floor
- The width of the frame
These measurements will allow you to determine more exactly how many yards of fabric are required for your window treatment project.
*The apron is the decorative molding beneath the window sill.
DRAPERY STYLES
Are you at a loss as to what you can do with your windows? The seemingly endless window treatment possibilities can be overwhelming. However, it doesn't have to be that way. The following images are meant to give you some ideas that you can consider when trying to decide how to decorate your windows.
Balloon and Roman Shades
Balloon shades, like Roman shades, are composed of a fabric body that gathers up to the top of a window to create soft, billowing folds. Soft, lightweight fabrics should be chosen for balloon shades. Balloon shades should also be lined with a light material, but not with interlining. Balloon shades are intended to be light and airy.
There are two types of Roman shades: classic and flat. Classic Roman shades have overlapping folds when lowered, while flat Roman shades have no folds when lowered. Roman shades should be made out of full bodied fabric. As you will be able to see with the following examples, there is some variety among the two types of Roman shades.














Valances - Board Mounted
Valances are short draperies that hang along the top part of a window, with or without a curtain underneath. It can also be made of wood or metal that is painted or covered with fabric. Valances are meant to cover the top of the window as well as the supporting hardware. Valances are typically no longer than 20".
















Valances - Rod Pockets






Valances - Pleated




Valances - Tab Top



Swags
A swag is a one-piece valance which is cut longer on either end so that it frames the entire top half of the window. Swags are usually hung over rods. Swags should be done out of fabric that has body but is soft. Anything too crisp or stiff, such as chintz, is not a good choice.





Draperies












BEDDING
Fabric for bedding is often overlooked because of a lack of variety or because of the expense associated with department store prices. However, Bettertex carries an extensive selection of fabrics that are appropriate for bedding. These are designer fabrics at discount prices that are ideal for bedspreads, pillow covers, sheets, blankets, duvets, dust ruffles and so on.
The following charts offer some estimates on how many yards you may need for specific bedding projects. These charts are not intended to exhaustively treat every possible bedding project, but rather to give approximate yardages for some of the most common. Furthermore, as these charts are guidelines and not definitive statements, they do not eliminate the need for you to make exact measurements before purchasing fabric. Some members of our staff have over 40 years experience in the fabric industry, so if these charts do not satisfactorily clarify your questions feel free to send us your inquiries to info@bettertex.com.
Bedspreads
Custom Bedspreads - 54" Fabric (per side)
Size | Solid/Print | Quilted Bedspreads - Solid |
Twin | 6 Yards/8 Yards | 10 Yards |
Full | 6 Yards/8 Yards | 10 Yards |
Queen | 10 Yards/12 Yards | 14 Yards |
King | 10 Yards/12 Yards | 14 Yards |
Bedspreads cover the entire bed by folding over the bed pillows and hanging all the way to the floor on a standard bed. Standard beds have a drop of 21" from the top of the bed to the floor and 14" from the top of the box spring to the floor. If a bed is higher than a standard, a longer dust ruffle can be added to finish the look of the ensemble. Bedspreads tend to be not quite as thick and fluffy as comforters.




Coverlets
Coverlets are similar to comforters in that they cover the top of the bed only. Coverlets do not cover the bed pillows and do not hang to the floor, most often they are used in conjunction with a dust ruffle and shams. Lightweight like a quilt, coverlets are used in warm climates in the summer usually instead of a comforter or bedspread.
Custom Coverlets (per side)
Size | Solid - 54" | Print - 54" |
Twin | 5 Yards | 6 1/2 Yards |
Full | 6 Yards | 8 1/2 Yards |
Queen | 6 Yards | 8 1/2 Yards |
King | 9 Yards | 12 Yards |



Comforters
Comforters cover the mattress, but not the box spring. Comforters are fluffier, heavier and warmer than bedspreads or coverlets because the top and bottom fabrics are quilted together with batting in the middle. Most often, a comforter is used with a dust ruffle to decoratively cover the box spring and hang to the floor. Since a comforter is not long enough to cover the bed pillows, many people use shams.
Quilted Comforters - Solid, 54" Fabrics
Size | Comforters |
Twin | 8 Yards |
Full | 8 Yards |
Queen | 8 Yards |
King | 12 Yards |
Duvet Covers
Duvet covers are used to decorate and protect down filled comforters and blankets. They work like giant pillow cases and usually have a button or tie enclosure at one end.
Duvets (per side)
Size | Solid/Print - 54" |
Twin | 5 Yards/5 Yards |
Full | 6 Yards/6 Yards |
Queen | 6 Yards/6 Yards |
King | 9 Yards/9 Yards |
Pillow Shams
Shams are decorative pillow covers. Usually ruffled or flanged, shams are used as extra pillows on beds to hide the bed pillows and coordinate with the outer bed covering such as bedspreads or comforters.
Pillows that are described as flanged include a decorative band of fabric around the pillow that is straighter, or more tailored, than a ruffled pillow.





Flanged Pillow Sham Cutting Chart
Pillow Size | Dimensions | Cut Size of Fabric |
Standard | 20" x 26" | 27" x 72" |
Queen | 20" x 30" | 27" x 80" |
King | 20" x 36" | 27" x 92" |
Sham Type | Yardage |
Knife Edged | 1 1/2 Yards |
Corded | 1 1/2 Yards for body, 1/2 Yard for cord |
Shirred Corded | 1 1/2 Yards for body, 1 1/2 Yards for cord |
Ruffled | 1 1/2 Yards for body, 1 1/2 Yards for ruffle |
Double Ruffled | 1 1/2 Yards for body, 1 1/2 Yards for first ruffle, 2 Yards for second ruffle |
Flanged (tailored) | 2 Yards |
Contrasting Flange (tailored) | 2 Yards for body, 1 Yard for contrasting flange |
Jumbo Knotted Corners | 1 1/2 Yards for body, 1 1/2 Yards for cord |
Bed Skirts
A dust ruffle, or bed skirt, is used when the box spring of the bed is visible or when the top of the bed cover, like a bedspread or comforter, does not extend all the way to the floor. Dust ruffles fit under the mattress and on top of the box spring and reach the floor. Typical beds need a 14" dust ruffle, but higher beds could require an 18" or 22" dust ruffle. Many four-poster beds require a 22" dust ruffle. To measure for a dust ruffle, measure from the top of the box spring to the floor. If a bed measures 17" for a dust ruffle, an 18" dust ruffle can be pinned to fit exactly. Most dust ruffles are either ruffled or tailored.



Custom Dust Ruffles - 14"-17" Drop, Solid/Print - 54"
Size | Tailored | Shirred | Box Pleated |
Twin | 3 1/2 Yards / 4 Yards | 6 1/2 Yards / 8 Yards | 5 Yards / 6 Yards |
Full | 4 1/2 Yards / 5 Yards | 7 Yards / 9 Yards | 6 Yards / 6 Yards |
Queen | 5 Yards / 5 Yards | 10 Yards / 12 Yards | 6 Yards / 7 Yards |
King | 6 Yards / 6 Yards | 12 Yards / 14 Yards | 6 1/2 Yards / 7 Yards |
Custom Dust Ruffles - 17"-27" Drop, Solid/Print - 54"
Size | Tailored | Shirred | Box Pleated |
Twin | 4 Yards | 8 Yards | 6 Yards |
Full | 5 Yards | 9 Yards | 6 Yards |
Queen | 5 Yards | 10 Yards | 7 Yards |
King | 6 Yards | 12 Yards | 7 Yards |
The term drop usually refers to the distance from the top of the bed to the floor or the distance from the top of the box spring to the floor. The drop measurement is important when considering a bedspread to ensure that it reaches the floor. Standard drop from the top of the bed to the floor is 21". The drop measurement is also important for comforters and coverlets when choosing a dust ruffle. The drop on the dust ruffle is measured from the top of the box spring to the floor. Standard drop on a dust ruffle is 14" and most comforter sets include a dust ruffle with a 14" drop. If the drop on a bed is higher than 14", then a longer dust ruffle can be layered underneath to drop all the way to the floor.
Shirred refers to fabric which is gathered to make decorative folds.
A box pleat refers to two folds of fabric brought together to form a pleat.
Headboard
A headboard is a vertical board or panel forming the head of a bedstead. Heavier upholstery fabrics such as chenille and tweed can be used to cover headboards. Tapestry fabric can also be used for this purpose.
The amounts above are for the front side of the headboard. To upholster both side simply double the yardage. The yardage amount is based on solid, 54" wide fabric. Extra yardage may be required to match patterns.
Upholstered Headboard - Gathered Border | |
Twin | 3 1/2 Yards |
Full | 5 1/2 Yards |
Queen | 6 Yards |
King | 6 1/2 Yards |
Standard Bedding Sizes
The following standard bedding sizes are intended to expedite the process of measuring by giving you the approximate dimensions of most bedding. Actual sizes may vary, so this guide does not eliminate the need to take measurements of your bedding before purchasing fabric.
Type | Standard Mattress | Bedspread | Comforter/ Quilt | Dust Ruffle |
Crib | 27" x 52" | 36" x 60" | ||
Day Bed | 39" x 75" | 69" x 90" | ||
Twin | 39" x 75" | 81" x 110" | 69" x 90" | 57" x 89" |
Full | 54" x 75" | 96" x 110" | 84" x 90" | 90" x 110" |
Queen | 60" x 80" | 102" x 115" | 90" x 95" | 102" x 115" |
Dual/King | 76" x 80" | 120" x 115" | 106" x 98" | 120" x 115" |
California King | 72" x 84" | 120" x 115" | 106" x 98" | 100" x 98" |
Crib Bumper Pads | ||||
Bumper Pad Size | Yardage | |||
28" x 52" x 10"H | 4 Yards | |||
The bedspread sizes account for the standard drop of 21". The dust ruffle sizes account for the standard drop of 14". |
How to Measure for Bedding
To avoid the pitfalls of purchasing too little or too much fabric, the following guide indicates the measurements you will need to take to get your bedding project started off right.
You will need to measure:
- The width of the mattress
- The length of the mattress
- The drop from the top of the mattress to the floor
- The drop from the top of the box spring to the floor
- The drop from the mattress to the top of the box spring
These measurements will allow you to determine more exactly how many yards of fabric are required for your bedding project.