How to Calculate Fabric Yardage for Pleated Drapes
Professional Guide to Accurate Yardage and Fabric Planning
Determining the correct fabric yardage is one of the most critical steps in professional drapery fabrication. Ordering too little can halt production, while ordering too much eats into profit. This guide explains how to calculate yardage accurately for pleated draperies using standard formulas, fullness ratios, and fabric repeats.
1. Gather Key Measurements
You’ll need these base measurements before calculating yardage:
- Finished Width (FW): The total width the drapery must cover.
- Finished Length (FL): The height from top of header to desired hem.
- Fabric Width (FWF): The usable fabric width after selvages are removed (often 50–54").
- Pattern Repeat (PR): The vertical repeat of the fabric pattern, if applicable.
- Fullness Ratio (FR): The multiplier that determines fullness (e.g., 2× for pleated styles).
Tip: For professional pinch or French pleats, a 2×–2.5× fullness ratio produces the best results.
2. Calculate Total Fabric Width Needed
Multiply the finished width by your fullness ratio:
Total Fabric Width = Finished Width × Fullness Ratio
Example: 100" finished width × 2× fullness = 200" total fabric width.
Then divide by the fabric width to determine the number of panels:
Number of Panels = Total Fabric Width ÷ Fabric Width
3. Account for Pattern Repeats
If your fabric has a vertical repeat, you’ll need extra fabric for pattern alignment. Round up to the nearest full repeat for each panel.
| Pattern Repeat | Extra Length per Panel |
|---|---|
| 0–6" | +0.25 yards |
| 7–12" | +0.5 yards |
| 13–24" | +0.75 yards |
Pro Tip: The EZ Pleating Calculator automatically adjusts for pattern repeats, saving time and reducing waste.
4. Calculate Fabric Yardage per Panel
Add allowances for hems, headers, and pattern repeats:
Yardage per Panel = (Finished Length + Header + Hem + Pattern Repeat
Allowance) ÷ 36
Example: (96" + 4" header + 8" hem + 3" repeat) ÷ 36 = 3.05 yards per panel
5. Multiply by Number of Panels
Once you know the yardage per panel, multiply it by the total number of panels:
Total Yardage = Yardage per Panel × Number of Panels
Example: 3.05 yards × 4 panels = 12.2 yards total
Professional Tips for Workroom Efficiency
- Always round up to the nearest 0.25 yard for cutting tolerance.
- Include extra fabric if pleats are deep or hand-sewn.
- Document pattern direction — railroaded vs up-the-roll affects layout.
- Record all calculations for consistency across multiple windows.
Calculate Yardage Instantly
Save time and eliminate guesswork with the EZ Pleating Calculator. It handles fullness ratios, pattern repeats, and seam placement automatically.
