When it comes to sewing or upholstering cushions, choosing the right amount of fabric is essential. Whether you’re making custom cushions for your home, patio, or furniture, understanding the proper yardage and measurement calculations ensures a perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll explore different cushion sizes and how to accurately determine fabric consumption.
Understanding Cushion Sizes
Cushions come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular, round, and custom designs. The size of the cushion you’re making will directly affect the amount of fabric required. Here are some common standard cushion sizes:
Square Cushions: 16″ x 16″, 18″ x 18″, 20″ x 20″, 22″ x 22″
Rectangular Cushions: 12″ x 16″, 12″ x 20″, 14″ x 24″
Round Cushions: 16″ diameter, 18″ diameter, 20″ diameter
Bench or Seat Cushions: 15″ x 15″, 18″ x 18″, 20″ x 20″
If you’re making custom cushions, be sure to take precise measurements to determine the right amount of fabric required
How to Calculate Fabric Yardage for Cushions
Fabric yardage depends on three key factors:
Cushion Dimensions—The length, width, and depth of the cushion.
Seam Allowance—Extra fabric needed for seams (usually ½ inch to 1 inch per side).
Pattern Direction & Repeat—If the fabric has a pattern, you may need extra yardage to match designs.
Basic Fabric Calculation for Square and Rectangular Cushions
Step 1: Measure the Cushion
Example: If you’re making an 18″ x 18″ square cushion with a 4″ depth:
Front and Back Panels: 18″ x 18″ each
Side Panels (for depth): Four strips of 4″ width
Step 2: Add Seam Allowance
A seam allowance of ½ inch per side means adding 1 inch to each measurement.
New fabric measurements:
Front and back: 19″ x 19″ each
Side panels: 5″ width
Step 3: Convert to Fabric Yardage
Most upholstery fabric is 54 inches wide.
Two cushion panels (19″ x 19″) = 38″ total width.
A fabric width of 54″ can fit both panels side by side.
Side panels (5″ strips) can be cut from the remaining fabric.
Total fabric needed: ⅝ yard per cushion.
Fabric Calculation for Round Cushions
Measure the diameter of the cushion (e.g., 18″).
Add seam allowance (½ inch each side) → 19″ diameter total.
Multiply the diameter by pi (3.14) to get the perimeter.
Cut a strip of fabric for the cushion depth (e.g., 5″ width).
You will need about ¾ yard for a round cushion.
Fabric Calculation for Bench or Seat Cushions
Measure seat length, width, and thickness.
Allow extra fabric for seams and piping (if used).
Example: 18″ x 18″ seat cushion with 3″ depth needs about ¾ yard per cushion
Tips for Choosing the Right Fabric
Durability: Choose fabric based on cushion usage. Indoor cushions can use cotton or linen, while outdoor cushions need weather-resistant fabric.
Pattern Matching: If using a patterned fabric, purchase extra yardage to match designs at seams.
Fabric Width: Standard fabric widths are 45″ or 54″. Knowing the width helps in accurate yardage calculation.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right cushion size and fabric yardage ensures a professional-looking finish. Whether you’re making a simple throw pillow or a customized seat cushion, precise measurements and proper calculations prevent fabric shortages. Use this guide as a reference and enjoy creating beautifully crafted cushions that fit perfectly!