How Much Fabric Do You Need to Reupholster a Sofa?

Base yardage by furniture type

These are working estimates for 54-inch plain fabric with no pattern repeat. Add to these for repeats, railroading adjustments, and waste factor.

Pattern repeat math

A pattern repeat is the distance (in inches) before the pattern starts over, vertically or horizontally. A large repeat forces the cutter to start each piece at the same point in the pattern, which means more yardage is discarded.

The rough formula for extra yardage due to vertical repeat:

Extra yards = (vertical repeat in inches / 36) x number of major cutting pieces x 0.5 to 1

For a sofa with roughly 10 major cuts (inside back, outside back, seat cushions, arm panels, skirt), a 27-inch vertical repeat adds 3 to 5 yards to the base estimate.

Horizontal repeat and drop match

Horizontal repeat matters most on wide pieces like sofa backs, banquettes, and headboards where two widths of fabric are seamed. A large horizontal repeat may require matching across the seam, adding waste.

A drop match (half-drop or random match) means adjacent widths do not line up at the same horizontal position. Half-drop adds yardage similar to a large vertical repeat. Random match can save yardage but looks less formal.

Railroaded vs up-the-bolt

Up-the-bolt means the fabric rolls off the bolt with the pattern oriented upright. A sofa back usually requires two widths seamed together at a vertical center seam.

Railroaded means the pattern is oriented sideways on the bolt. The fabric rolls off with what would be the 'up' direction running along the length. A long sofa back can be upholstered from a single width with no vertical seam.

Railroading saves yardage on long, wide pieces. For a 96-inch sofa with a railroaded 54-inch fabric, you may save 4 to 6 yards. Not every pattern railroads successfully; ask the mill if the pattern is run railroaded or up-the-bolt.

Width considerations

Most upholstery fabric runs 54 inches wide. Some run 55, some 56, a handful run 58 or 60 inches. The yardage estimates above assume 54 inches.

For a 60-inch fabric, multiply the estimate by approximately 0.9 (you need about 10 percent less). For a 48-inch fabric, multiply by approximately 1.125 (you need about 12.5 percent more).

Narrow goods (under 48 inches) are unusual in upholstery; they are more common in drapery. Confirm width with the mill before calculating.

Waste factor

Workrooms add a waste factor to the base estimate. The waste covers mis-cuts, unusable yardage at the end of a bolt, and matching around corners, cushions, and pleats.

Typical waste factors: 10 percent for plain goods on straight pieces, 15 percent for patterned plain cuts, 20 to 25 percent for tufted and pleated work.

Multi-cushion sectionals, tufted headboards, and skirted pieces with gathers sit at the top of the waste range.

How to calculate yardage step by step

1. Start with the base yardage for the furniture type from the table above.
2. Check the pattern repeat (vertical and horizontal) on the fabric spec sheet.
3. Add the repeat allowance: 25 percent for repeats 13 to 27 inches, 40 percent for repeats over 27 inches.
4. Confirm railroad or up-the-bolt orientation and adjust if railroading saves yardage.
5. Add the workroom's waste factor, typically 10 to 15 percent on plains, 15 to 25 percent on patterns.
6. Confirm fabric width and adjust the total if not 54 inches.
7. Order a memo or cutting from the current run to confirm pattern placement before committing full yardage.

Ordering tips for reupholstery

• Always order 1 to 2 yards over the calculated total. A bolt can end, and dye lots match within a run but rarely across runs.
• Request a cutting for approval from the specific run before cutting the workroom's patterns.
• Confirm railroad vs up-the-bolt with both the mill and the workroom in writing.
• For large pattern repeats, send the workroom a high-resolution image of the pattern so they can plan the cut layout before the fabric arrives.
• Spec the cleaning code and flammability certification at the same time as yardage.