When going to a store or browsing online fabric offers, one of the most common questions that may bother us is how much fabric we need to sew our dream dress. Proper estimation of the amount of fabric is crucial to avoid a situation in which we run out of fabric during sewing or, on the contrary, buy too much of it. In this article, we will tell you how to estimate the amount of fabric you need, choose the right material and plan your purchase well.

Materials and fabrics for dresses: How much do you need?

If you don't want to get involved in calculating the amount of fabric you need on your own, it's a good idea to use ready-made patterns. Such patterns contain precise information about the amount of material needed for a particular size of the dress. In addition, the diagrams of the arrangement of the pattern on the fabric will help you get the most out of the fabric you have purchased. Ready-made patterns can be found in fabric stores, sewing books, or online.

However, if you don't have a ready-made pattern available or you create it yourself, you will have to calculate the amount of fabric you need yourself. For this purpose, it is worth taking into account the length of the dress and the length of the sleeves (if the dress will have them). If you plan to sew a lined dress, be sure to add an extra running meter of fabric. Below are examples of the amount of fabric needed for different types of dresses:

• Sleeveless dress: 1,4 mb.

• Dress with short sleeves: 1,6 mb.

• Dress with long sleeves: 1,9 mb.

Please note that the above values are only illustrative guidelines and may vary depending on the specific project. 

Fabrics for dresses and additional cut elements

When planning the amount of fabric you need for dresses, don't forget about additional cut elements such as pockets, cuffs or frills. All these additives result in higher material consumption. So, if your project contains a lot of these elements, include about one meter of running extra material. 

Patterned fabrics for summer dresses can add an extra challenge when calculating the amount of fabric needed. In the case of patterns that are supposed to work beautifully together, such as checks, stripes or flowers, the arrangement of the pattern elements on the fabric must be properly matched. If you're not sure exactly how much fabric you'll need, it's always better to opt for a slightly larger amount. In this way, you will be provided with a sufficient amount of fabric, and you can make a decorative elastic band or headband from the leftover fabric.

Choosing the right fabrics:

Choosing the right fabric for dresses depends on our preferences, the season and the occasion for which the dress is intended. There are many different types of fabrics that can be used to sew a dress, but it is important to choose a fabric that will meet our expectations both in terms of appearance and comfort.

• Fabrics for summer dresses - For summer, it is worth betting on light and airy materials such as cotton, linen, viscose or silk. 

• Natural fabrics for dresses - If you value natural fibers above all, fabrics made of organic cotton, hemp or linen will be the perfect choice.

• Exclusive fabrics for dresses - If you are looking for more exclusive options, you can opt for materials such as natural silk, lace or velvet.

Before you make your final fabric purchase, we recommend that you order samples. Thanks to them, you will have the opportunity to physically touch and see the material. On our website, we offer the option to order up to 10 free samples of the smooth material. Evaluating the quality, texture, and color of the fabric will allow you to ensure that you are choosing the right fabric for your project. It's important to be sure that it meets your expectations and is in line with the vision of the dress you want to sew.

By preparing properly before you start sewing, you will be able to focus on creating a beautiful dress in which you will feel comfortable and special!