How to Estimate Yardage for a Patchwork Make

One of the most common questions we get when it comes to patchwork is:
“How much yardage should I buy?”

Patchworking isn’t an exact science—and that’s kind of the point.

Instead of strict numbers, patchwork is about flexibility, creativity, and making the most of what you already have. Here’s how we recommend thinking about fabric yardage when planning a patchworked garment.

Why We Don’t Give Exact Yardage for Patchwork

We intentionally don’t provide exact yardage requirements for patchworked garments because patchwork is designed to be adaptable.

One of the joys of patchworking is using leftover fabric, scraps, and smaller cuts that might otherwise go unused. Every patchworked piece ends up slightly different depending on what fabrics you have on hand—and we see that as a feature, not a problem.

Buying Fabric for Patchwork Is Still Totally Okay

That said, if you want (or need) to purchase fabric specifically for a patchworked project—great! Patchwork doesn’t have to mean “only scraps.” It just means thinking a little more flexibly about how fabric is used.

If you’re buying fabric, the goal is to give yourself enough material to work comfortably while still leaving room for creative decisions along the way.

1. Decide How Many Fabrics You Want to Use

A great place to start is choosing how many different fabrics you want in your patchwork.

We typically recommend 3–5 fabrics for the most cohesive look. Keeping them within a similar color palette or tone helps the finished garment feel intentional rather than chaotic.

More fabrics can be fun too—but for most projects, fewer fabrics with thoughtful placement tend to shine.

 

2. Eyeball the Pattern, Not the Math

Before pulling out a calculator, take a moment to look at the pattern visually.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want most of the garment in one main fabric?
• Do I want smaller accents throughout?
• Is the patchwork evenly distributed, or weighted toward one fabric?

If you’re aiming for a dominant “main” fabric with a few accent fabrics, a helpful rule of thumb is:

• Purchase about half of the total fabric in your main fabric
• Then add smaller amounts (often around ½ yard each) for a few accent fabrics

This isn’t a hard rule—just a starting point that works well for many patchworked garments.

3. Keep the Grainline in Mind

This is the most important technical consideration when planning yardage for patchwork.

Your longest pattern pieces—such as sleeves or pant legs—will determine how much of each fabric you need.

If a pattern piece is longer than 1 yard when laid out along the grainline, you’ll need more than 1 yard of that fabric to cut it properly. Grainline always comes first.

Once those long pieces are accounted for, most of the remaining pattern pieces can usually be patchworked or pieced together using the leftover width of fabric from those cuts.

You can find this information by looking at the length information provided in the fabric requirements and measurements chart for each pattern. 

 

Patchworking Is Meant to Be Creative

At the end of the day, patchworking is about experimentation, play, and making choices as you go.

You don’t need to plan every cut perfectly before you start. Adjustments are part of the process, and flexibility is what makes patchworked garments feel special and personal.

Trust your eye, work with what you have, and most importantly—have fun with it.