The Drapery Yardage Calculator is a practical tool designed to simplify the process of determining the amount of fabric required for making draperies or curtains. It assists users in calculating the yardage needed based on specific parameters such as the finished length, fullness factor, fabric width, and the number of panels required for the project. By inputting these variables into the calculator, users can quickly obtain an accurate estimation of the fabric yardage needed, helping to streamline the planning and purchasing process for drapery projects.
Formula of Drapery Yardage Calculator
The formula used by the Drapery Yardage Calculator is as follows:
Yardage = [(FL x FF) / Fabric Width] x Number of Panels x 1.1 (wastage) / 36
Where:
- FL (Finished Length): The desired length of the finished drapery or curtain.
- FF (Fullness Factor): A percentage representing the desired fullness of the drapes. Common values include 100% for flat panels, 150% for light fullness, 200% for fuller drapes, and 250% for very full drapes.
- Fabric Width: The width of the fabric being used for the project.
- Number of Panels: The total number of panels required for the drapery project.
Table of General Terms
| Drapery Style | Fullness Factor (%) | Estimated Fabric Yardage per Panel (based on 84″ finished length and 54″ fabric width) |
|---|---|---|
| Flat panels | 100 | 2.0 yards |
| Light fullness | 150 | 2.5 yards |
| Full drapes | 200 | 3.0 yards |
| Very full drapes | 250 | 3.5 yards |
Note: These are general estimates and may vary depending on your specific window dimensions, fabric width, and desired fullness. It’s always recommended to use a drapery yardage calculator for the most accurate measurement.
Example of Drapery Yardage Calculator
Let’s consider an example to illustrate how the Drapery Yardage Calculator works. Suppose we have a drapery project with the following specifications:
- Finished Length (FL): 84 inches
- Fullness Factor (FF): 200%
- Fabric Width: 54 inches
- Number of Panels: 2 panels
Using the provided formula, we can calculate the yardage needed as follows:
Yardage = [(84 x 200) / 54] x 2 x 1.1 / 36 = (16800 / 54) x 2 x 1.1 / 36 ≈ 6.98 yards (rounded to two decimal places)
Therefore, approximately 6.98 yards of fabric would be required for this drapery project.
Most Common FAQs
To use the Drapery Yardage Calculator, simply input the required parameters such as the finished length, fullness factor, fabric width, and the number of panels into the respective fields. Then, click on the “Calculate” button to obtain the estimated yardage needed for your drapery project.
The fullness factor represents the desired fullness or gather of the drapes. By adjusting this factor, users can customize the appearance of their draperies, choosing from options such as flat panels, light fullness, fuller drapes, or very full drapes.
Yes, the Drapery Yardage Calculator can be used with various types of fabrics as long as the input parameters are accurate. It is important to consider factors such as fabric width and desired fullness when calculating the yardage for different fabric types.
Yes, the formula includes a wastage factor of 1.1 to account for any additional fabric needed for cutting, hemming, or other adjustments during the fabrication process. This ensures that users have a sufficient margin of fabric to work with for their drapery project.