How Much Fabric Do You Need?
Start with your needlepoint canvas size in inches. No counting stitches or mesh calculations needed. Whether you stitch on 13- or 18-mesh canvas, use the actual measurements of your project to plan your finishing fabric.
One Fat Quarter: A Handy Rule of Thumb
One fat quarter allows you to finish approximately 10 ornaments, 30 bag charms, or 3 small pillows.
Think of these as alternative project estimates, not a combined total. Your actual yield depends on project size, finishing allowances, print placement, and cutting layout. Ruffles, mitered corners, stand-ups, and other more detailed finishes need extra fabric, so you may get fewer projects from one fat quarter. Measure your pieces and plan the whole finish before cutting.
Measure Your Canvas
Measure the width and height of the stitched design in inches, rather than the entire canvas including its blank border. If your canvas listing gives a design size, use that for planning, then check the actual measurements after blocking before cutting your fabric.
For example, a canvas with a 4 × 4-inch design starts with a 4 × 4-inch project measurement. The extra blank canvas around the design is not part of that measurement.
Allow Extra Fabric for Your Finish
Your backing fabric needs room for seams or overlap around an insert. The amount depends on how you are finishing the piece. Confirm the allowance with your finisher or finishing instructions before cutting.
Example only: If your design measures 4 × 4 inches and your finishing method calls for 1 inch of extra fabric on each side, cut a 6 × 6-inch piece of fabric. Add the allowance to both sides of the width and both sides of the height.
The 1-inch allowance is an example, not a rule for every ornament, bag charm, or pillow. For pillows, also account for any separate back panels, closures, or other fabric pieces your pattern requires.
Ruffles, Mitered Corners, and Stand-Ups Need More
A simple flat back is only the starting point. Ruffles need additional fabric for gathered strips. Mitered corners need room for folds and trimming. Stand-ups can need separate fabric pieces for the sides and base as well as the back. Gussets, covered cording, and other decorative details can use extra fabric, too.
Don't order based on the canvas size alone when you are planning these finishes. Include every piece your finishing method requires, plus seam allowances and room for print placement.
When in doubt, overestimate. It's better to have fabric left over than to run short halfway through a finish. A little extra gives you room to adjust placement or recut a piece. Ask your finisher how much fabric they need for your specific project before ordering.
Planning a Framed Piece?
Start with the measured size of your blocked design. Confirm the frame opening, mounting board dimensions, and any wrap allowance with your framer before cutting. The design size and the outside frame size are not necessarily the same.
Before You Cut Your Fat Quarter
Lay out the pieces you need, including finishing allowances and any extra pieces for ruffles, mitering, or a stand-up base. Check the direction of the print and where you want each motif to sit. This helps you see how many projects will fit before making the first cut. If you use a professional finisher, ask whether they prefer to receive the fabric uncut.
Need Help Choosing Fabric or Figuring Out How Much?
Not sure which fabric to use or how much you'll need? Fabric Matchmaker helps you choose fabric for your needlepoint project and work out how much to order.
Ready to Shop?
Explore our Liberty of London Collection and Rifle Paper Collection to shop fabric for your next finish. Check the cut dimensions in each fabric listing against your project measurements before ordering.
