Sponsors
Sponsors
Going fabric shopping (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 1/28/10 8:36 PM ET
Yes, I am really asking this: I am planning to go to NYC for the fabric shopping spree with PR people and I want know, when YOU go shopping for fabric (even if it is online) how many yards. per fabric chosen, do you buy if you do not have a specific pattern picked out, and just like the material (oh boy ! Run on sentence!) 1 1/2 yards? 4 yards? How do I know when enough is enough so I can sew something?
Posted on: 1/28/10 9:09 PM ET
Check out some patterns you might be interested in, either already in your stash, or online. I like to know approximately how much fabric is needed for certain styles of clothes that I might sew so that when I'm out buying fabric, I can figure out what a potential use for it could be and buy accordingly. I'll add a little extra to allow for shrinkage, and other things you can't always plan for. For example, if I saw a nice fabric for tailored shirt, I'd buy 2 1/2 yards of 45" or 2 yards of 60". If I wanted to make a slim skirt, I'd get 1 1/2 yards. For a REALLY good find, something that's versatile, affordable, and nice quality, I'll usually buy at least 5 yards, if not more- even if I don't have any particular plans.
Re: How much fabric to buy per material selected equals a Stash (posted on 1/28/10 9:34 PM ET)
my standard is 2-3 yards. Then i go and look through my stash of patterns and say this will look nice. Left overs make wounderful doll clothes.
------
------
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Posted on: 1/28/10 9:46 PM ET
Here is a thread from last year regarding this topic: yardages to buy.
When I see my fabric I usually have an idea of what type of garment it will become, and buy accordingly. But sometimes if I have no clue, I get 4 yds of a 45" or 3 of a 60".
------
When I see my fabric I usually have an idea of what type of garment it will become, and buy accordingly. But sometimes if I have no clue, I get 4 yds of a 45" or 3 of a 60".
------
I'm finally a blogger!
sewming.blogspot.com
sewming.blogspot.com
Posted on: 1/29/10 9:32 AM ET
THANK YOU! That was very helpful!
Posted on: 1/29/10 3:31 PM ET
In reply to PolishPoppy
If it's a knit print, I buy 3 yds coz I know it's going to be a couple of tops at some point. Knit solids; if it's a hard to find colour that I love (aka Berry Rouge where I bought it all, ALL I tell ya!) I'm likely to grab 6 yards or more so I can do a couple tops & a cardi if I want. Otherwise I stockpile at 3yds per colour (which yields 2 tops or 1 cardi/jacket per).
For woven fabrics, I don't do matching suits, so if it's fabric I'd want for a jacket I buy 3 yds 60", 4 yds 45". Trousers fabrics I buy 3 yds. Woven blouse-weight fabrics I generally buy 3 yds.
Heavier fabrics (coat-weight) I don't stock up on, and only buy when I have a specific pattern in hand.
-- Edited on 1/29/10 3:35 PM --
------
For woven fabrics, I don't do matching suits, so if it's fabric I'd want for a jacket I buy 3 yds 60", 4 yds 45". Trousers fabrics I buy 3 yds. Woven blouse-weight fabrics I generally buy 3 yds.
Heavier fabrics (coat-weight) I don't stock up on, and only buy when I have a specific pattern in hand.

-- Edited on 1/29/10 3:35 PM --
------
I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
Posted on: 1/29/10 4:21 PM ET
I buy 3 yards of everything :). I'm a quilter first, it's enough for blocks, or borders, a pair of pants, or a top with scraps left for a quilt.
------
------
Bernina 740, 700, and 430 -- Babylock BLCS, and Ovation -- APQS Millennium -- Vintage Singers 401a, 403, 404, 421g, 301, 15-90, 201-2
Posted on: 1/29/10 4:27 PM ET
Someone recently produced a "how much fabric" set of reference cards--5 credit card sized cards connected together. I generally know how much fabric to buy for the styles I might want to make up (1.5 yd for a blouse, 2-3 yards for a dress, depending on fullness of skirt and sleeve length, 1 for a straight skirt, 1.5 for a fuller skirt, all dependent on the width of the fabric) so I haven't purchased this ($14.95 plus shipping), but if you'd feel more comfortable having this reference people who've bought it seem happy with it.
------
------
http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com
=================
2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+
So close to parity, yet so far
Trying again in 2008
Yards purchased: 133
Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95
2009? I give up
=================
2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+
So close to parity, yet so far
Trying again in 2008
Yards purchased: 133
Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95
2009? I give up
Re: How much fabric to buy per material selected equals a Stash (posted on 1/29/10 6:06 PM ET)
My standard is 5 yards. With a 5 yard piece, I can get a jacket and pants and maybe a skirt depending on the width, or a blouse and a pair of pants or a skirt, or almost any of the full skirt dress patterns I own (some need 6+ yards) or a pair of PJs... I will have enough for the usual garments I like to make.
If I only get 3 yards, I may not be able to make the outfit or dress I wanted because it isn't enough, and I certainly won't be able to make coordinating pieces. If I look at the fabric and only see a top, I might get 2.5-3 yards, or if it is clearly something for DD, I might only need 1.5 yds.
If I see a great deal on lining, I might buy the whole bolt, especially if it is a color I could use with many fabrics.
------
If I only get 3 yards, I may not be able to make the outfit or dress I wanted because it isn't enough, and I certainly won't be able to make coordinating pieces. If I look at the fabric and only see a top, I might get 2.5-3 yards, or if it is clearly something for DD, I might only need 1.5 yds.
If I see a great deal on lining, I might buy the whole bolt, especially if it is a color I could use with many fabrics.
------
Fictionfan
Posted on: 1/29/10 7:43 PM ET
I stopped buying yardage for "matching" coordinates as I find my new life just doesn't require head-to-toe same fabric anymore. Once in a while I might plan a true suit (most likely pantsuit) in same fabric...and that would be 5 yards of any length.
Pants (normally wide fabric) 2 yds allows sample fabric for pocket details and fly zip experiments, welt experiments and such.
Tops: 2.5
Full detailed blouses..3-3.5
Contrast/trim fabric 1 yd...
Pants (normally wide fabric) 2 yds allows sample fabric for pocket details and fly zip experiments, welt experiments and such.
Tops: 2.5
Full detailed blouses..3-3.5
Contrast/trim fabric 1 yd...
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics







