How much fabric a dress takes

For a straight or fitted dress from fabric 1.4 to 1.5 m wide: one dress length plus the sleeve length plus 10 to 15 cm for hems. This works when the front and back fit side by side across the fabric, usually up to about 100 to 105 cm around the hips.

For wider hips or a style that flares, count two dress lengths plus the sleeve. Measure the length from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem.

An example: a dress 100 cm long with a 25 cm sleeve. 100 + 25 + 15 = 140 cm, that is 1.4 m.

For fabric 1.4 to 1.5 m wide and sizes EU 38 to 44:

A sleeveless sheath to the knee: 1 to 1.3 m.

A straight dress with short sleeves: 1.3 to 1.6 m, with long sleeves 1.6 to 2 m.

A trapeze or A-line: 1.8 to 2.5 m.

With a half-circle skirt: 2.5 to 3 m, a full circle: 3 to 4 m. A knee-length shirt dress: 2 to 2.5 m.

For a sheath or a formal dress choose a dense cloth that holds its shape: suiting wool or cotton suiting (see cotton).

Soft dress wool and viscose drape well: they suit draped, wrap or full-skirted dresses. For summer dresses take light cotton or linen.

See what is in stock: dress fabrics and suiting. Dress wool has its own article.

Checks and stripes: the pattern is matched at the side seams and the waist, add 10 to 20 %.

Bias cut: pieces are laid at 45°, which takes noticeably more fabric, 30 to 50 % more.

Cotton, viscose and linen can shrink at the first wash: wash the fabric before cutting and allow 5 % extra.