How much fabric do I need to make trousers?

Always difficult when you start a new project; how much fabric do I need exactly? If you want to make your own clothes in a sustainable way, it is important not to waste any fabric. That is why you can order most fabrics per 10 cm in our webshop.

Today Anton, who works with us but is also a professional tailor, gives tips on ordering the right amount of fabric for your DIY project.

How much fabric do I need to make pants?

There is a handy trick to calculate how much fabric you (approximately) need to make a pair of trousers. Pay attention! These are guidelines, this may differ per model.

Do you already have a pattern? Then maybe you can make an estimate by placing the patterns on the table and just measuring them. Keep in mind that you take some extra for seam allowance and hems. Don’t forget the small parts, such as pocket parts and waistband.

Don’t have a pattern yet?
Then it is slightly more difficult. In order to properly calculate how much fabric you need, it is useful to know the following things:

• • What is the length from waist to hem?
  • What is the waist size of the fit person?

With a hip width of up to 120 cm you need about 1.5 to 2 times the length of the pants. Example:
Do the pants have a length of 80 cm (including hem), and the fit has a hip width of 100 cm? Then you need 80 x 1.5 to 2 = 120 to 160 cm of fabric.

• Do you have a lot of pockets or other parts? Then take a bit more fabric.
• Do you have a stripe, diamond or other pattern that you have to take into account?
  Even then you need a little more fabric, because you cannot lay the pattern pieces freely on the fabric.

I wish you good luck making your pants. Are you still looking for a beautiful, sustainable fabric? Then take a look at our webshop!