How it works
Open the app and you'll see four calculators, each on its own screen:
- Fabric Width Converter. Your pattern calls for one fabric width, but the bolt at the store is a different width. Enter both widths and the pattern yardage, and the app converts it. Optional seam allowance for quilting (1/4") or garments (5/8").
- Quilt Backing. Enter your quilt dimensions and bolt width. The app figures out how many panels to cut, which direction to run them, and how much yardage to buy. It writes out the cutting instructions.
- Binding. Enter your quilt size and binding strip width. Get the total binding length, number of strips, and fabric yardage. The standard joining allowance is built in.
- Garment Yardage. Pick a garment type (dress, blouse, skirt, pants, jacket) and a size range. Get a yardage estimate for 45-inch and 60-inch fabric.
Every result rounds up to the nearest 1/8 yard and is displayed as a fraction (2 5/8 yd, not 2.625).
Tips
- You can type fractions directly into any input field. Use the fraction buttons above the keyboard, or type them as text (e.g., "2 1/2" or "1/4").
- Every field has a default value. You can get a result by changing just one or two numbers.
- The app works with VoiceOver. Fraction results are read aloud correctly ("two and five eighths yards").
- The app supports Dynamic Type. If you use larger text sizes in your iPhone settings, the layout adjusts.
- No internet connection is needed. The app works anywhere, including at the fabric store.
Common questions
Why fractions instead of decimals?
Fabric is cut in fractions at the cutting table. If a calculator says 2.625 yards, you still have to figure out that's 2 5/8. This app skips that step.
Why does the result always round up?
Rounding down means you don't buy enough fabric. The app always rounds up to the nearest 1/8 yard so you have a small margin.
Does the backing calculator account for selvage?
The "bolt width (usable)" field is where you enter the usable width after trimming selvage. The default is 42 inches, which is standard for quilting cotton after selvage is removed.
Can I use this for metric measurements?
Not in this version. All inputs are in inches and yards. Metric support may come in a future update.
Get in touch
Bug reports, feature ideas, or questions. Send an email and you'll get a reply.