Upholstery Cushion Fabric
Calculator
Results
- Top and bottom panel area (cm²)
- 7,938
- Boxing strip length (cm)
- 246
- Boxing strip area (cm²)
- 3,198
- Total fabric area (cm²)
- 11,136
- Fabric length needed (cm)
- 79.542857
Craft results
| Top and bottom panel area (cm²) | 7,938 |
| Boxing strip length (cm) | 246 |
| Boxing strip area (cm²) | 3,198 |
| Total fabric area (cm²) | 11,136 |
| Fabric length needed (cm) | 79.542857 |
formula-map diagram
- Top and bottom panel area (cm²)
- 7,938
- Boxing strip length (cm)
- 246
- Boxing strip area (cm²)
- 3,198
- Total fabric area (cm²)
- 11,136
- Fabric length needed (cm)
- 79.542857
Formula breakdown
Formula
A = 2 × (L + 2sa) × (W + 2sa) + boxing length × (D + 2sa)= 7938
Note
Simplified model: these are standard craft estimates based on rectangular layouts, quoted gauge and nominal densities. Real fabric nap, directional prints, shrinkage, pattern matching, yarn lots and supplier SAP values vary, so always make a swatch or test piece and buy a little extra.
More in Crafts and sewing
See all →Frequently asked questions
Why do I need more fabric than the cushion's flat surface area?+
A cushion cover wraps around a 3D form, so you need fabric for the top, bottom, and the boxing strip (the fabric band around the cushion's sides), plus seam allowance on every edge, not just the top and bottom panels.
What is a boxing strip and why does it need separate fabric?+
The boxing strip is the fabric band that runs around the cushion's perimeter, giving it depth and a tailored look rather than a flat pillowcase style; its length equals the cushion's perimeter and its width equals the cushion's depth plus seam allowance.
Does fabric with a directional pattern or nap need extra?+
Yes, velvet, corduroy, and directional prints need every panel cut in the same direction, which prevents flipping pieces to save fabric and typically adds 10-20% to the total compared to a non-directional fabric.
How does welt cord (piping) affect the fabric calculation?+
Welt cord needs its own fabric strip, cut on the bias for flexibility around curves, with a length equal to the total seam length being piped plus extra for corners and joins; this is fabric in addition to the top, bottom, and boxing panels.
Why should zipper placement affect how I lay out the pattern pieces?+
A zipper is usually placed in one edge of the boxing strip, which splits that piece into two shorter sections rather than one continuous strip; account for this split when calculating total fabric length for the boxing, since it adds a small amount for the extra seam allowances at the zipper opening.