Fabric Shrinkage Calculator
Calculate fabric shrinkage percentage instantly. Essential tool for sewers and quilters to determine exactly how much extra fabric to buy for projects.
Enter Sample Dimensions
Measure your test swatch before and after washing.
Shrinkage Results
Why Pre-wash?
Most natural fibers shrink when first washed. Calculating this rate helps you buy enough fabric and avoid garments that don't fit.
How to Test
Cut a 10x10 cm (or 4x4 inch) square. Wash and dry it exactly as you plan to treat the final garment. Measure again.
Grain Line
Fabric can shrink differently along the grain (length) vs cross-grain (width). Always measure both directions.
Why Calculating Fabric Shrinkage is Crucial
One of the most common sewing disasters is a garment that fits perfectly when sewn but becomes too small after the first wash. This happens because natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool tend to relax and contract when exposed to water and heat. Our fabric shrinkage calculator eliminates this risk.
How to Test for Shrinkage
Before cutting into your precious fabric, perform a simple test:
- Cut a Sample: Cut a square of fabric, ideally 10cm x 10cm (or 4" x 4").
- Mark Grain Lines: Mark the lengthwise and crosswise grain directions.
- Wash & Dry: Treat the sample exactly how you intend to treat the final garment (e.g., machine wash warm, tumble dry).
- Re-measure: Measure the new dimensions and enter them into the calculator above.
Using the Requirement Estimator
Once you know your fabric's shrinkage rate (e.g., 5%), switch to the "Estimate Requirement" tab. Enter the final amount of fabric your pattern calls for, and we'll calculate exactly how much raw yardage you need to purchase to account for the loss.
Common Shrinkage Rates
- Cotton: Typically shrinks 2-5%.
- Linen: Can shrink 5-10% or more depending on the weave.
- Wool: High shrinkage risk; usually requires dry cleaning or very careful hand washing unless it's superwash wool.
- Rayon/Viscose: Often unstable and can shrink significantly or distort.