Fabric Basics

Understanding fabric width

Width determines how much cloth you need for a marker or garment plan. A listed width is a starting figure; usable width after selvedge and shrinkage can be smaller.

Why width changes the quantity

Quantity is not only length. A wider cloth can reduce the metres needed for the same pattern, while a narrow cloth may need more length or more joins. That is why two fabrics of the same GSM can still produce different order quantities.

On FabStitch, width is shown in centimetres when the catalog record includes it. If width is not published, do not assume a standard 140 cm or 150 cm.

  • Width and length together decide how far a quantity goes.
  • Missing width should stay missing, not guessed.

Listed width versus usable width

The published width usually includes selvedge. Pattern cutting uses the usable width inside the selvedge, and finishing or washing can also reduce the cut size. For inquiry quantities, state the garment or product plan and the quantity you need rather than converting from an assumed marker efficiency.

  • Selvedge and shrinkage reduce usable width.
  • Include the intended product when you send an inquiry.

Questions this guide answers

What if a fabric page has no width?
Leave it blank in your own notes and ask for width in the inquiry. FabStitch does not invent a commercial width.

Continue with the catalog

Compare named fabrics, then send an inquiry with the quantity you need.