Lining Fabric Calculator
Calculate lining fabric needed for jackets, skirts, dresses, and coats.
Enter your measurements and seam allowance to get total yardage or meters.
Lining fabric adds a smooth interior layer to garments, improving comfort, drape, and durability. The amount of lining needed is based on your outer fabric quantity, adjusted for the garment type.
The formula:
Lining Needed = Outer Fabric Amount + Garment Adjustment
Garment adjustments:
| Garment | Adjustment | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket / Blazer | -0.5 yard (-0.5 m) | Collar, cuffs, and front facings are not lined |
| Full Skirt | Same amount (no change) | Lining covers the entire skirt for opacity and comfort |
| Dress | -0.5 yard (-0.5 m) | Front and back neck facings replace lining at the top |
| Coat | +0.25 yard (+0.25 m) | Extra ease pleat in the back allows movement without pulling |
What the variables mean:
- Outer fabric amount — the yardage or meterage your pattern requires for the main fabric
- Garment type — determines whether you need less, the same, or more lining than outer fabric
Standard lining fabric width is 45 inches (115 cm), which is the same as most fashion fabrics. If your lining fabric has a different width, you may need to adjust quantities.
Practical example (Imperial): A blazer pattern calls for 3 yards of outer fabric. You need 3 - 0.5 = 2.5 yards of lining. In metric, a pattern requiring 2.75 meters of outer fabric needs 2.75 - 0.5 = 2.25 meters of lining.
Tips: Choose a lining material that is smooth, breathable, and compatible with your outer fabric weight. Common lining fabrics include polyester charmeuse, Bemberg rayon, and silk habotai. For coats and winter garments, consider a flannel-backed lining for extra warmth. Always pre-wash lining fabric if your outer fabric is pre-washed, since different shrinkage rates can cause puckering after laundering.