How many metres of fabric do curtains need?

01 / THE DETAIL

A linear metre has two dimensions

When ordering cloth by the linear metre, one metre is the length taken from the roll. Its area depends on that roll’s width. One linear metre from a 150 cm roll gives a nominal 1.5 m² of cloth; one from a 300 cm roll gives 3 m². This is why coverage width is not an order quantity.

The manufacturer’s product widths provide the starting point. For example, Wool Serge 800 and Acoustic Molton have different roll widths, so their cutting plans can differ for the same finished curtains.

02 / THE DETAIL

Work out each panel before rounding

In this example, 300 cm coverage at 100% fullness needs 600 cm of flat face width before allowances. With two equal panels, each needs 300 cm plus two 5 cm side hems. Two nominal 150 cm widths already fall short before their join loss is counted, so each panel needs three widths.

The cut drop is 250 cm finished drop plus 20 cm top-and-bottom allowance: 270 cm. Six drops therefore need 16.2 linear metres. With no extra ordering allowance in this example, whole-metre ordering gives 17 m.

03 / THE DETAIL

Keep measurement precision separate from purchasing

Your finished drop does not become 3 m because the cloth is bought in whole metres. Record the intended finished dimension accurately; only the final material order length is rounded up. The configurator accepts cm or mm and calculates the material quantity separately.

Use our measuring guide for the coverage and drop reference points. Include overlaps, returns or unequal panels in an enquiry because they require a reviewed cutting plan.

04 / THE DETAIL

Repeat the plan for every material

A lining may have a different roll width and therefore a different order quantity. It needs its own calculation. Read the lining example, then enter your measurements in the live configurator. The final stock and making specification are confirmed by email before the order is accepted.