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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: happyme
Date: 03-30-2005, 05:09 PM (1 of 7)
I need to understand how to convert inches to yards. When I'm buying material, how many yards of material should i know to buy?? I know that 36" are in one yard, but if my waist is a 36, I know I need more than 1 yard of material. :nervous: :sad:

Please help.
User: happyme
Member since: 03-30-2005
Total posts: 1
From: pucktricks
Date: 03-30-2005, 05:57 PM (2 of 7)
I'm not sure I understand your question. What are you wanting to make? That would affect how much you need.

Ticia
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004
Total posts: 570
From: MaryW
Date: 03-30-2005, 06:49 PM (3 of 7)
It will tell you on the back of the pattern how much fabric to buy. Your measurements are what decide how much fabric you will need. :bluesmile
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Hogmami
Date: 03-30-2005, 07:49 PM (4 of 7)
Here is a site that might help you http://www.onlineconversion.com/length_common.htm
Carolyn
Michigan
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004
Total posts: 800
From: Saydee
Date: 03-30-2005, 08:26 PM (5 of 7)
If you can keep in mind that 39inches = 1 metre. Which is 3 inches more than 1 Yard. So for every metre you buy you are getting 3inches more and for every 4 inches = 10 centermetres. If you put those thoughts into practise all the time you will soon get the hang of working in metrics.
User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004
Total posts: 68
From: paroper
Date: 03-30-2005, 08:56 PM (6 of 7)
Most fabric runs 45-60 inches wide. Depending upon the cut of the skirt, you may need more than a yard or sometimes less...if just depends. Remeber that if your waist is 36" you're hips are probably more than 40 and you'll need room to move (called ease). You'll do better if you use a pattern. You almost always cut with the selvages (finished edges) of the fabric running the length of the garment.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Emmy
Date: 03-31-2005, 12:23 AM (7 of 7)
I need to understand how to convert inches to yards. Please help.


You shouldn't need to convert inches to yards. If you measure for size correctly, there will be a guide on the back of the pattern that tells you how much fabric to get. Allow for some shrinkage, 10% or more, depending on the fabric. If your waist is 36" you should measure your hips and go by that for your pattern size. The pattern will have built in ease, and then style fit. You really have to get a pattern and use that as your guide.

For example, your skirt of choice, if its fitted, might require 1 and 1/2 yards of 45" fabric, which will be shown on the envelope back. For a skirt with gores, you might need 4 yards. It just depends on cut and style.

If you live in Canada, you will have to look at the metric requirements, and it would be best to use a tape measure with centemeters marked on one side, and use those measurements, rather than inches. It just gets confusing for most people to try to figure out both.


I still measure in Imperial, NOT metric. I detest metric. I've been using Imperial since I was a kid, and have been sewing a long time, so I don't have a problem with it. I just do all my alterations in inches, and then convert to metric ONLY when buying fabric and there are conversion charts taped to the cutting tables in most fabric stores, so its no big deal to do it.

But for most people, sticking with Metric makes sense. I just think better in Imperial, I know the length of things in Imperial from a lot of practice and I can estimate very accurately. Imperial also divides more ways than metric too which is handy for sewing, and crafts, and cooking and carpentry too.
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001
Total posts: 127
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