How Much Fabric Do I Need for a Sofa?
There is no reliable single metre figure for every sofa. Prepare measurements and a cutting plan before ordering, especially when a collection’s width has not yet been confirmed.
List every covered piece
Include the seat cushions, back cushions, arms, front rail, outside back and any piping or other covered details. Note which cushion faces and sides are upholstered. Photograph the furniture and number the pieces so your upholsterer can check that nothing is missing.
Measure pieces, then confirm allowances
Record the dimensions of each piece separately. Finished furniture measurements do not automatically give the cutting dimensions: seams, fastening and construction can need extra material. Ask the upholsterer to specify these allowances for the actual job instead of applying one universal percentage.
Check width, direction and repeat
Confirm the usable fabric width for the selected collection. Ask whether the texture or pattern needs to run in one direction and whether a pattern repeat needs matching across neighbouring pieces. These decisions affect how pieces can be laid out and should be agreed before calculating the order.
Create a cutting layout
Arrange the agreed cutting pieces across the confirmed usable width on paper or in a planning tool. Include repeated pieces and any direction restrictions. The layout gives the required running length; dividing the total area by width alone can overlook wasted spaces or pieces that do not fit.
Confirm metres before purchasing
Have the layout checked by your upholsterer, including any spare material you choose to keep for the project. Then select the collection and colour code and order whole metres. If the width is unavailable on the product page, request confirmation before finalising the quantity. Start with an A5 sample if the colour or texture is still undecided.