How to Figure Fabric Yardage for an Ottoman

Square or Rectangular Ottomans

• 1

  Measure the width and length of the top of the ottoman from edge to edge. For example, the top of a 2-foot-square ottoman would measure 24 inches by 24 inches.

• 2

  Add 2 inches to both of these numbers. This will give you a 1-inch-seam allowance. The fabric for the top would measure 26 inches by 26 inches.

• 3

  Measure the width and the length of each side, or 24 inches by 24 inches.

• 4

  Add 2 inches to the width and the length measurements for each side, or 26 inches by 26 inches. Multiple this amount by four to get the total amount needed for all four sides.

Round Ottomans

• 5

  Measure the diameter of the top of a round ottoman. Square this number and add 2 inches for the seam allowance.

• 6

  Measure the circumference of the sides, and measure the drop.

• 7

  Add 2 inches to both of these numbers for the seam allowance.

Laying Out a Cutting Guide

• 8

  If your fabric has a pattern, increase the measurements by the length of the fabric’s repeat. If the pattern repeats every 5 inches, add 5 inches to the measurements to provide an ample amount of fabric to match up the pattern along the seams.

• 9

  Sketch a cutting guide on paper to determine placement of the different sections. You may be able to fit two sections side-by-side, depending on the width of the fabric.

• 10

  Add the lengths of all the pieces. Divide this number by 36 to determine the number of yards you need.