Pencil skirt: fabric requirements by size (chart)
Pencil skirt, size EU 38 (US 6), default options: 1.8 m (2 yd) of fabric 140 cm (55 in) wide. Across women's sizes EU 32 to 54 the amount runs from 0.9 m (1 yd) to 2.3 m (2 5/8 yd). The tables give every size at 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) widths; add extra for a nap, stripes or a print you want to match.
Fabric needed by size
Women's sizes (EU, US, UK)
| Size | 110 cm wide (45 in) | 140 cm wide (55 in) | 150 cm wide (60 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU 32 · US 0 · UK 4 | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) |
| EU 34 · US 2 · UK 6 | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.0 m (1 1/8 yd) |
| EU 36 · US 4 · UK 8 | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.0 m (1 1/8 yd) |
| EU 38 · US 6 · UK 10 | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) |
| EU 40 · US 8 · UK 12 | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 1.8 m (2 yd) |
| EU 42 · US 10 · UK 14 | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) |
| EU 44 · US 12 · UK 16 | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) |
| EU 46 · US 14 · UK 18 | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) |
| EU 48 · US 16 · UK 20 | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) |
| EU 50 · US 18 · UK 22 | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) |
| EU 52 · US 20 · UK 24 | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) |
| EU 54 · US 22 · UK 26 | 2.3 m (2 5/8 yd) | 2.3 m (2 5/8 yd) | 2.3 m (2 5/8 yd) |
Men's sizes
| Size | 110 cm wide (45 in) | 140 cm wide (55 in) | 150 cm wide (60 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) |
| S | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) |
| M | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) |
| L | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) |
| XL | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) |
| XXL | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) |
| 3XL | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) |
Children's sizes (age in years)
| Size | 110 cm wide (45 in) | 140 cm wide (55 in) | 150 cm wide (60 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 y | 0.8 m (7/8 yd) | 0.8 m (7/8 yd) | 0.8 m (7/8 yd) |
| 4 y | 0.9 m (1 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) |
| 6 y | 0.9 m (1 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) |
| 8 y | 1.4 m (1 5/8 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) |
| 10 y | 1.5 m (1 3/4 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) | 0.9 m (1 yd) |
| 12 y | 1.6 m (1 3/4 yd) | 1.0 m (1 1/8 yd) | 1.0 m (1 1/8 yd) |
| 14 y | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.0 m (1 1/8 yd) | 1.0 m (1 1/8 yd) |
How the options change the amount
Length, fullness and sleeves change the amount more than size does. These figures are for fabric 140 cm (55 in) wide, four women's sizes and every choice of one option, with all other options at their defaults.
| Length | EU 36 | EU 40 | EU 44 | EU 48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 1.0 m (1 1/8 yd) | 1.6 m (1 3/4 yd) | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) |
| Above the knee | 1.6 m (1 3/4 yd) | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) |
| Knee | 1.7 m (1 7/8 yd) | 1.8 m (2 yd) | 1.9 m (2 1/8 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) |
| Midi | 2.0 m (2 1/4 yd) | 2.1 m (2 3/8 yd) | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) | 2.3 m (2 5/8 yd) |
| Maxi | 2.2 m (2 1/2 yd) | 2.3 m (2 5/8 yd) | 2.4 m (2 5/8 yd) | 2.5 m (2 3/4 yd) |
How these numbers are worked out
Sewly drafts the pattern at each standard size with its drafting engine, seam allowances included (1.5 cm / 5/8 in on woven fabric and 1 cm / 3/8 in on knits by default). It then lays the pieces on fabric folded selvedge to selvedge at each width, adds 8 % plus 10 cm for squaring the ends and shrinkage, and rounds up to the next 10 cm. Large plain rectangles such as waistbands are counted. The same inputs give the same figure every time: nothing here is an AI estimate. Pieces are placed as rectangles around their outlines, so the figures are cautious: an experienced cutter can sometimes nest tighter.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for this pattern (Pencil skirt)?
Pencil skirt, size EU 38 (US 6), default options: 1.8 m (2 yd) of fabric 140 cm (55 in) wide. Across women's sizes EU 32 to 54 the amount runs from 0.9 m (1 yd) to 2.3 m (2 5/8 yd). Find your size in the table.
What if my fabric is narrower or wider than 140 cm?
Pencil skirt, size EU 38 (US 6), default options: 1.8 m (2 yd) at 110 cm wide, 1.8 m (2 yd) at 140 cm and 1.1 m (1 1/4 yd) at 150 cm. Narrower fabric usually needs more length because fewer pieces fit side by side.
Do I need extra fabric for a print, a nap or stripes?
Yes. The pieces then have to face one way or line up at the seams, which wastes fabric; many sewists add roughly a tenth to a fifth of the length. Buy the extra before you cut. More on nap in the glossary.
Do these figures match the pattern's own cutting layout?
Yes. The sewing guide Sewly makes for your pattern uses the same cutting layout, with your exact measurements and options.
Keep going
Pencil skirt sewing pattern
Fabric yardage calculator (your own measurements)
How much fabric do I need? Reading fabric quantities
Fitting a pencil skirt: waist, hip and the walking vent
Fit a pencil skirt in order: 5 cm (2 in) of ease at the hip, then waist and darts, then a vent long enough to walk. Read the drag lines and alter the pattern.
Sew a pencil skirt with a back vent
Sew a pencil skirt with a back vent and invisible zip: pieces, fabric amounts, how the vent extensions are stitched and pressed, the hem corner and blind hem.