Throw blankets are an essential home accessory that can be used to add comfort and warmth to your living space. The Gearcustoms Store comes in different sizes, designs, and materials, making them versatile and suitable for various occasions. If youāre planning to make a throw blanket, the first question that comes to mind is, āHow much fabric do I need for a throw blanket?ā The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the blanket, the type of fabric, and the pattern youāre using. In this blog post, weāll explore throw blanket sizes and how to calculate the amount of fabric needed.
Understanding the Dimensions of Throw Blankets

Before we embark on the journey to determine the fabric required, itās essential to familiarize ourselves with the usual dimensions of throw blankets. While most throw blankets come in dimensions ranging from 50 x 60 inches to 60 x 80 inches, there might be slight variations depending on the producer. Hereās a breakdown of prevalent throw blanket measurements:
- 50 x 60 inches: This dimension is a popular choice. Itās ideal for curling up on a couch or for an additional cozy layer on the bed.
- 50 x 70 inches: A tad bigger than the previous size, it caters to those who are tall or those who fancy a more generous blanket.
- 60 x 80 inches: As the most expansive option among throw blankets, it offers enough coverage for a duo, making it perfect for movie evenings or outdoor escapades like picnics.
While these are the conventional sizes, thereās no rule restricting you from tailoring your blanketās dimensions. Nonetheless, remember, as the blanketās size increases, so does the fabric requirement.
How much fabric do I need for a throw blanket?

Now that weāve covered the standard throw blanket sizes, letās talk about how to calculate the amount of fabric needed.
Consider several factors
To determine the fabric yardage, you need to consider several factors:
- Blanket size
The first factor to consider is the size of the blanket. As mentioned earlier, throw blankets come in different sizes, and the amount of fabric needed will vary accordingly. Letās use the 50 x 60 inches throw blanket size as an example.
- Fabric width
The next factor to consider is the width of the fabric. Most fabrics come in standard widths of 45, 54, or 60 inches. When choosing the fabric for your throw blanket, youāll want to select one thatās at least as wide as your finished product.
- Fabric pattern
The fabric pattern you choose can also affect the amount of fabric needed. If youāre using a pattern that requires matching up seams, youāll need to purchase additional fabric to ensure the pattern lines up correctly.
- Fabric shrinkage
Finally, youāll want to factor in fabric shrinkage. Some fabrics tend to shrink when washed or dried. Be sure to check the fabric care instructions before purchasing to ensure youāre accounting for shrinkage when calculating how much fabric you need.
How much fabric do I need for a throw blanket?
To calculate how much fabric you need for a throw blanket, follow these steps:
- Determine the finished size of your blanket. For this example, letās assume weāre making a 50 x 60 inches throw blanket.
- Add 1 inch to both the length and width of the finished size to account for seam allowances. Our new dimensions are now 51 x 61 inches.
- Determine the width of the fabric you plan to use. Letās assume our fabric is 60 inches wide.
- Divide the width of the fabric by the width of the finished product plus seam allowance. In our example, thatās 60 Ć· 51 = 1.18.
- Round up to the nearest whole number. In our example, the result is 2.
- Multiply the number from step 5 by the length of the finished product plus seam allowance. In our example, thatās 2 x 61 = 122 inches.
- Divide the result from step 6 by 36 to get the total yardage needed. In our example, thatās 122 Ć· 36 = 3.39 yards.
- So, for a 50 x 60 inches throw blanket made with 60-inch wide fabric, weāll need approximately 3.39 yards of fabric.
Tips for Buying Fabric

Different Fabric Types and Their Usages
Cotton, silk, linen⦠Each fabric has unique properties, and choosing the right one can elevate your project. Do you want warmth, elegance, or durability?
Storage Tips After Purchasing Fabric
Once youāve nailed the measurements and bought your fabric, store it properly. Folded, dry, and away from sunlight, okay?
Popular Fabric Types
While cotton is versatile, satin screams luxury, and wool keeps you cozy. Know their strengths!
Benefits of Precise Calculation
Nailing your fabric calculations means less waste and more savings. Plus, doesnāt it feel great to get things just right?
Conclusion
āHow much fabric do I need for a throw blanket?ā is a common question for DIY enthusiasts. Throw blankets are an easy and practical way to add warmth and style to your space. Knowing the answer to this can help you plan your project and ensure that you have everything you need before starting. Remember to consider factors like blanket size, fabric width, pattern, and shrinkage when calculating the amount of fabric needed. With these tips in mind, youāll be able to create a cozy and stylish throw blanket that will last for years to come.