FREE SEWING TOOL
Fabric Shrinkage & Pre-Wash Estimator
Calculate how much extra yardage to purchase before washing linen, cotton, or rayon so your cut garment pieces never end up short after the first wash.
Calculate Cut Buffer
Recommended Purchase Cut:
3.25 yards
Estimated Length Lost to Shrink:
4.3 in
Squaring & Grain Buffer:
+0.15 yards
Pre-Wash Field Manual
Why Add a Grain Buffer?
- Off-Grain Cut Edges: Bolts are rarely cut straight on the grain line. You routinely lose 2–4 inches squaring up both ends after washing.
- Pre-Wash Rules: Wash and dry using the same temperature settings intended for your finished garment.
The Math Formula
• True Needed = Pattern Yardage ÷ (1 - Shrink Rate)
• Total Purchase = True Needed × 1.05 (grain squaring buffer)
• Total Purchase = True Needed × 1.05 (grain squaring buffer)