When you’re thinking about giving an old armchair a fresh new look, it’s almost always tempting to rush straight to choosing the fabric. But here’s the thing – getting your measurements right comes first.

Whether you’re a first-timer or fairly handy with DIY, knowing the right fabric length for recovering an armchair is absolutely key to avoiding waste, overspend, or, frankly, the frustration of running short halfway through.

This simple upholstery fabric measurement guide will walk you through how to size things up properly, even if you’ve never done it before. With a few basic tools and a little planning, you’ll be able to figure out how much fabric is needed for an armchair – without guessing. We’ll cover (no pun intended) helpful tips for seams, tucking, and pattern fabric allowance in upholstery, giving you the confidence to plan your project from start to finish.

Prepare Your Measuring Tools

Before you take any measurements, it helps to have a few bits ready. All you really need is a flexible tape measure, some paper, and a pen or pencil. That way, you can sketch the armchair and jot down your figures as you go – it’s almost like drawing your own little plan.

A flat, clutter-free workspace makes things easier, too. If your armchair’s against a wall, move it so you can reach all sides. Some people also take quick photos on their phone to mark out each part.

It might be a small setup, yet it saves time later when it’s time to calculate fabric for chair upholstery.

Measure the Seat Width and Depth

Start with the seat – it’s usually the largest panel and sets the tone for how much fabric you’ll need overall. To measure it, run your tape left to right across the widest point for the width. Then, go front to back to get the depth. Keep the tape flat and follow the curves if the seat isn’t square.

Once you’ve got those figures, add around 10 cm (4 inches) to each. This covers wrapping over the edges, any seam allowance, and just a little margin for error.

This is the first step toward working out the armchair reupholstery fabric length, and it’s fairly easy once you get started.

Measure the Backrest Height and Width

Next, turn your attention to the backrest. This part tends to be more visible, so too it often needs a neat, smooth finish. Start by measuring from the very top of the backrest down to where it meets the seat – that’s your height. Then measure side to side at the widest point, even if the back is curved.

Again, be sure to add at least 10 cm (4 inches) to both the height and width. This gives you room for seams, tucking, and stretching the fabric cleanly.

Including this area helps you calculate fabric for chair upholstery much more accurately, especially if it’s a tall or winged backrest.

Measure the Armrests

Armrests might seem small, but they often take more fabric than expected – especially if they’re curved or padded. To get it right, measure the length from the front edge to the back of the arm, then measure the width across the top.

Take both measurements and don’t forget – you’ll need to double them for two arms. Once more, add around 10 cm (4 inches) to each measurement for wrapping and seams.

If your design includes fabric along the inside of the arms, factor that in too. It’s all part of understanding how much fabric is needed for an armchair, especially when trying to avoid piecing bits together later on.

Measure the Chair’s Sides and Underside

It’s easy to forget the smaller parts – yet the sides, front rail, and underside can add up quickly. For the sides, measure top to bottom and front to back, then do the same underneath the seat if you’re planning to cover the base.

Also, measure the front-facing panel below the cushion, if there is one. These areas might not be focal points, but they still need covering – and so, too, they help complete the look.

You can imagine what we’re going to say again – add 10 cm (4 inches) to each measurement. This allows for seams and stapling space, which really is crucial when using this guide.

Don’t Forget Pattern Matching

This is the point where things often go a bit sideways. Even with perfect measurements, patterned fabric can catch you out.

To match stripes, florals or checks across each section, you’ll usually need about 10–20% more fabric. That little bit extra helps you line things up cleanly — so the final look feels neat, not patchy.

It’s a common misstep, especially if you’re working with bold prints. But in fact, factoring in pattern placement is just as crucial as measuring the size of each section in the first place.

Confirm the Total Fabric Length Needed

Once you’ve measured everything and added your allowances, it’s time to bring it all together. Add up the measurements from each part of the chair – seat, back, arms, sides, and base – including all extra margins.

Next, divide the total by 36 inches if you want to convert to yards, or by 100 cm for metres. Round up to the nearest half metre to stay on the safe side.

Keep in mind that most upholstery fabric comes in widths of around 54 inches (137 cm), so the layout matters, too.

 

So, there you have it – a step-by-step way to measure your armchair for a fabric refresh. Once you know each part’s size and account for seams, wraps, and pattern alignment, you can order with confidence. It’s often surprising how much fabric goes into a single chair, yet this process helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re reworking a family heirloom or updating a second-hand find, careful planning pays off. You’ll know how much fabric is needed for an armchair, and you won’t be left guessing.

Ready to get started? Browse our upholstery fabric collection or try our fabric calculator tool to check your totals. It’s all part of making upholstery less daunting – and a bit more fun.