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Gathered Skirt Fabric Calculator: Panels and Ratio
Find the flat fabric width for a gathered skirt panel, then allow for side joins, the hem and the waist finish. Compare gathering ratios against your usable fabric width. The cutting list counts full panels and fabric length, with a separate price based on the cost you enter.
Choose fullness before cutting
Results stay on this device. Starting values are fictional examples. Use one currency for every money amount.
Worked example
| Scenario | Ratio | Flat finished width | Panels | Sum of cut widths | Cut panel depth | Fabric (m) | Fabric cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1.5 | 120 | 1 | 123 | 67 | 0.67 | 8.040000000000001 |
| B | 2 | 160 | 2 | 166 | 67 | 1.34 | 16.080000000000002 |
| C | 2.5 | 200 | 2 | 206 | 67 | 1.34 | 16.080000000000002 |
How to use it
Replace the example with your values and check units. Results update as you edit. Keep a scenario to compare, then export a file; this tool’s JSON can restore your inputs.
Worked example
An 80 cm gathered width at a ratio of 2 needs 160 cm of flat finished width. A 140 cm bolt with 1 cm selvedges and 1.5 cm seam allowances has 135 cm usable per panel. Two 67 cm-deep panels need 1.34 m of fabric before other reserves.
Method and sources
Flat finished width equals gathered finished width × ratio. Usable width per panel removes both selvedges and two vertical seam allowances from bolt width. The panel count rounds up the required flat width divided by that usable width. Each cut panel depth adds the finished drop, waist allowance and hem; fabric length is panel count × depth.
Sources checked October 28, 2026.
Starting values are a fictional example. The method and limits below describe what is actually calculated.
Who it is for, and limits
A rectangular gathered-panel planning tool, not a complete garment pattern. Ratios are choices, not instructions for every fabric. Grain, print matching, shrinkage, pockets, lining and closures may need more material. The sum of cut widths describes the required panels; the last panel can be narrower than the usable bolt width.
Common questions
What is a gathering ratio?
It is flat finished width divided by gathered finished width. A ratio of 2 means 160 cm becomes 80 cm before seam allowances.
Why is the panel count rounded up?
A partial panel still takes a full cut depth from the bolt when placed along the chosen grain direction.
Are these ratios recommendations?
They are editable comparisons. Make a sample with the actual cloth to judge fullness, bulk and how the waist finish behaves.
Where do my inputs go?
They stay on this page. An explicit export keeps data in your chosen file; nothing is saved automatically.
Can I compare and restore a scenario?
Compare keeps up to three scenarios during this session. The JSON download lets you restore a scenario after closing.