Plan on 3–4 yards of 1000D for a full 30–40 L backpack, and use lighter 500D for linings and pockets. Pocket count, panel layout and seam allowances all change the number, so treat these as starting points and buy 10–20% extra.
Yardage by project
| Project | Yardage (58–61" wide) |
|---|---|
| Small pouch / organizer | 0.5–1 yd |
| Laptop sleeve | 0.5–1 yd |
| Tote or shopper | 1–1.5 yd |
| Medium duffel | 2–3 yd |
| Backpack (30–40 L) | 3–4 yd |
| Tool bag / range bag | 2–4 yd |
| Pack-bottom reinforcement panel | 0.5–1 yd |
What changes the number
- Pockets and panels — every added pocket and separate panel costs fabric and seam allowance.
- Pattern matching — camouflage or directional prints need extra to line up between panels.
- Fabric width — wider cloth means fewer panels and less waste.
- One-piece vs pieced — a body cut from one piece needs more yardage but fewer seams.
Two habits that save money
Order 10–20% more than your estimate, and cut a mock-up first — from cheap fabric or a single yard of the real thing — before cutting the final material. If you are between sizes, round up; you can’t un-cut a yard.
Start with 1000D for the shell and high-wear panels and 500D for the body and linings. A 500D body with a 1000D base is the classic pack construction.
Frequently asked
Do covers use the same math? No. For equipment or machine covers, measure the object’s length, width and drop, add the overlap you want, and send us the dimensions — we’ll convert it to yardage.
Should I order one continuous piece? For most builds, yes — fewer seams. Tell us at checkout if you need separate cuts instead.