Understand upholstery fabric types, fibres, durability tests, pattern direction and furniture uses before choosing or ordering a sample.

Use this pillowcase yardage guide to estimate fabric by pillow size, fabric width, seam allowance and linen shrinkage before you cut.

Estimate how many yards of fabric you need for a dress by fabric width, length, sleeves, size and style, with guidance for common fabric widths.

One yard of fabric is 36 inches or 91.44 cm long. Use the size chart to compare common fabric widths and calculate how much material to buy.

Learn how to sew knit fabric without stretching, puckering or wavy seams, including needle, stitch and fabric-handling tips.

Learn how to cut fabric straight by checking the grain, pressing the fabric, measuring carefully and using the right cutting tools.

Learn what a low shank sewing machine is, how to check your machine shank type, and why presser-foot compatibility matters.

Fabric nap is the direction of a fabric’s pile or surface. Learn what “with nap” and “without nap” mean and how to place sewing-pattern pieces correctly.

Fabric puckering usually comes from thread tension, the wrong needle, short stitches or fabric handling. Diagnose the cause and sew smoother seams.

No-sew ways to seal fabric edges and reduce fraying, including fabric glue, fusible tape, pinking shears and edge-finishing tips for craft and linen projects.