How do I measure fabric?

Question

I want to make my dog a bed...I will be making a wood box...17x18 and I am not sure how much fabric I would need...also a 12x18 head board...i will also be putting a foam mattress on the frame and then upholstering it.

Answer 1

If you know how big the thing is that you want to cover with fabric, then you buy pieces of fabric big enough to cover it. I have a feeling you left out part of the question because as you've asked it, it makes no sense to ask. Fabric is sold in yards, but some fabrics are wider than others, so with the wider ones you may not need to buy as many yards. Just measure carefully so you know exactly how big what you're covering is, maybe make a drawing of what you're covering, then go to a fabric store and they can help you decide how much fabric you need. They are used to doing that.  

Answer 2

how much padding will you have in the bed?  12 inches in a foot, so you would need about 2/3 of a yard of fabric.  You might want to go on the safe side, and just get a yard of fabric, because you'll need some extra to staple down.