Vinyl & Faux Leather Fabric Yardage Guide
Vinyl and faux leather are durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, but they cut differently from woven fabrics. Here is how to buy the right amount.
Vinyl Fabric Widths
| Type | Width | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery vinyl | 54" | Furniture, restaurant booths, chairs |
| Marine vinyl | 54" | Boat seats, outdoor furniture |
| Fashion faux leather | 54–58" | Bags, jackets, accessories |
| Clear vinyl (PVC) | 54–60" | Table covers, window panels |
Key Differences from Woven Fabric
- No shrinkage. Vinyl does not shrink. Buy exactly the calculated amount — no shrinkage margin needed.
- No pattern repeat on most vinyl. Solid colours and textured finishes have no repeat, so you save 10–35% versus patterned woven fabric.
- No fraying. Cut edges do not unravel, so you need less seam allowance — but standard seam allowances still apply for structural strength.
- Cannot be pinned. Pin holes are permanent. Use clips, tape, or weights instead.
- One-directional cutting. The grain has a slight sheen direction. Cut all pieces in the same direction for consistent appearance. This adds about 10% waste.
Yardage Calculation
In the furniture yardage tool, set pattern repeat to “none” and fabric width to 54 inches. The result will be accurate for vinyl upholstery.
For a dining chair: 1–2 yards. For a sofa: 12–16 yards. For restaurant booth seating: 3–5 yards per seat.
Covering a dining set, booth run, or boat interior? You can add every piece into one total so the whole job orders from a single roll.