How Much Fabric for a Scrub Top? Yardage by Size and Fabric Width
A scrub top takes about 2 1/8 yd of 45 inch fabric, or 1 3/8 yd of 60 inch: that is the v-neck version in size M. Across the sizes charted here it runs 1 7/8 yd to 2 5/8 yd on 45 inch fabric. Add 10 percent for shrinkage, and let your pattern envelope overrule these estimates.
Fabric yardage is the length of fabric you buy off the bolt at a fixed width, which is why a scrub top needs 2 1/8 yd of 45 inch fabric but only 1 3/8 yd of 60 inch. These figures are planning estimates built from typical pattern cut sizes: they help you buy the right amount before you choose a pattern, or when shopping for a fabric you love. Once you have a pattern, its envelope yardage replaces anything here. For your own measurements rather than a chart, the garment fabric calculator does the arithmetic, and the how to calculate fabric yardage guide shows the layout maths behind it.
How much fabric for a scrub top: v-neck, short sleeve?
The v-neck, short sleeve version in size S needs about 1 7/8 yd of 45 inch fabric; the table below gives every size we chart, in both widths and in meters.
| Size | 45 in fabric | 60 in fabric | Meters (45 in) | Saved with 60 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 1 7/8 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 1.7 m | 33% |
| M | 2 1/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 1.9 m | 35% |
| L | 2 3/8 yd | 1 5/8 yd | 2.2 m | 32% |
| XL | 2 5/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 2.4 m | 33% |
Why does fabric width change scrub top yardage?
Wider 60 inch fabric saves about 35 percent of the yardage for this scrub top, because pattern pieces can sit side by side instead of one after another. Standard widths are 44 to 45 inches for quilting and apparel cottons and 58 to 60 inches for knits, linens and many garment fabrics. See the fabric width chart for usable widths, and the fabric yardage chart if you want every project in this section on one page.
- Base: 2 x 28 in length plus sleeves and pockets. Not confirmed against a published chart.
Pattern envelope first
These are estimates for planning and shopping. The yardage printed on your pattern accounts for its exact pieces, view and size, and it always wins.
What needle and thread should you use for a scrub top?
A scrub top is usually cut from knit and poplin scrubs fabric, which sews cleanly with a ballpoint needle and 50 wt thread. Fit a fresh needle at the start of the project: needles last about 6 to 8 hours of stitching, and a dull one puckers seams on exactly the kind of long straight runs this project is full of.
Tools for cutting and sewing a scrub top
Juki HZL-G120 Computerized Sewing Machine
Under $1,000A box-feed garment machine that keeps layers of slippery or stretchy fabric moving evenly.
Check price
Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE Serger
Under $1,000A reliable serger for clean, professional seam finishes on garments.
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Oliso TG1600 Pro Plus Auto-Lift Steam Iron
Under $250Pressing as you sew is half of good garment sewing; this iron lifts itself off the fabric.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How much fabric do other garments need?
The 11 other garments we chart run from 7/8 yd to 3 1/4 yd of 45 inch fabric in their first charted size. One bolt often covers two projects, so it is worth checking the yardage for a pants before you cut.
| Project | Style | Size | 45 in | 60 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dress | Sleeveless, knee length | S | 2 1/4 yd | 1 3/4 yd |
| A-Line Skirt | Knee length | S | 1 1/4 yd | 1 yd |
| Circle Skirt | Full circle, knee length | S | 3 1/4 yd | 2 1/8 yd |
| Pants | Full length | S | 2 1/4 yd | 1 1/2 yd |
| Shorts | Mid-thigh | S | 1 yd | 3/4 yd |
| Button-Up Shirt | Long sleeve | S | 2 yd | 1 5/8 yd |
| T-Shirt | Short sleeve, knit | S | 1 3/4 yd | 1 3/8 yd |
| Jacket | Hip length, unlined | S | 2 1/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd |
| Coat | Knee length, unlined | S | 3 yd | 2 3/8 yd |
| Vest | Sleeveless, lined in self | S | 7/8 yd | 3/4 yd |
| Pajama Pants | Full length, loose | S | 2 1/2 yd | 2 1/8 yd |
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for a scrub top?
The v-neck, short sleeve version in size M needs about 2 1/8 yd of 45 inch fabric or 1 3/8 yd of 60 inch fabric. The tables on this page cover every size and variant in our chart. Pattern envelopes list exact yardage for each view and size, so use those figures when you have the pattern.
How do I calculate scrub top yardage myself?
Work out the cut size of each piece, divide the usable fabric width (about 42 in on 45 inch fabric) by the piece width to see how many fit across, then multiply the number of rows by the piece length and divide by 36 to get yards. Add seam allowances and hems before you measure, which the seam allowance calculator does for you, then round up to the next quarter yard.
Does 60 inch fabric save money on a scrub top?
Wider 60 inch fabric saves about 35 percent of the yardage for this scrub top, because pattern pieces can sit side by side instead of one after another. Compare the price per yard: wide fabric often costs more per yard, so a small yardage saving can still cost more overall. Knits are usually 58 to 60 inches wide already.
Can I use 60 inch fabric when the pattern lists 45 inch?
Usually yes, and you will need roughly a quarter less. Multiply the 45 inch yardage by about 0.75 as a starting point, then lay the pattern pieces out before cutting, because long pieces such as a full length skirt or a curtain drop are limited by length rather than width and save nothing. Napped and one-way prints also have to face the same direction whatever the width.
Should I buy extra fabric for a scrub top?
Yes, a little. Add about 10 percent, or at least 1/4 yard, for shrinkage when prewashing, straightening the grain and small cutting mistakes. Add more for plaids, stripes and large prints that need matching, and for napped fabrics like velvet and corduroy, where every piece must face the same direction.
How do I convert scrub top yardage to meters?
Multiply yards by 0.9144. For example, 2 1/8 yd is about 1.9 m, and 2 5/8 yd is about 2.4 m. Many fabric shops outside the US sell by the meter, so round up to the next 10 centimeters when ordering. The fabric yardage converter switches between yards, meters and inches for any width.
What makes a scrub top need more fabric?
Length, fullness and size matter most. Base: 2 x 28 in length plus sleeves and pockets. Not confirmed against a published chart. Sleeves, collars, facings, pockets and linings also add up quickly, and one-way prints can add a quarter yard or more.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
