How to check you have enough fabric before posting it

Measuring each piece properly

A tape measure and a clear floor are all you need. Smooth each piece out without stretching it, because cotton and lawn can gain a little length if pulled.

• Length: measure along the selvedge, the woven edge that does not fray, from end to end.
• Width: measure straight across, edge to edge. Our fabric widths guide explains why a narrow width can matter as much as a short length.
• Pre-cut pieces: some packs come with the front, back and sleeves already separated. Measure each one at its longest and widest points.
• Borders and motifs: measure the length of each border strip and the size of any neckline motif.

Things that use more fabric than you think

Two pieces of fabric with the same measurements can produce very different outfits. These are the usual reasons fabric that looked ample turns out to be tight.

• One-way designs: prints that only look right one way up, and pile fabrics such as velvet, mean every piece is cut in the same direction. The velvet guide explains why.
• Large repeats and placement prints: matching a big motif across seams, or centring it on the front, leaves offcuts that cannot be reused.
• Flare: an A-line kameez, a kalidar or wide palazzos need far more width than a straight cut.
• Length and sleeves: a calf-length kameez with full sleeves uses noticeably more than a hip-length kurta with elbow sleeves.
• Your measurements: a fuller bust or hip, or a taller frame, needs more fabric for the same design. That is normal, and it is why your measurements go in with the photos.

Look for flaws while it is laid out

While the fabric is spread out, look along it in daylight for anything that would have to be cut around: a dye spot, a printing fault, a pulled thread or a small hole. Each flaw takes a little usable fabric away, so photograph it with a tape measure beside it for scale and mention it in your notes.

Check that the pieces match each other in colour as well; now and then a trouser piece comes from a slightly different dye batch. Our guide to judging the quality of an unstitched suit has more on what to look for.

What we confirm before you post

Send everything on the Stitching Only quote form: photos of each piece flat, the measurements you took, the label if there is one, your body measurements and the design you want. We confirm that the fabric is suitable, that there is enough for your design and measurements, and how to send it. Only then do you post anything to us in Pakistan.

If there is not quite enough, there are usually good options: a slightly shorter kameez, a different sleeve, or a contrast fabric for the sleeves or trousers. Our article on what to do if your suit is short of fabric runs through them, and the choosing fabric page covers suitability in general.

The same checks from any country

Nothing about this changes with where you live. Our Stitching Only page for Germany and for the Netherlands, for example, add local details such as the quote currency, and the unstitched suit stitching service page covers the general steps from photos to delivery.