How many metres of fabric for a dupatta?

What the hems take off

The two cut ends have to be finished, and the finish uses a little length. A fine rolled or pico edge takes well under an inch (about 1 to 2 cm) in total. A folded, machine-stitched hem takes roughly 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) across both ends. So 2.5 metres of cloth gives a finished dupatta of about 2.45 to 2.48 metres, a difference nobody notices when it is worn.

The long edges are usually the selvedges, the woven edges of the cloth, which do not fray. They can be left as they are or finished to match the ends. If the fabric has to be cut narrower, the cut side needs a hem too and loses about half an inch (1 to 1.5 cm). If you plan to pre-wash cotton or viscose, add 5 to 10 cm for shrinkage.

Which fabric width to pick

Sheer dupatta fabrics such as chiffon, organza and net are sold in several widths, and the label does not always say which, so measure or ask. Fabric widths explained shows how to check. Each width gives a different dupatta:

• 36 inches (91 cm): a slim dupatta that is light to carry and easy to pin, close to a wide stole.
• 40 to 44 inches (100 to 112 cm): the familiar depth. It covers the chest when spread and pleats neatly on one shoulder.
• 54 to 60 inches (137 to 152 cm): generous, shawl-like coverage if used at full width. It can also be trimmed to 44 inches, or split down the middle to make two narrow stoles from one length.

Lace and borders are measured separately

Adding a border does not mean buying a longer dupatta; it means buying enough trim. Measure the edges it will cover and add a little for corners and joins. Ideas for edges are in dupatta finishing ideas. On outfits we stitch, lace and borders can be requested as part of the order: ask for it in your quote, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design. Our guide to lace and border work explains how that is planned.

• Both short ends only: twice the width. For a 44 inch dupatta that is about 2.25 m of lace, so buy 2.5 m.
• All four sides: twice the length plus twice the width. For 2.5 m by 44 inches that is about 7.25 m, so buy 7.5 m.
• A contrast fabric band on all four sides: roughly 0.5 to 1 m of 44 inch fabric cut into strips, depending on how wide the band is.
• Tassels or a heavy border on the ends: these add weight and a little length, so a slightly shorter cut can be sensible.

Sending dupatta fabric with an outfit

If you are buying a plain dupatta length to go with a suit we are stitching for you, match its weight to the outfit, check the colour in daylight and note the length and width. Include those figures and a photo in your Stitching Only quote request, and we confirm the fabric is suitable before anything is posted to us in Pakistan. The unstitched suit stitching page sets out the steps.

We do not sell fabric by itself. With Fabric + Stitching, though, a dupatta can be one of the pieces of the outfit, and the right length is then part of what we supply.