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The Daily Insight

How many yards of fabric do I need for a shower curtain?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published May 16, 2026

How many yards of fabric do I need for a shower curtain?

In most prints or solid colors, a shower curtain will take 5 yards of 45”- or 54”-wide fabric pieced together to make the needed width. If the print has a large repeat, more fabric will be needed to match the design, so check the repeat distance before purchasing yardage.

Is a 72 x 72 shower curtain standard?

Standard (72″ x 72″) Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner Standard sized, it measures 70 inches wide by 72 inches tall (180 cm x 183 cm) to fit most showers and bath tubs.

How many holes are in a 72 inch shower curtain?

Standard shower curtains are 72” square with twelve grommets or buttonholes across the top to correspond to the hook placement in the accompanying vinyl liner. Measure your tub or shower to be sure this size works for you and adjust as needed to fit.

What are the measurements of an average shower curtain?

The standard shower curtain size is 72 x 72 inches. Standard shower curtain length extends to the floor and covers the tub. Of course, if you have a custom shower, standard curtain panel sizes may not be the right fit for your shower.

What is the best fabric to use for a shower curtain?

While they can be more expensive, cotton is generally a good choice for your shower curtain. Cotton curtains can be the most durable and are also the easiest to wash, but must be done each month. Due to their fabric and look, cotton shower curtains can a more luxurious feel to your bathroom.

Does a shower curtain go inside or outside the tub?

When hung and used properly, a shower curtain liner can do a great job keeping water where it is supposed to be. Always make sure the liner is inside of the tub basin when showering, even though the curtain is outside.

What is the standard curtain size?

Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. “Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings.

Should you keep shower curtain open or closed?

A shower curtain should be closed when not in use. Once you leave it open, mold and mildew can develop inside the folds. This is because an open shower curtain folds on itself which makes causes the water to get trapped between the plastic and makes it hard to dry. This can eventually cause mold to grow.

How big of a fabric do you need for a shower curtain?

To make a shower curtain, you will need to select a fabric that is at least 40 inches wide. Since no width of fabric is large enough to cover the entire area needed for a shower curtain, a lengthwise seam in the center of the shower curtain will be necessary.

How to calculate how much fabric to sew panel curtains?

Use this formula to calculate the amount of fabric you’ll need so the fabric is wide enough to create each panel: Finished length + Header (facing) to the bottom of the rod + 1 inch to turn under 1/2 inch at each end of panel + Hem (allow 2 to 3 inches, depending on the weight of fabric) = Total fabric needed

How much fabric do I need to make rail curtains?

For this fabric you’ll need (2) fabric drops to give (2.7) times fullness of your rail width. Finished length (in cm) Total of Hems (in cm) Total hem size is (25 cms) Based on the sizes you entered, you would need (3) metres of fabric.

How much gather should be in a curtain curtain?

Amount of gather in the finished curtain. 1.5 times fullness is good for thicker fabrics, 2 times fullness is average for draperies, and sheers generally have 3 times fullness. Close 1.251.522.53 multiplier Vertical Repeat(?) The vertical repeat of a patterned fabric. Enter “0” if the fabric does not have a pattern. Decimals are permitted. Close

What material is best for shower curtains?

Natural materials are the most non toxic option for a shower curtain. Natural materials include cotton, linen and hemp (also organic cotton, linen, and hemp). Cotton and linen still require a shower curtain liner to prevent mold or water going through a shower curtain.

What is the length of a standard shower curtain?

When it comes to shower curtains, there are three standard sizes. Most shower curtains are sized to fit the average bathtub, which is sixty inches (154 cm) long. Standard shower curtains can be either; 70×70 inches. 70×72 inches. 72×72 inches.

How long do shower curtains last?

Closing the curtain between showers allows it to dry, avoiding the growth of mold, bacteria and fungus. Wash your cloth curtain monthly in hot water with bleach to kill any mold and to remove stains. With care, your curtain should last a year or more.