How Many Yards of Headliner Fabric Do I Need? And How To Measure It?

Estimating the yardage for headliner fabric depends on the size of your car. A good rule of thumb is to allow one yard of fabric for every two square feet of surface area.

For example, if your car has a headliner that measures 10 square feet, you’ll need five yards of fabric. It’s always better to err on the side of too much rather than too little, so if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to buy an extra yard or two to be safe.

You can always use the leftover fabric for another project! To measure your car for headliner fabric, you’ll need a tape measure and a helper. Multiply the length and width of your car’s ceiling to get the total square footage, then divide by 36 to convert it to yards. For example, if your car’s ceiling is 60 inches long and 30 inches wide, your total square footage would be 60 x 30, or 1,800 square inches, which means you need 1.8 yards of fabric.

Here are some additional tips related to headliner fabric:

  • 1 yard equals 36 inches, and standard headliner material comes in 60-inch widths, so you may need 2 to 3 yards of material depending on the size of your car.
  • 3 yards of fabric will be sufficient to reupholster the headliner, both A and C pillars, with a bit left over.
  • When ordering headliner fabric, measure your vehicle headliner from front to back, then add 6 inches. If the roof of your vehicle has a raised area, you may want to add another 6 inches or so. Likewise, if you want to recover your sun visors, you will want to order extra material.

You’re probably wondering how much headliner fabric you need for your car. It can be tricky to determine the right amount but don’t worry; we’re here to help!

So, how many yards of headliner fabric do you need? The amount of headliner fabric you need will depend on the size of your car.

headliner fabric

This blog post will discuss the factors that play into how much headliner fabric you need. We’ll also provide tips on measuring your car correctly to get the perfect fit.

Headliner Fabric and Why Do You Need to Replace It

A headliner is the fabric panel that forms the ceiling of your car. It’s there to provide a finished look and to keep out unwanted noise and light.

Over time, headliners can become saggy or stained; when that happens, it’s time for a new one!

How Many Yards of Headliner Fabric Do I Need?

measuring fabric
Measuring fabric. Credit: canva

A good rule of thumb is to allow one yard of fabric for every two square feet of surface area. So, if your car has a headliner that measures 10 square feet, you’ll need five yards of fabric.

Of course, it’s always better to err on the side of too much rather than too little, so if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to buy an extra yard or two to be safe. You can always use the leftover fabric for another project!

How Do I Measure My Car For Headliner Fabric?

Can I use regular fabric for headliner?
Photo by Arteum.ro on Unsplash

Measuring your car for headliner fabric is easy! To do this, you’ll need a tape measure and a helper.

Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Start by measuring the length of the headliner from front to back. Be sure to measure at the widest point; don’t forget those pesky sun visors! Write down this number in inches. 
  2. Next, measure the width of the headliner from left to right. Again, be sure to measure at the widest point. Write down this number in inches. 
  3. Multiply these two numbers to get your headliner’s total square footage. This is the number you’ll use to determine how much fabric you need (remember: one yard of fabric for every two square feet). 

Another way to convert this to yards is to divide by 36 (there are 36 inches in a yard).

For example, if your car’s ceiling is 60 inches long and 30 inches wide, your total square footage would be 60 x 30, or 1,800 square inches. This means you need 1.8 yards of headliner fabric to cover your car’s ceiling. 

Tips:

  • Remember that headliner fabrics are usually sold in whole yards only, so you may need to round up when making your purchase.
  • Some believe that to determine the size you need, measure your vehicle headliner from front to back, then add 6 inches.
  • In addition, it’s always a good idea to buy an extra yard or two just in case you make a mistake during installation or if you want to use some of the fabric for another project (like covering speakers or making sun visors).
  • Finally, remember that different fabrics have different widths, so be sure to check the listing before making your purchase! 

Choose the Style

car headliner detailing
Credit: canva

Headliner fabrics come in various colors and textures, so take some time to browse and see what catches your eye.

If you’re looking for something classic and understated, opt for a neutral tone like black or gray. If you want something fun and fun, go for a bright color or patterned fabric. The sky’s the limit!

FAQs

Can I use any fabric for headliner?

You can use any fabric for a headliner, but some materials are better than others.

For example, if you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting headliner, you should choose a fabric resistant to fading, staining, and tearing. Polyester is a good choice for this type of fabric, as it’s both strong and moisture-resistant.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious or stylish look, you might consider using a suede or leather fabric. These fabrics are soft and comfortable and add a touch of elegance to your vehicle’s interior. However, they may not be as durable as other types of materials.

What is the best headliner adhesive?

There are a lot of great headliner adhesives on the market, but my favorite is the 3M Super 77.

It’s incredibly strong and will hold up under even the most extreme conditions. I always keep a tube in my toolbox for any DIY repairs that might come up.

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