When I started sewing, I didn’t understand how much weight a single piece of fabric weighed. I often bought bolts of fabric, thinking I could make something friendly.
Then I realized that I couldn’t sew anything if I didn’t know how much material weighed. So I discovered that a fabric bolt weighs between 10 and 100 pounds. This means that buying a large amount of fabric can be expensive.
This article will examine how much fabric weighs and what you should consider before purchasing any materials.

How Much Does a Bolt of Fabric Weigh?
A bolt of fabric weighs about 4 pounds.
What is a Bolt of Fabric?
It is a standard unit of measure used by industries ranging from wood to canvas, usually measuring material stored in a roll.
Why is It Called a Bolt of Fabric?
It is called a bolt because it looks like a threaded pin or peg that screws into a nut and is used to fasten things together.
What Size is a Bolt of Fabric?

The length is usually either 30 or 100 yards but varies depending on the thickness and the type or rarity of the fabric.
Thicker fabrics will have less yardage per bolt than thinner ones because there is only so much fabric that can be wrapped around a bolt without it being bulky. And vice versa.
For example, a bolt of the canvas is traditionally 39 yards. However, generally speaking, one bolt represents a strip of cloth like cotton is 100 yards.
The size of the bolt depends on the type of fabric it contains. For example, cotton fabrics are usually sold in different sizes:
- 1/2 yard – 6 inches wide by 42 inches long
- 3 yards – 8 inches wide by 50 inches long
- 5 yards – 11 inches wide by 63 inches long
- 7 yards – 12 inches wide by 75 inches long
- 9 yards – 14 inches wide by 84 inches long
- etc.
How Wide is a Bolt of Fabric at Hobby Lobby?
The average bolt size at Hobby Lobby is approximately 8 yards.
How Wide Is a Bolt of Fabric at Walmart?

The standard width of an individual fabric bolt can vary between 35 inches and 108 inches. On average, bolts will fall between 40 and 60 inches long, with specialty fabrics ranging from the outer edges of the range.
How Many Yards Are in a Bolt of Tulle?
One bolt of tulle fabric is approximately 40 yards.
How Much Does a Yard of Fabric Weigh?
Medium-weight fabric usually weighs anywhere from 5.29-12 oz per square yard (roughly 150 to 340 GMS). GSM stands for grams per square meter, which refers to the weight of a fabric
What is a Yard of the Fabric Mean?
This is an old unit of measurement for measuring fabric. The name comes from the fact that a yard was originally 3 pecks (a peck is 16 ounces) of wheat. A yard is one-third of a meter (39 inches).
How Much Does 1 Yard of Cotton Fabric Weigh?
Cotton is about 9 to 12 oz. per square yard (roughly 255 to 340 GSM/grams per square meter).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of fabric weights?
There are a few different things to consider when looking at fabric weight: the type of fiber, the weave, and the thickness of the fabric.
- Fabric made with natural fibers like cotton or wool is typically heavier than synthetic fabrics like polyester or rayon.
- Fabric weight is also affected by the weave. A fabric with a tight weave will be heavier than a fabric with a loose weave.
- Finally, the thickness can also play a role in determining weight. A piece of thick fabric will be heavier than a thin piece of cloth.
There are a variety of fabric weights, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. Here is a breakdown of the most common weights:
- Lightweight fabrics are perfect for summer weather because they’re breathable and won’t make you too hot. However, they aren’t as durable as other fabrics and can easily be torn or stained.
- Medium-weight fabrics are perfect for all-year use because they’re not too heavy or light. They’re also more durable than lightweight fabrics, making them ideal for everyday wear.
- Heavy-weight fabrics are perfect for winter weather because they’re thick and provide warmth. However, they can be pretty constricting and challenging to move in.
How do you choose the correct weight of fabric for your project?
When it comes to choosing the correct weight of fabric for your project, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
- First, what is the purpose of the project? Is it something that needs to be durable and withstand a lot of wear and tear, or can it be more delicate?
- Second, what type of fabric are you working with? Some materials are heavier than others, so you’ll need to consider that.
- And finally, how much fabric do you need? You don’t want to end up with too little or too much.
These factors will help you choose the correct fabric weight for your project. And if you’re ever unsure, you can always ask a professional for help.
What factors should you consider when choosing the fabric weight for your project?
The weight of the fabric is essential for a few reasons.
- First, you must ensure that the fabric is appropriate for the project. For example, using a heavy material for a summer dress would not be wise.
- Second, you need to consider how the weight of the fabric will affect how the finished product looks. Heavier fabrics will often look more substantial and luxurious than lighter fabrics.
- Finally, it would be best to consider how easy the fabric is to work with. Some heavier materials can be challenging to sew and require more time and effort to get a good result.
How does the weight of fabric affect a project?
The weight of the fabric can affect a project in a few ways.
- First, it can make the finished project heavier or lighter, depending on what you’re making.
- Second, it can affect how the fabric behaves while you’re working with it. Heavier materials are more stable and don’t move around as much as lightweight fabrics, which can be a plus or minus depending on what you’re doing. Heavier fabrics are also more challenging to sew, so if you’re a beginner, it might be good to start with lightweight materials until you get the hang of things.
- Finally, heavyweight fabrics can be harder to press and may require more time and effort to achieve a neat finish.
Related Questions
How Much Does a Dress Weigh in Oz?
A dress weighs about 120 to 500 grams, depending on the material, length, and design. That is about 4 to 17 Oz.
What Does 200GSM Mean in Fabric?
GSM is a standard weight of the fabric. A 200 GSM fabric means that the weight of the fabric is 200 grams per square meter.
What is the Lightest Weight Fabric?
Cotton is the most popular lightweight fabric by a long shot. Voile is the lightest and sheerest cotton fabric I know of. It’s light, airy, and extremely drapey.
How Wide is a Bolt of Fleece Fabric?
One bolt of fleece is approximately 12 yards. It is 58/60″ inches wide and 100% polyester.