Definition
Waste allowance
The extra material bought on top of the calculated requirement, to cover cutting mistakes, defects, pattern matching, dye lot differences and simple bad luck.
Typical allowances run from 5 to 10 percent for a simple project in a forgiving material, up to 20 percent or more for a complex layout, a patterned fabric, or a project where running short means an expensive second order. Waste is cheaper than a second delivery.
Tools that use this term
Material Waste Calculator
How much extra material to buy for a waste percentage, and what that waste actually costs you.
Fabric Calculator
Work out how much fabric to buy for a project from its finished size, the seam allowance you are cutting and the width of the bolt you are buying.
Yarn Calculator
Work out how much yarn a project needs from its finished size, your stitch gauge and the yarn weight you plan to use.
Resin Material Waste Calculator
Work out how much extra resin to mix for a waste percentage, what the waste costs, and the size of mixing cup you need.