01 / METHOD
How to use this calculator
- Sum all seam lengths in one product.
- Choose the closest stitch construction or enter a measured custom factor.
- Enter product quantity and a thread allowance for tails, breaks, setup, and variability.
- Confirm actual use by unraveling a sample seam or weighing thread in production.
02 / APPLICATION
Useful for
- Early purchase estimates
- Comparing stitch constructions
- Estimating cones for a production order
03 / BOUNDARIES
Assumptions and limitations
What the estimate assumes
- The factor is metres of thread consumed per metre of seam.
- All products use the entered average seam length.
What it does not model
- Factors are planning approximations; stitch density, seam thickness, tension, bite width, and machine setup change consumption.
- Different needle and looper threads may need separate estimates.
04 / NOTES
Frequently asked questions
Are the stitch factors exact?
No. They are useful starting factors. Sample the real seam for purchasing or production control.
Does the cone count cover each thread path?
It estimates total thread across all paths. Machines requiring separate needle or looper cones need allocation by path.