Give the actual piece a stable identifier
Lay the remnant flat without pulling it into a larger shape. Use one unit and identify the piece, such as FAB-01. Record the measurement date, storage location and a reference photo. A label saying “half a metre” does not describe the width or the missing corner.
Measure the outer extent, then identify usable continuous regions separately. Mark holes, stains, fraying and uncertain edges on a sketch. An estimated dimension should remain labeled estimated until checked. Do not turn a remembered purchase length into a current measurement after cutting.
BurdaStyle’s fabric-preparation example distinguishes grain from print alignment. We use only that distinction here, not its treatment instructions for every fabric. Record direction when known and mark unknown when it cannot be established; do not guess from a decorative stripe alone.
Worked remnant: area subtraction is not a fit test
Fictional FAB-01 has an outer rectangle 60 cm long by 40 cm wide, with a 20 by 15 cm corner absent. If these are exact rectangles, outer area is 2,400 cm², absent area is 300 cm² and material area is 2,100 cm². That arithmetic does not mean a 2,100 cm² pattern will fit.
| Record | Value | Meaning | Cannot establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer extent | 60 × 40 cm | Bounding rectangle | Continuous cloth everywhere |
| Missing corner | 20 × 15 cm | 300 cm² absent in this example | Safe cutting position |
| Material area | 2,100 cm² | Rectangle subtraction only | Pattern fit or usable yield |
| Checked region | 40 × 40 cm, if measured clear | One continuous region | Every required piece fits |
A 50 by 35 cm rectangular pattern template can have less area than the remnant yet fail because the missing corner interrupts its required placement. Test the actual template on the cloth instead of approving a project from the area total. Record orientation and the region used for the test.
The example’s 40 by 40 cm region must be measured on the actual piece; do not assume it exists on a differently located cutout. A rough outline supports retrieval, but a full-size placement check resolves the project question.
Check the full-size pattern before reserving stock
Read the chosen pattern’s requirements: cut-on-fold instructions, grainline, directional print and whether allowances are already included. Use the full piece that must be cut, not an unfinished seam outline. Do not add an allowance twice or silently omit one.
For a printable pattern, Seamwork’s printing instructions say to print at 100% and measure the test square. Use the actual pattern publisher’s instructions for your pattern. An unchecked print scale can make a promising remnant appear to fit when the required piece is larger.
Keep distinct statuses: measured, possible candidate, placement checked and cut. If the pattern cannot fit within the allowed orientation, do not rotate it merely to make the inventory say yes. Record the constraint and look for another project or piece.
CraftCue can hold the record, not infer the geometry
CraftCue’s current listing includes supply photos, quantities, locations, notes, custom fields/categories and project links. Premium lists unlimited inventory/projects/wishlist and higher Quick Add limits. Its description does not enumerate every allowance.
We publish CraftCue. Store dimensions and uncertainty in appropriate notes or custom fields and retain the physical label. The current listing does not establish automatic remnant-shape measurement, grain detection, pattern nesting or guaranteed project yield.
Quick Add text parsing is described as on-device; optional third-party AI drafts are a separate consented feature. Review suggestions before saving. This CSV is independent of the app, not a promised import. Use the parent for a general supply inventory and this sheet for the geometry of one physical remnant.
If the method fits your task, explore CraftCue’s listed features on an iPhone. Check current features and plans before downloading.
See CraftCue for iOSDownload the free worksheet
Use the CSV in Numbers, Excel or a spreadsheet editor. One fictional geometric example and a blank row; no automatic measurement or cutting guarantee. Replace them with your own observations. The CSV is separate from the app and no email is required.
Questions answered
Can I record only square centimetres?
Area helps describe quantity, but it does not replace shape, dimensions and an actual fit check.
Can I turn the pattern to make it fit?
Only within that pattern’s actual grain, print and other requirements; do not assume rotation is allowed.
Does CraftCue measure the fabric photo?
No automatic geometric measurement or pattern-fit guarantee is established by the current listing.
Continue with CraftCue on iOS
Use the App Store listing to check compatibility, privacy information and current plan terms. A free download may offer paid features.
Download CraftCue for iOSSources and product details
- BurdaStyle: Fabric preparation and grainPrimary maker example; grain/print distinction only, read October 18, 2026.
- Seamwork: Print PDF patternsPattern scale/test-square guidance read October 18, 2026.
- CraftCue on the App StoreCurrent US App Store product description; checked October 18, 2026.
Editorial method: primary guidance, a current Apple listing, an original worked example and an independent critique. No search ranking, install or outcome result is claimed.