⚡ Quick Answer
- WOF stands for width of fabric, the measurement from selvage to selvage.
- Most quilting cotton is about 42"–44" wide, but patterns usually plan on about 40" of usable width.
- "Cut a 2½" × WOF strip" means cutting straight across the full width, from one selvage to the other.
- LOF means length of fabric: cuts that run parallel to the selvage.
If you've ever read a quilt pattern and got stuck at "cut 4 strips × WOF," you're not alone. WOF is one of the most common abbreviations in quilting, and once you know what it means, cutting instructions get a lot easier to follow.
▶️ Watch it done: What does WOF mean in quilting?
Key Takeaways
- ➤ WOF = width of fabric: Selvage to selvage, across the bolt.
- ➤ Plan on about 40": That's after you trim the selvages and square up.
- ➤ WOF strips: These are the base of most jelly roll and strip quilts.
- ➤ LOF is the opposite: It runs along the length, parallel to the selvage.
What Does WOF Mean?
WOF stands for width of fabric. It's the distance from one selvage (the tightly woven, finished edge) to the other. When fabric is cut from the bolt, the length varies with the amount you buy, but the width stays the same, so patterns use WOF as a standard cut.
How Wide Is the Width of Fabric?
| Fabric type | Typical width |
|---|---|
| Quilting cotton | 42"–44" (about 40" usable) |
| Wide backing | 108" |
| Precut strips (jelly roll) | 2½" × WOF |
💡 Pro Tip: Prewashing can take an inch or more off the width. If you need full 42" strips, measure your fabric before you cut.
How to Cut a WOF Strip
- Fold the fabric in half selvage to selvage, and let it hang until it lies flat with no ripples.
- Lay it on your cutting mat with the fold toward you and square up one raw edge with your ruler.
- Measure the strip width from that clean edge, then cut across from the fold to the selvage.
- Unfold it, and you have one strip × WOF.
WOF vs. LOF
WOF (width of fabric) cuts go across the fabric, selvage to selvage. LOF (length of fabric) cuts run parallel to the selvage, along the grain that has the least stretch. Patterns call for LOF when they need long pieces without seams, like borders.
More Quilting Terms to Know
Working with precuts? Read up on fat quarter size, or watch our original tutorial, Width of Fabric (WOF) - Quilting Terminology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WOF mean in a quilt pattern?
Width of fabric: cut across the fabric from selvage to selvage.
Is WOF 40 or 42 inches?
Most quilting cotton is 42"–44" on the bolt, but patterns usually assume about 40" usable after the selvages are trimmed.
What does 2½" × WOF mean?
Cut a strip 2½" wide across the full width of the fabric.
What is the difference between WOF and LOF?
WOF goes across the fabric, while LOF runs along the length, parallel to the selvage.
