If they're asking how much fabric is needed to COVER a certain area, it means they're asking the surface area. To calculate surface area of a cylinder use this formula:
A = 2πrh + 2πr^2
A = 2π(15.1)(12.8) + 2π(15.1)^2
Therefore, the surface area is 2647.04, and you need 2647.04 inches of fabric to cover the cylinder. Hope this helps! :)
~Ash
