Fabric Repeats - Horizontal and Vertical
- Repeat:
- A pattern repeat is the measurement/distance between the starting point of a pattern and the point at which a pattern starts over again. This is measured both vertically and horizontally.
- Fabric Width
- Measurement of the fabric from selvage to selvage. Home decor fabrics are typically 54 inches wide. Crafting fabrics are 48 inches wide. There are exceptions to this.
- Horizontal Repeat
- The measurement of the pattern across the bolt. If the fabric is 54 inches wide, it will be the number of times it repeats within the 54 inches. A 27" repeat is 2x per width of fabric. 3x per width is 18" horizontal repeat.
- Vertical Repeat
- The vertical repeat is not limited like the horizontal repeat as the yards can keep going. Typically though it will not go beyond a yard - 36 inches.
- Stripes:
A striped pattern running up the bolt will not have a vertical repeat. For a two-tone, uniform stripe, the horizontal repeat divided by 2 will indicate the width of each stripe.- Pattern Direction
- Most patterns run "up the bolt". If the pattern is turned 90 degrees, it is considered a railroaded fabric.
- Railroaded Fabrics
- Railroading is done to facilitate upholstery of sofas and wide window projects like valances. You would not want a railroaded fabric for draperies.
