Lesson 1: Reading Vendor Fabric Labels
Vertical and Horizontal Repeat
Repeats refer to the measurement from a pattern point on a motif to the point where that same motif repeats again.
This is important information when yardage is being calculated, as different repeats will need different amounts of yardage for the same treatment. Take note if the vendor has listed the repeats in inches or centimeters. Use an inches-to-centimeters calculator you can find online to convert if needed.
Straight match
This is a straight match where the repeats can be matched up straight across the width.
Drop Match
This is a drop match where the pattern moves down ½ of a repeat to make the pattern match. This is important to know when calculating fabric as it will require ½ of a repeat added to each cut length. It is critical for designers to relay this information to a workroom that is calculating project yardage using a drop match fabric.
