Lesson 1: Reading Vendor Fabric Labels
Fabric width refers to the measurement of the fabric from selvage to selvage. This information is critical to calculating yardage requirements for a project. Depending on where the fabric is from, it may be listed in inches or centimeters.
The listing may include the full width of the fabric and the usable width. Usable width refers to the patterned part of the fabric; the unusable selvages may be part of the total width.
Here is an example of a fabric with a width of 53.5" and a usable width of 52.75". It also informs you there is a 10.5" border on one side. So if you want to cut off the border you would only have 42.25" of usable width of the main pattern.
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, measured horizontally or vertically.
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 more yards.
