By: Andrea Schuch
This is one of the most common questions we get: How do I know which way it comes off the bolt and how do I know if that will work for what I need it for? This is a tricky question. The answer is very simple but it involves looking at the fabric a different way than it is sampled and I think that's what throws designers off. This is especially hard to get a grasp on if you're new in the business or if you're trying to explain to a client. Let's start with an example, Robert Allen's Pizazz, shown here in color Mushroom. The picture to the right is showing the fabric the way it's sampled - as a vertical stripe. When you look at the back of the fabric tag, it will tell you that this fabric is railroaded. So what does that mean for your design? It means we can only have a 54" long stripe. 
This pattern comes off the bolt as shown to the left. Due to the orientation, this particular stripe is meant for upholstery - even though it's a lighter weight fabric. If you used this on a drapery, you would either have a horizontal stripe on your panels (which could be cool and funky) or you will have very short (54" tall) panels (which might work but probably not). 
Another example is the Duralee pattern (14737-20) shown to the right as it is sampled on our hanging rack sample in the showroom. This pattern is actually shown railroaded here which means you will need to rotate it 90 degrees to see the way it will come off the bolt. Since you can see this pattern looks like it has a vertical orientation as it is hung on the rack, this might work for you if you want to have it turned to use on a sofa or a large piece of upholstery, see picture below. You definitely want to pay attention to patterns like this because you may want the textured stripe to run horizontal on a sofa back which might not be possible due to the cut sizes needed.
Is there a fabric that you are using that you have some questions about? Let us know and maybe I can help you demystify the railroading issue!
2 comments:
When asked by her workroom if the fabric could be railroaded, the new designer said, "Oh, no, UPS is fine".
Railroading can be confusing, but one clue is to divide the repeats into the stated fabric width and see which divides equally into the width (usually 54"). Further, you can check mfr websites for photos of repeats.
Figuring drop match repeats is another mind-bender. Think of a valance with sections and the client wants alternating motifs of certain color birds, and the birds had to be facing specific directions. Being able to print multiple photos of the full repeat, and doing a paper cut & paste mockup is helpful in determining your cuts.
Great article, Andrea. Happy spring!
thank you Andrea, for the educational post! After 23 years in this business, I still can get confused about it, but your drawings make it crystal clear. Thanks to Patricia for the tip on drop matches; I have never figured that one out.
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