The vertical pattern repeat
is used to calculate how much fabric is needed for a project. If you
have used an on-line yardage calculator, when you are asked to enter the
pattern repeat, they mean the vertical
pattern repeat. Some fabric companies only give one repeat in their
specifications. It is always the vertical pattern repeat. That is
because you can't sell a project without knowing how much fabric is
required!
I like fabric companies that also
specify the "other repeat" -- the horizontal repeat. Although the
horizontal repeat is rarely used in yardage calculations, it is an
important consideration during fabrication. It comes into play when
determining placement of the motif in the window treatment. When making
inverted box pleat valances, I use the horizontal repeat two ways: 1)
to determine the width of the flat spaces, and 2) to determine how much
fabric to put in each pleat. This allows for the pattern motif to
continue across the entire valance.
Here is the finished valance. Working with the horizontal repeat adds subtle detail to the finished valance that is truly custom.
Notice how the Ikat diamond pattern continues through the pleat on this valance:
And on the return of this Quatrefoil pleated valance:
You
can't accommodate the horizontal repeat on every valance design.
Sometimes the window dimensions and pattern repeats just don't work
together. And sometimes the horizontal repeat is too small or too
busy. But there is always a way to make it custom. Here the pattern
was cut on the bias to highlight the inverted pleat.
Like
the "other white meat" and the "other woman", the horizontal repeat
will always play second string. But if you want a workroom that will focus on custom details like the "other repeat", contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com
