Ripplefold Curtains Explained
Ripplefold drapery has become a leading choice in hospitality, commercial, and contemporary residential design. Its uniform wave, smooth operation, and hardware-driven consistency give it a polished, engineered look that traditional pleated treatments can’t replicate. But ripplefold also requires precise calculations, hardware matching, and exact fabrication methods to achieve a perfect result.
This guide breaks down everything professionals need to know—fullness, carrier spacing, snap tape, panel width formulas, stack-back, and workroom best practices.
What Makes Ripplefold Different?
Ripplefold is not a pleated system. The folds are created by attaching snap tape to evenly spaced carriers on the track, which forces the fabric to fall into precise repeating waves. Because the hardware, not the fabric, creates the shape, ripplefold panels remain consistent from end to end.
- Clean, modern aesthetic with soft, even waves
- Folds maintain shape regardless of fabric thickness
- Ideal for long tracks and commercial spaces
- Smoother operation than many pleated systems
Ripplefold Fullness Options
Fullness is defined by the relationship between carrier spacing and snap spacing on the tape. The most commonly used ripplefold fullness ratios are:
- 60%– Tight wave, minimal projection
- 80% – Standard fullness for most projects
- 100% – Deep, defined wave
- 120% – Maximum fullness and visual depth
Higher fullness increases stack-back and fabric requirements, so always confirm the desired effect early in the specification process.
Carrier Spacing and Snap Tape
The core of ripplefold performance comes from the precise distance between carriers in the track. Snap tape must match the hardware spacing exactly. If the tape spacing and carrier spacing don’t align perfectly, the waves will distort and the panel will not traverse smoothly.
How to Calculate Ripplefold Panel Width
Unlike pleated drapery, ripplefold width comes directly from the hardware. Panel width is determined by the required number of carriers and the chosen fullness ratio, not by pleat take-up.
Professionals must account for:
- Track width
- Fullness ratio
- Carrier spacing
- Snap spacing
- Return and overlap snaps
- Stack-back requirements
These calculations can be tedious and error-prone when done manually. EZ Pleating fully automates ripplefold calculations—snap count, panel width, and perfect spacing are generated instantly.
Common Workroom Challenges
- Mismatched snap tape and carrier spacing
- Incorrect snap count for the chosen fullness
- Improper or missing return/overlap snaps
- Panels fabricated to face width instead of hardware width
- Underestimating stack-back on motorized or long tracks
Workroom Tips for Best Results
- Always confirm the client's exact track model and spacing.
- Select snap tape rated for commercial laundering when needed.
- Reinforce the heading for long spans to prevent sagging.
- Use accurate calculation tools to avoid snap and spacing errors.
Summary
Ripplefold systems deliver a highly consistent, modern, and architecturally clean appearance, but only when spacing, fullness, and snap layout are calculated precisely. Understanding the hardware and matching it correctly to the workroom method is critical for flawless installation and client satisfaction.
EZ Pleating eliminates the guesswork by calculating snap count, carrier alignment, return/overlap, and panel width with total accuracy—ideal for high-volume workrooms and designers focused on precision.
