Ripplefold Fullness Explained: 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120%
Ripplefold drapery relies on precise fullness to achieve consistent, architectural wave formation. Unlike traditional pleated panels, ripplefold uses carrier spacing and fabric distribution to create uniform S-curves across the track. Selecting the correct fullness percentage is critical for appearance, stackback, and performance.
What Does Fullness Mean in Ripplefold Drapery?
Ripplefold fullness is expressed as a percentage of fabric relative to the track width. A higher percentage means more fabric is distributed across the same span, resulting in deeper, more pronounced waves.
Because ripplefold systems use fixed carrier spacing, fullness directly affects wave depth and spacing consistency, it is not adjustable after fabrication.
60% Fullness
60% fullness produces a very shallow wave with a clean, architectural look. This option minimizes stackback and fabric usage but provides minimal depth.
- Appearance: Flat, subtle wave
- Best For: Sheers, modern commercial interiors
- Considerations: Reveals hardware and wall more easily
80% Fullness
80% fullness is a common commercial standard. It creates visible but restrained wave definition while maintaining efficient stackback and controlled fabric usage.
- Appearance: Soft, uniform waves
- Best For: Offices, hospitality, large spans
- Considerations: Balanced look without excess bulk
100% Fullness
100% fullness is the most widely specified option for residential and high-end commercial ripplefold installations. It produces well-defined, symmetrical waves with strong visual rhythm.
- Appearance: Full, consistent S-curves
- Best For: Residential projects and feature windows
- Considerations: Requires accurate carrier spacing
120% Fullness
120% fullness delivers a luxurious, deeply contoured wave pattern. It is used when visual impact is prioritized over stackback efficiency.
- Appearance: Deep, dramatic waves
- Best For: Statement windows, premium interiors
- Considerations: Increased fabric usage and stackback
Why Fullness Accuracy Matters
Ripplefold systems depend on fixed carrier spacing. If the fullness calculation is off, waves will appear uneven, compressed, or stretched. Unlike traditional pleats, ripplefold cannot be corrected during installation.
Professional workrooms rely on precise calculations to match fabric width, carrier count, and finished appearance.
How EZ Pleating Simplifies Ripplefold Fullness
Our EZ Pleating ripplefold calculator automatically calculates carrier spacing, fabric distribution, and finished panel dimensions based on the selected ripplefold fullness. This eliminates manual math, prevents spacing errors, and ensures consistent waves across every panel.
Instead of estimating fullness or relying on generic charts, workrooms can generate shop-ready layouts that align perfectly with ripplefold hardware specifications.
Summary
Ripplefold fullness selection directly controls wave depth, visual rhythm, and stackback. Whether specifying 60%, 80%, 100%, or 120% fullness, accuracy is essential. By using professional calculation tools and understanding how fullness behaves, you ensure ripplefold drapery that installs cleanly and performs exactly as designed.
