Understanding Pattern Repeats in Drapery Fabrics

Ensure perfect alignment and precise yardage every time

In professional drapery work, accuracy matters. Pattern repeats, the vertical or horizontal distance between identical design points, directly affect both your fabric requirements and final presentation. Whether you’re matching florals across pleats or aligning stripes across panels, accounting for repeats ensures a polished, consistent result.

1. What Is a Pattern Repeat?

A pattern repeat is the distance between identical motifs in a fabric’s design. It can run vertically, horizontally, or both.

• Vertical repeat: The distance between repeating motifs up and down the fabric roll.
• Horizontal repeat: The distance between motifs across the fabric width.

Pro Insight: Even a small pattern repeat can add several inches to your total yardage, especially on wide windows or multi-width panels.

2. Why Pattern Repeats Matter

Accurate repeat measurement prevents visual inconsistencies and wasted material. Overlooking repeats can lead to:

• Misaligned patterns between panels
• Extra fabric waste from mismatched cuts
• Uneven pleat spacing and motif placement

Professionals never “eyeball” repeats. They plan them into every calculation.

3. How to Measure a Pattern Repeat

1. Lay out the fabric flat and identify a clear motif or design element.
2. Measure from that point to where it appears again vertically (and horizontally if needed).
3. Record the distance in inches or centimeters — this is your repeat size.

4. Accounting for Pattern Repeats in Yardage

When ordering fabric for pleated or patterned drapery:

1. Calculate your base fabric need (without repeats).
2. Add one vertical repeat for every panel or cut length.
3. Round up to the nearest ¼ yard for safety.

Example: A 100" finished length with a 12" repeat → add 12" per panel → order 112" (or 3.25 yards) per panel.

5. How EZ Pleating Simplifies This

The EZ Pleating Calculators handle pattern repeats automatically. They:

• Factor in vertical pattern repeats
• Optimize cut placement to minimize waste
• Ensure perfect pattern alignment across pleats

Enter the repeat once and EZ Pleating applies it across every panel for consistent, professional results.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to include repeats when calculating total fabric
• Measuring only vertically when the pattern also repeats horizontally
• Ignoring how pleat spacing affects motif visibility
• Combining fabrics with different repeat sizes in one treatment

7. Summary