Allowance
Deduction made from actual measurements taken.

 

Examples:
Width —on wall-to-wall treatments rod width needs to be made narrower than actual width so it will fit. If the rods are being mounted into the roof board of a cornice, additional deductions need to be made to allow for the thickness of the cornice return.
Length —deductions need to be made from the actual length measurement so that drape/treatment does not hit the floor. If the rods are being mounted into the roofboard of a cornice, additional deductions need to be made to allow for the thickness of the cornice roofboard.

 

Cut Length
The length at which the workroom cuts fabric for product fabrication.
The cut length is determined by the finished length + required amount for hems, stitching etc. Also to be figured into the cut length is the pattern repeat if applicable. 

Standard Allowances to add to calculate cut length:

• Drape Fabric—16” for hem & heading
• Lining Fabric—10” for hem & heading
• Cornices Face—6” (includes top welt)

Fullness
How much fabric to be used in the finished drape as a percentage or multiple of the sum of window width + overlap + returns.
Fullness is usually specified in two ways, in whole numbers as 2 times fullness or in percentages as 200% fullness. Both examples mean the window width + overlap & returns x 2.

Standard Fullness on commercial jobs:

• Overdrape—2x or 200% fullness
• Sheers—2 1/2x or 250% fullness
• Blackout Liners—2x or 200% fullness

IB Width
Actual inside measurement of window/opening.
Would require ceiling style brackets, track, etc. Width and length allowances must be made from these measurements prior to fabrication so treatment will fit. On blind and shade orders, order as “IB” and the factory will make allowances.

 

OB Width
Outside measurements of window/opening.
Would require wall mount brackets, track, etc. Width or height allowances may be required depending upon treatment. For example, width allowances would have to be made if the treatment was wall to wall. If length measurement is tight to floor, HVAC, etc., allowance would have to be made for that as well.

 

Overlap
Lead edge of drape.  
Usually 6” on center opening and 3” on one-way draw.

 

Repeat
The size of printed pattern of fabric.
Needs to be taken into account when calculating yardages.  Fabrics can have both vertical and horizontal repeats.

 

Railroad
Turning fabric to run in opposite direction of how it is printed/comes off of roll.
The main purpose of railroading fabric is to eliminate seams.  It can also reduce yardage required in fabrication.  Generally there is not a problem railroading a solid fabric or a small all over print fabric.  Problems can arise when dealing with a large print or a stripe pattern that usually has a specific pattern direction.  It can alter the intended look of the pattern, and also be a problem if the same fabric is being used for other items which do not have the fabric railroaded.  BE CAREFUL!

 

Tight Length
Actual length of window/area.
No allowances/clearance deductions have been made for cornice roofboard, carpet, etc.

 

Working Allowance
Industry standards add extra fabric to actual (exact) required yardage to allow for damages, end of roll (if working with multiple pieces), etc.  
Always calculate 5% extra.

 

Return
The side of drape that wraps around side of rod to wall.
Usually 3” each side on single treatments. 6” each side on double treatments and 9” each side on triple treatments.

 

Rod Width
Face width of rod in inches.
This is the width area that the drape will cover. It can be just over the window opening or may be extended beyond the window onto the wall depending upon specifications.