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Short answer
A fabric spec sheet lists what the fabric is and how it performs: composition, usable width, weight in g/m², design, Martindale rubs, pattern repeats and colour fastness to light. Width and repeat decide how much fabric to order, rubs decide whether it suits seating, and light-fastness shows how well it resists fading.
What does a JOTEX specification show?
Every collection page on jotexfabrics.com has a Technical Detail tab with these fields, and its Download Brochure button gives the collection's brochure or a printable spec sheet.
| Field | What it tells you | Example: COMO |
|---|---|---|
| End use | What the fabric is made for: curtain, upholstery or multi-purpose | Curtain |
| Characteristics | Its type: blackout, dimout, sheer, velvet, jacquard… | Dimout |
| Composition | Fibres by weight | 100% polyester |
| Weight g/m² | Grams per square metre: body and drape | 280 |
| Usable width cm | The width you can actually cut | 320 |
| Design | Plain, texture, check, floral… | Plain |
| Martindale rubs | Resistance to abrasion | 20,000 |
| Repeats | Pattern repeat, vertical (V) and horizontal (H), in cm | None (plain) |
| Colour fastness | Resistance to fading in light, on the 1 to 8 Blue Wool scale | 4–5 |
Signed-in dealers also see their pricing.
How do width and repeat change the quantity?
- Usable width is what is left once the selvedges are allowed for. Extra-wide fabrics, around 280 to 330 cm, can be turned sideways so one piece covers a whole window with no joins. See Fabric Width Explained and Railroaded Fabric.
- Pattern repeat is the distance before a pattern starts again. Each drop or panel must start at the same point in the pattern, so a large vertical repeat adds fabric. See Pattern Repeat Explained.
- Plains have no repeat, so they waste the least fabric.
What does the weight tell you?
Weight is a guide to body, not to quality. Typical ranges in the JOTEX catalogue:
Which rub count and light-fastness do you need?
| Use | Martindale rubs | Light-fastness |
|---|---|---|
| Curtains | Not critical | 5 or higher for strong sun, or add a lining |
| Everyday sofas and dining chairs | 15,000 to 25,000 | Matters near windows |
| Family sofas, children or pets | 25,000 to 30,000 | Matters near windows |
| Commercial seating | 30,000 or more, or the project specification | As specified |
Most JOTEX curtain collections are rated 4 to 5 for light-fastness. In a window facing strong sun, a lining or a sheer layer helps protect them. See Martindale Rub Test Explained and Light-Fastness Explained.
What is not on the spec sheet?
- Care: follow the care label on the roll or ask JOTEX. See Fabric Care Symbols.
- Fire performance: if a project needs fire-retardant fabric, ask for the test certificate for that collection and check it against the project's standard. See Fire-Retardant Fabric.
- Dye batch: colours can vary slightly between batches, so order each job from one batch. See What Is a Dye Lot?.
- How it looks in your room: always check a sample in the actual light. See How to Compare Fabric Samples at Home.
Frequently asked questions
What is usable width?
The width of fabric you can actually cut and use, once the selvedges are allowed for.
What does g/m² mean on a fabric?
Grams per square metre: the fabric's weight. Heavier fabrics have more body; it is not a measure of quality on its own.
What do V and H mean in a pattern repeat?
V is the vertical repeat and H the horizontal repeat, in centimetres: how far the pattern runs before it starts again.
What Martindale rub count does a sofa need?
About 15,000 to 25,000 rubs for everyday home use, and 25,000 to 30,000 for family sofas with children or pets.
What does colour fastness 4–5 mean?
A rating on the 1 to 8 Blue Wool light-fastness scale, where 8 fades least. For curtains in strong sun, many specifiers look for 5 or higher.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.