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Short answer
A pattern repeat is the distance before a fabric's design starts again: the vertical repeat runs down the roll and the horizontal repeat across it. Patterned curtains need extra fabric so every drop starts at the same point in the design. Round each cut length up to a whole number of vertical repeats, and allow more for large repeats and half-drop patterns.
What do V and H repeat mean?
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vertical repeat (V) | Distance down the roll before the design repeats |
| Horizontal repeat (H) | Distance across the roll before the design repeats |
| Straight match | The design lines up straight across neighbouring widths |
| Half-drop match | The design on the next width sits half a repeat lower, so it needs more fabric |
| Plain or random | No repeat to match; no extra needed |
On each JOTEX collection page, the Technical tab lists the vertical (V) and horizontal (H) repeat in centimetres where a design has one.
How much extra fabric do patterns need?
Every drop must start at the same point in the pattern, so each cut length is rounded up to a whole number of vertical repeats.
Example: a curtain needs a cut length of 2.9 m and the fabric has a 64 cm vertical repeat. 2.9 m is about 4.5 repeats, so round up to 5 repeats, or 3.2 m per drop. Across five drops, that is 1.5 m more than a plain fabric.
- Small repeats (under about 30 cm) add little.
- Large repeats (60 cm or more) can add a metre or more across several widths.
- Half-drop matches usually need extra on top of that.
- Upholstery: motifs are centred on cushions, seats and backs, so patterned sofas often need 10 to 20% more fabric. See How Much Fabric to Reupholster.
Good to know
These are approximations. Allowances vary by workroom, so let your curtain maker or upholsterer confirm the quantity before you order.
Does extra-wide fabric avoid pattern matching?
Often, yes. An extra-wide fabric turned sideways (railroaded) can make a whole curtain from one length with no vertical joins to match. But the pattern turns sideways too, so it only works for designs that look right that way. See Railroaded Fabric Explained.
Where should the pattern sit?
- Curtains: place a full motif just below the heading, and keep it at the same height on every curtain in the room.
- Hems: a cut-off motif at the hem is less noticeable than at the top.
- Sofas and chairs: centre motifs on seat cushions and backs.
- Stripes and checks: match across joins and between pairs. See Check, Stripe and Plaid Curtains.
Frequently asked questions
What does pattern repeat mean?
The distance before a fabric's design repeats: vertical down the roll and horizontal across it.
How much extra fabric do I need for a patterned curtain?
Round each cut length up to a whole number of vertical repeats. A large repeat can add a metre or more across several widths.
What is a half-drop pattern?
A design where each neighbouring width is offset by half a repeat, so matching it needs more fabric.
Where can I find a fabric's repeat?
On the specification. On JOTEX collection pages, the Technical tab lists V and H repeats in centimetres.
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.