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Short answer
A good fabric specification names the exact collection and colourway, its composition, width, weight and rub count, the light control and fire standard required, and how it will be made up, cleaned and supplied. Ask for samples, cuttings for approval and test reports before ordering, and order the full quantity from one dye lot with spares.
What should a fabric specification include?
| Item | What to write | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Brand, collection and colourway code, e.g. JOTEX COMO, colour number | No ambiguity at ordering |
| Composition, weight, width | From the spec sheet; width direction: up the roll or railroaded | Quantity and make-up depend on it |
| Light control | Sheer, dimout, blackout or blackout lining, per room | Guest rooms and offices need different darkness |
| Durability | Martindale rubs for any upholstery use | Matches the fabric to the wear |
| Light-fastness | Minimum rating for sun-facing elevations | Avoids early fading |
| Fire performance | The named standard the project requires | Set by the project and local authority |
| Make-up | Heading, fullness, lining, hems, track | The finished look and quantity |
| Care | Laundering or cleaning method | Some methods affect fire treatments |
| Supply | Quantity, one dye lot, spares | Consistent colour across the project |
Which documents should you ask the supplier for?
- The specification sheet for each fabric.
- Test reports for any performance the project requires, such as fire, abrasion or antibacterial, to the named standard and for the exact fabric.
- Care and laundering instructions.
- A cutting for approval from the stock that will be supplied. See What Is a Dye Lot?.
How do you handle alternatives and substitutions?
Tenders often allow an "or equal" fabric. If you do, write down the performance it must match, such as width, weight range, rub count, light-fastness, fire standard and light control, so an alternative can be checked against facts rather than looks. Approve any substitute from a physical sample and its test reports before it is ordered.
How do you plan quantities and supply?
- Calculate from the make-up: track width times fullness, plus hems, heading and pattern repeat. See How to Measure for Curtains.
- Use extra-wide fabrics railroaded where you can, so curtains have no joins. See Railroaded Fabric.
- Agree spares with the client for repairs and replacements, from the same lot.
- Confirm stock and delivery with the supplier against the project programme before you specify.
What is a quick specification checklist?
- Collection and colourway code
- Composition, weight, usable width and direction
- Light control per room type
- Rub count for upholstery
- Minimum light-fastness for sunny elevations
- Fire standard and test report
- Heading, fullness, lining and track
- Care method and its effect on any finish
- Quantity, one dye lot, spares
See Hotel and Office Curtain Fabric and Fabric Finishes Explained.
Frequently asked questions
What should a curtain fabric specification include?
The product reference, composition, width, weight, rub count, light control, light-fastness, fire standard, make-up, care method and supply from one dye lot.
What does "or equal" mean in a fabric specification?
It allows an alternative fabric, but it should list the performance the alternative must match so it can be checked.
Which test reports should I ask for?
Reports for each performance the project requires, such as fire, abrasion or antibacterial, to the named standard and for the exact fabric.
How much spare fabric should a project order?
Agree it with the client, enough for likely repairs and replacements, ordered from the same dye lot as the main quantity.
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.