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Short answer
A dye lot, or batch, is fabric dyed or produced in one run. Colour can shift slightly between lots because of the dye, yarn, water and machine conditions, so the same colourway may look a shade different from one order to the next. Order everything for one room or project at once, from one lot, with a little spare.
Why do dye lots differ?
Each production run uses its own batch of yarn and dye, and small changes in temperature, water and finishing affect the final shade. Suppliers work to keep lots close, but a small difference between lots is normal across the textile trade.
- Plains and dark colours show a difference most clearly.
- Textures and patterns hide small shifts better.
- Printed fabrics can also vary slightly in where the print sits.
Where does a dye-lot difference show most?
- Curtain panels hanging side by side on one track.
- A sofa's seat cushions next to its back and arms.
- A repeat order months later, to add a window or replace one curtain.
- Comparing new stock with a sample book, which was made from an earlier lot. See How to Read a Fabric Sample Book.
How do you avoid mismatched lots?
- Order the whole job at once, for every window or piece of furniture in the same room, plus a little spare for repairs and cushions.
- Ask your dealer to supply it from one lot. If the stock on hand spans two lots, ask before it is cut.
- For a repeat order, send a cutting of the original fabric and ask for a cutting of the current stock, often called a cutting for approval (CFA), before ordering.
- Compare in daylight, side by side, on the face of the fabric.
- Keep a labelled offcut of every fabric you use. See How to Store Curtains and Spare Fabric.
What if the new lot does not match?
- Use the new lot in a different room, or on a window that is not seen next to the old curtains.
- Replace both curtains on a window, not just one, so each pair is from one lot.
- On furniture, keep each piece in one lot rather than mixing lots on one sofa.
Tip
Check fabric as soon as it arrives, before it is cut or made up. A concern raised before cutting is much easier to sort out than one raised after.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dye lot?
Fabric dyed or produced in one run. Each lot has its own lot or batch number.
Why doesn't my new curtain match the old one?
It is probably from a different dye lot, and old curtains may also have faded. Compare a cutting of current stock before ordering.
What is a cutting for approval?
A small piece cut from the actual stock that will be supplied, sent so you can approve the colour before ordering.
Can you mix dye lots in one room?
It is best not to. If you must, keep each lot to separate windows or pieces rather than side by side.
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.