| How to use this book |
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| The Fabric Quantity Handbook – imperial,
page 6 & 7 © Copyright Merrick & Day |
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| How to use this book
This book is designed to make the task of estimating fabric quantities for curtains, accessories and trims easier and more accurate. The tables have been formulated as the result of our experience making bespoke soft furnishings. However, when estimating for specific designs, the quantities given may need to be adapted and so should only be used as a guide. Allowances The fabric quantity calculations take into account seam and side turning allowances. Standard allowances for gathered curtain overlaps and curtain and valance return measurements have been deducted to give the track or pole and pelmet board or valance rail sizes. The measurements have been rounded to the nearest inch and assume a pair of drapes/curtains. The drapes/curtain, valance and Austrian shade/blind tables have been calculated on three different fullness ratios - 2, 2 1/4 and 2 1/2. Choose the most suitable fullness ratio for the type of heading to be used. The calculations are based on the following allowances: 1 in seam allowances 2 1/2in for each side turning 2 x 3in overlaps for curtains (3in for actual overlap and 3in for ease) 2 x 3in returns for curtains 2 x 6in returns for valances and pelmets 2 x 4in returns for Austrian blinds The heading and hem allowances are given at the top of the tables where appropriate. Increase or decrease these allowances as required. Plain and Patterned Fabrics All quantities given are for plain fabrics. These can also be used for plain lining and interlining quantities. For patterned fabrics the cut drop needs to be adjusted to match the pattern at the seams. To do this, divide the cut drop by the length of the pattern repeat and round up the resulting figure to a whole number. Multiply this whole number by the length of the pattern repeat. This gives the adjusted cut-drop measurement. For half-drop repeats, adjust the cut drop as above using the actual repeat measurement of the pattern, then add a further half repeat to the cut drop. The pattern will alternate at the top of each cut panel so that it will match. Number each panel and seam together in sequence. When estimating it is useful to write down the number and length of the cut drops. It saves having to re-calculate when you are ready to cut out the fabric.
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