Large patterned fabrics are best suited for simple window treatment styles. The busier the style, the harder it is to consistently have the pattern repeat match and the more fabric required to achieve the style. This inverted box pleat valance offers a clean tailored style which allows the fabric to become the emphasis of this window covering. Note how perfectly the fabric pattern has been matched. When selecting a fabric with a large pattern how do you know how big of a repeat there is? The vertical repeat is found vertically on the fabric. You start from one point of the pattern design then move vertically down the fabric until that same point is found. The distance between the two is the vertical pattern repeat. This information is critical when sewing two widths of the fabric together. The same principle can be used to determine the horizontal repeat of a fabric, only moving horizontally across the fabric from one edge to the other. Knowing the repeat of a fabric is important when selecting your fabric for your project. The repeat helps to determine the amount of yardage needed to create a valance, drapery panel or upholster your furniture. The larger the repeat the more fabric needed, because it will take more fabric to match the pattern at every seam. A smaller repeat, often found on smaller print fabrics, will require less fabric. Large scale fabrics have a dramatic look, as pictured in this office, but will usually be more costly. So take the time to choose a variety of fabrics, using different size patterns and repeats to get the most impact for your money.
by Susan Dorbeck