Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: JanLJan
Date: 04-20-2004, 08:54 PM (1 of 9)
|
I'm making a valance for my sister. She purchased material that matches her sofa. The pattern is a floral; and depending on how you look at it some flowers are up and some hang down. When she gave me the material on the bolt, I wasn't sure which was the top of the pattern. The bolt had an arrow on the selvage, but when I called several fabric stores no one could tell me if the direction of the arrow indicated the top of the pattern. My sister gave me a pillow that came with the sofa. It appears that the materal was cut lengthwise instead of crosswise. Is it OK to cut the fabric lengthwise for the valance? If I did it this way, I could just cut the width that is needed (2 1/2 time width of window). I took a class at one time for making valances, and we always cut the material crosswise. This is a first for me. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Jan |
User: JanLJan
Member since: 04-15-2004 Total posts: 3 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-21-2004, 08:40 AM (2 of 9)
|
I can't imagine why there would be a problem cutting the fabric lengthwise insead of crosswise. The major consideration is the stretch of the fabric. Most drapery fabric doesn't stretch, so that isn't a problem as long as it is cut on the straight of grain. I would think that the main consideration would be the direction of the print of the sofa that it matches.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: shadylady
Date: 04-21-2004, 09:24 AM (3 of 9)
|
The point on the arrow would indicate the top. Unless the fabric were a solid, or a small print (such as dots or checks) where you couldn't tell the difference, or if the fabric were railroaded, then I would not railroad it, especially a floral. The pillow was obviously done in a factory, production style, where they didn't care or didn't notice, but it's not correct. On the other hand, if neither you or your sister care, then it's up to you. I won't tell you what to do, only what I would do  Becky |
User: shadylady
Member since: 09-19-2003 Total posts: 58 
|
From: JanLJan
Date: 04-22-2004, 12:38 AM (4 of 9)
| Thank you. I think I'll cut it lengthwise. |
User: JanLJan
Member since: 04-15-2004 Total posts: 3 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-22-2004, 05:24 AM (5 of 9)
The fabric for my couch was railroaded. When I found a piece to match I grabbed it and brought it home.  Then when I went to work with it, I found they had railroaded it for the couch. I think the upholstery fabrics are wide enough they can do that, but cushions are usually made somewhere else. I also realized my couch had faded really badly. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-24-2004, 02:31 PM (6 of 9)
Define 'railroaded' please, for dummies like me who don't understand what that could be..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: shadylady
Date: 04-25-2004, 09:45 AM (7 of 9)
|
Libby, Railroaded means using the fabric horizontally instead of vertically. IOW, the selvages will be top and bottom instead of side to side. Wide fabrics and most upholstery fabrics were made to be used railroaded but drapery fabrics are not. However, if it's a solid or very small design, it can be railroaded otherwise you may be looking at a flower growing sideways or a horse laying on it's side Becky |
User: shadylady
Member since: 09-19-2003 Total posts: 58
|
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-25-2004, 05:58 PM (8 of 9)
|
Thanks, Becky, My day is not wasted when I learn something.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
|
From: slipcoverlady
Date: 05-10-2004, 02:45 PM (9 of 9)
|
remember sometimes the same prints are used at different times in different printings, some can be made in the opposite direction. Said better, you can buy the same print, sometimes, run in the opposite direction. Lay it there, that's the best assumption, compare.
Shirley Hendry Walsh
|
User: slipcoverlady
Member since: 05-10-2004 Total posts: 6 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-12665.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft