What Is Pattern Repeat and How Does It Affect Yardage?
Pattern repeat is the single most misunderstood factor in fabric ordering. Get it wrong, and you will either waste money or run out of fabric mid-project.
Pattern Repeat Defined
Pattern repeat is the distance between two identical points in a fabric’s printed or woven design. It is measured in inches (or centimeters) and describes how often the design repeats.
There are two types:
- Vertical repeat — the distance along the length of the fabric (parallel to the selvage). This is the one that most affects yardage.
- Horizontal repeat — the distance across the width of the fabric. This affects how many pieces fit side by side but has less impact on total yardage.
How to Measure Pattern Repeat
Step 1: Pick a distinctive point in the design — a flower centre, a stripe intersection, or a geometric shape.
Step 2: Measure from that point straight down (along the selvage) to the next identical point.
Step 3: That distance is your vertical repeat.
Most fabric retailers list the repeat on the bolt label or in the product description online. Common formats: “V: 12” H: 13.5”” or “Repeat: 8 inches.”
Why Pattern Repeat Increases Yardage
When you cut a piece of patterned fabric, the pattern must start at the same position on every panel. This means each cut must begin at a specific point in the repeat cycle — you cannot start cutting in the middle of a flower.
The waste between the end of one panel’s cut and the start of the next panel’s repeat point is unusable. With a large repeat, this waste is significant.
How Much Extra Fabric Does It Add?
| Repeat Size | Repeat Distance | Extra Fabric | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| None / solid | 0" | +0% | Plain linen, solid cotton |
| Small | Up to 6" | +10% | Small polka dots, pin stripes |
| Medium | 6–12" | +20% | Medium florals, plaids |
| Large | 12"+ | +35% | Large florals, scenic prints, large geometrics |
Pattern Matching by Project Type
Upholstery
Pattern must match across cushion fronts, inside back, and arm fronts. A sofa with a large repeat can need 35% more fabric — turning a 14-yard job into a 19-yard job. See our sofa fabric guide.
Curtains
Each panel’s cut length must be rounded up to the next full repeat. For curtains, this calculation is straightforward — our curtain calculator handles it automatically when you enter the repeat in inches.
Garments
Stripes and plaids must match at seams — centre front, side seams, and sleeves. Garment patterns specify “not suitable for obvious prints” when matching would be too difficult. Add 0.5–1 yard for matching on a dress.
Cushions
If making a set of matching cushions, the motif should be centred on each cushion face. Buy extra to allow centring. Use our cushion calculator with the pattern repeat setting.
Tips for Working with Pattern Repeat
- Always ask for the repeat measurement before buying. Do not guess.
- If you are unsure, buy at the “large repeat” estimate — extra fabric is cheaper than running short.
- Solid and textured fabrics (no pattern repeat) are the most efficient and beginner-friendly choice.
- Railroading (turning fabric sideways) can sometimes eliminate repeat waste on wide panels, but only works if the pattern has no directionality.