Calculate widths for each panel
A 2 m rail, fullness 2 and two equal panels require 2 m of flat width per panel. With a usable fabric width of 1.4 m, dividing 2 by 1.4 requires two whole fabric widths per panel.
That means four widths in total. Do not simply divide the combined 4 m by 1.4 and round once: three widths cannot provide two whole widths for each of two equal panels.
Round cutting length to the repeat
A 2.4 m finished drop plus 0.2 m for the hem and 0.1 m at the top totals 2.7 m. For a pattern repeating every 0.32 m, divide 2.7 by 0.32 and round up to nine repeats.
Nine repeats measure 2.88 m per width. Multiply by four widths to obtain 11.52 m of fabric. The adjustment adds 0.18 m per width, or 0.72 m overall, compared with 10.8 m before pattern adjustment.
Check the construction before cutting
Usable fabric width must already allow for selvedges and seam losses required by your sewing plan. Entering the full roll width without considering these losses could leave you short near a rounding boundary.
Rounding to a vertical repeat does not by itself settle the starting motif, alternating repeats or shrinkage. Lining is separate. If any of those conditions apply, review the actual cutting layout before ordering fabric or making cuts.
- Use usable width rather than automatically using roll width.
- Check the repeat on the chosen fabric.
- Keep the breakdown by fabric width and panel.
Frequently asked questions
What do I enter for plain fabric?
Enter zero for the repeat. Cutting length will be finished drop plus allowances, without rounding to a pattern repeat.
Are side seams included?
They should be accounted for when deciding the usable width you enter. The tool does not know your sewing pattern or automatically deduct its seam allowances.