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Frequently Asked Questions
Uffner Textiles of North Miami Beach, Florida
provides the following Frequently Asked Questions to help Web site
visitors better understand our services and products.
Fabrics
Bedspreads
Draperies - How to Measure and Figure
Determining Yardage and Pleating
Drapery Hardware
FABRICS
Q:
What are the advantages of heat transfer
printing?
A: Heat transfer printing not only allows for
tremendous versatility in yardage and fabric qualities, but it provides
outstanding colorfastness to light and washing.
Q:
Why would I use fire retardant fabrics, when
non-fire retardant would be less expensive?
A: In most hospitality situations today there is
a requirement that fabrics be able to pass NFPA 701 standard tests for
vertical applications (draperies, dust ruffles, valances and shower
curtains).
Q:
Are heat transfer printed fabrics suitable for
upholstery?
A: Absolutely! All of our patterns are available
on CRYPTON, and many other highly durable print grounds in our line that
exceed 35,000 double rub tests.
Q:
Why are decorative heat transfer prints on
polyester fabrics?
A: Because we are only able, with today’s
technology, able to successfully transfer onto polyester, nylon,
acrylic, and certain polyester blends. Cellulose fibers (cotton, rayon,
ramie, linen, etc.) will not accept heat transfer prints.
Q:
Why would I use a Tropical Pattern if my project
isn’t in the tropics? Its not even in the Sunbelt.
A: Because the use of Tropicals is not confined
to the tropics. The colors that Uffner Textiles has always specialized
in are bright, fresh, happy and fun loving, and can bring that feeling
into even the dreariest winter day. The palettes that we are able to
utilize are only available in heat transfer printing.
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BEDSPREADS
Q:
What is the difference between throw, mock
fitted, gusset corner and waterfall style Bedspreads?
A: Throw Style is the common denominator of
bedspreads, bell (rounded) corners, either to the floor or coverlet
length. All other styles are variations of fitted styles.
Mock Fitted is a tailored looking bedspread, with the corners sewn down
(closed corner). The bed measurement must be very accurate for this
style.
Gusset Corner is another tailored style spread where the corners are
connected by an unquilted folded strip of fabrics (either the same or
contrasting), which gives the corners some play.
Waterfall Style is actually a fitted throw, the side drops wrap around
the foot of the bed, and the top continues over the edge and waterfalls
down.
Q:
What weight fiberfills are available?
A:
We use even number weights starting from 6 oz. per yard 6, 8, 10, 12
oz). Your weight requirement is determined by the Hotel Brand or the
budget. Above 8 oz. yardage requirements may change, because of the
takeup in quilting.
Q:How
do I decide whether to use a bedspread or a coverlet and dust ruffle
combination?
A:This largely depends on the look you are trying
to achieve, the budget, or Hotel Brand requirements.
Q:
What is a Duvet?
A: A duvet is a square
cornered bed cover. It is usually a comforter with a duvet cover that
may be removed for laundering, without damaging the comforter insert.
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DRAPERIES
Q:
How do I determine cost?
A: The cost of draperies are
determined by two variables:
-
The area that is to be
covered
-
The fullness that is
desired.
Q:
How do I measure and Figure Draperies?
A: The following information should be used to
simplify the process of figuring yardage and labor for a price quote.
If the area to be covered is wall to wall, ceiling
to floor, the measurement is simple. However if you are dealing with
window treatments, you must first measure the window, and then decide
how much of the wall on each side is to be covered. The same goes for
the top and bottom of the window. If you are going to the floor measure
from the sill to the floor. Then decide how far above the window you are
going to install the hardware. If it is going to be a multi layered
installation (sheer, overdrape, valance) don’t forget that returns have
to be added for each layer. (a safe add on is 3 ½” on each side for each
layer). We provide the best measuring diagram to our professional
installers and we include it for your use. (you are welcome to download
it).
Standard fullness of a lined or blackout lined
drapery is 200% (this may be modified depending on a specific customers
needs or circumstances). Fullness may be adjusted as low as 175% to as
high as 300%, although we don’t really recommend either end of the
spectrum. 175% is low and would make a flat looking drapery. On the
other hand 300% is very full, especially on a blackout lined drape and
probably would cause a tendency for the drape to balloon out.
To determine the number of widths required for a
drapery, you need to first determine the fullness, for example, let’s
assume we want a blackout lined drapery, 200% fullness. There are three
important pieces of information necessary to complete the process:
-
The rod (hardware) width.
-
Is the drapery center opening or 1-way draw. If
center opening add 14” to the rod size,
if 1-way draw add 7”..
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The width of the fabric to be used.
Once these questions are answered, figuring your
widths is a piece of cake.. Let’s say we need a 96” rod width, center
opening using a 54” piece of fabric.
EXAMPLE: 96 + 14= 100 x 2 (200%) =220 /54 = 4.07 (4
widths)
We usually round up in order to maintain the correct fullness, although
you could round down, depending on the price point you want to achieve.
THE EASIEST WAY TO PRICE OUT A JOB (LARGE OR SMALL)
IS JUST TO DIAL TOLL FREE 888/404-9001.
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DETERMINING YARDAGES
Now that we have determined how many widths we need
for our drapery, the next step is to determine how many yards of fabrics
we are going to use.
Take the finished length of the drapery, add 24”
for normal header and bottom hem and multiply this by the number of
widths that the drapery requires. Divide this number by 36, round off to
the next higher yard, and voila, you have it.
DETERMINING PLEATING
As a normal course of business,
Uffner Textiles, offers two types of header.
1. French Pleating- three fingered pinch pleats, held stiff by a buchram
sewn into the top of the drape. (by far the most popular)
2. Ripplefold- created by sewing a snap tape onto the top of the drape,
that attaches to carriers on the drapery track that are connected by a
cord. (the length of the connecting cord determines the fullness, from
80% to 120%). This provides a smoother curve than pinch pleats and is
preferred by some designers. The disadvantage of this system is that the
seams cannot be hidden and the installation usually requires a valance
or other top treatment as the drapes is suspended below the track.
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DRAPERY
HARDWARE
Q:
Why should I use baton operated traverse rods?
A: Our aluminum Architrak system may be either
ceiling or wall mounted, will never rust and with its nylon carriers and
ball bearing masters doesn’t bind. We utilize a fiberglass baton that may
be either front or rear loaded on the master carrier.
Q:
When should I use wood poles?
A: Wood poles should be used as a decorative
compliment when blackout is not of prime importance. They are available
in an assortment of diameters and although they are stocked in white and
natural are available in many custom colors and finishes.
Q:
What is the Portofino Hardware Collection?
A: The Portofino Hardware
collection is a system combining a 3” Decorative wood pole with the
Architrak traverse rod system. It replaces the need for a decorative
topper (valance or cornice) in most cases, and is available in a number
of colors and decorative finishes.
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Uffner Textiles of North Miami, Florida is textile company specializing
in the production and installation of fire retardant fabric products
such as bedspreads, draperies, headboards, sofas, beds, and other
products requiring fire retardant fabrics. With over 40 years
service to clients throughout the United States, we have many happy
clients in the hotel, cruise line and time share resort industries.
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