Frequently Asked Questions
Fabrics
Bedspreads
Draperies - How to Measure and Figure
Determining Yardage and Pleating
Drapery Hardware
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.
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.
What weight fiberfills are available?
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.
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”.. - 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.
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.
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 fiberglas 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.
