THE STUDIO JOURNAL / Measuring & making
150 cm vs 300 cm curtain fabric: joins and ordering
Learn why wide fabric can change seam counts and linear metre quantities, with a worked 150 cm versus 300 cm example.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Compare usable cloth width after allowances. Two nominal widths are not automatically one finished panel.
The data, explained.
Swipe the diagram or table sideways to see all the detail ↔
| Roll width | Widths per panel | Total cut length | Whole metres |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 3 | 16.2 m | 17 |
| 300 cm | 2 | 10.8 m | 11 |
300 cm coverage × 250 cm drop, two equal panels, 100% fullness; 5 cm side hems, 2 cm join loss, 20 cm vertical allowance and no extra ordering allowance. Vertical unpatterned cuts. View the sources ↓
01 / THE DETAIL
The roll width is not the panel width
The manufacturer’s nominal width tells you the cloth supplied across the roll. A finished panel must also accommodate side hems and any loss at joins. If your calculated flat face width exactly equals the roll width, it may still need more material to provide those allowances.
The diagram shows the nominal geometry only. The worked table includes allowances, which is why the 300 cm roll still needs two widths per panel in this particular example. See the full metre calculation for the arithmetic.
02 / THE DETAIL
Fewer linear metres does not mean less area
Linear metres measure length along a roll. Width matters when comparing how much cloth that length represents. A wide roll can need fewer linear metres while still supplying a comparable or greater total area after whole-width cutting and offcuts.
Compare the complete configured price and cutting plan rather than comparing metre counts on their own. Product cost, seam layout, colour availability and offcut quantities may all differ.
03 / THE DETAIL
Use real product options
Wool Serge 800 is listed at 150 cm, while Acoustic Molton is 300 cm. These are different fabrics, so a width comparison must not imply that their texture, weight or acoustic response is interchangeable.
The range also includes Mercury and Mercury 3.0 for a narrow/wide dimout comparison. Check the exact colour, product code and ordering availability rather than assuming every width is supplied in every option.
04 / THE DETAIL
Confirm direction and seam placement
The online calculation assumes vertical unpatterned widths. Do not assume cloth can be rotated across the curtain drop: pile, finish, directional appearance and product requirements can prevent that approach. For a visible presentation wall, discuss whether joins need to sit symmetrically or away from a focal point.
Send those requirements with the finished measurements. A reviewed cutting plan is particularly useful for extra-wide panels, uneven openings and coordinated pairs.
Sources & further reading
Technical figures come from the linked manufacturer documents. Worked examples are Studio Curtains calculations with their assumptions shown. Product data and availability should be checked again when specifying.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Turn the detail into a specification.
Share your dimensions and intended use. Stock availability and the final order are confirmed by email.