Figs 1 Watermelon

The term "railroading" refers to the way the fabric is laid out on the furniture in relation to the way it is manufactured. The image on the left has the pattern running "up the roll" or "non-railroaded". This is considered the standard application and generally there is no mention of the term "railroaded" on our samples as the samples are showing the fabric exactly as it comes off the roll. The design (if any) runs from selvage to selvage. If the width of the piece being covered is greater than the width of the fabric, then a seam will be required as two or more widths must be sewn together.

The image on the right shows the fabric "railroaded". When shown this way our samples will always be labeled as "railroaded" as they are not being displayed as they come off the roll. The design runs from one end of the roll to the other (and not from selvage to selvage). Railroaded fabrics do not require a seam although they may not be suitable for drapery or bedspread applications (due to the possible need for a seam or because the fabric design might appear to be "on its side" – these are decisions that only the designer and client can make.

Non - Railroaded (aka "up the roll")	Railroaded