What Is Railroaded Fabric?

What Is Railroaded Fabric?

Railroaded fabric refers to the way a fabric's pattern or design is oriented on the roll. Typically, fabric patterns run “up the roll,” meaning the pattern flows from top to bottom, parallel with the selvage edges. With railroaded fabric, however, the pattern runs across the roll, going from selvage edge to selvage edge.

• Up the Roll (Standard): The pattern flows from top to bottom, parallel to the roll’s edges.
• Railroaded: The pattern runs across the roll, spanning from one selvage edge to the other.

Why Choose Railroaded Fabric?

Using railroaded fabric can make a big difference in certain upholstery projects, particularly those with larger surface areas where a seamless look is desired.

• Reduces Seams: Most upholstery fabrics are 54 inches wide. For large projects, up-the-roll fabric may require seams every 53 inches (accounting for seam allowances) to maintain a pattern across the piece. With railroaded fabric, the pattern stretches across the entire fabric width, reducing the need for seaming.
• Ideal for Large Surfaces: Railroaded fabric is especially popular for sofas, cushions and other large furniture pieces. It allows for a more continuous flow of pattern and minimizes the need to match seams.

How to Tell if Fabric Is Railroaded

If a fabric’s description or label doesn’t specify whether it’s railroaded, there are easy ways to identify it:

• Inspect the Roll: Unroll enough fabric to see the pattern direction.   
  • If the pattern’s top faces up or down (parallel to the selvage), it’s “up the roll.”
  • If the pattern’s top is sideways (from selvage edge to selvage edge), the fabric is railroaded.
• Online Shopping: Look for fabrics where the pattern spans the entire width in product images — this typically indicates the fabric is railroaded.

Popular Railroaded Fabric Brands at Sailrite

When shopping for high-quality, durable fabrics, Sailrite offers an excellent selection of brands that include railroaded options. Some popular brands for upholstery that feature railroaded fabric include:

Crypton: Crypton is an indoor-only upholstery fabric brand that delivers performance and style in every fiber. Known for stain-resistant and easy-to-clean synthetic blends, Crypton is a great choice for homes with kids and pets.

Outdura: An indoor/outdoor performance textile, Outdura fabrics boast incredible UV, water, abrasion and stain resistance. With a 10-year limited warranty, Outdura fabrics go the distance both inside and outside your home.

Sunbrella Upholstery: Known for its high-quality indoor/outdoor upholstery fabrics, Sunbrella is known for creating high-quality fabrics with incredible performance. UV, water, stain and mildew resistance come standard with Sunbrella fabrics.

Loom & Layer: This brand of indoor-only furniture fabrics features beautiful patterns and timeless solids. Master Fabrics, the maker of Loom & Layer, is a leader in the home textile market at the forefront of design and industry trends.

Shop All Railroaded Fabrics

Quick Tips for Using Railroaded Fabric

1. Avoid Excess Seaming: Use railroaded fabric to reduce seams on large furniture pieces.
2. Match Patterns Carefully: While railroaded fabrics minimize seams, they may still require careful alignment, especially with complex patterns.
3. Shop Smart Online: Search for “railroaded fabric” or filter by "Fabric Design" on Sailrite’s website to find a variety of railroaded options quickly.

With this knowledge, you’re ready to select the best fabric orientation for your next project. Head to Sailrite’s fabric section and explore our wide range of colors, patterns and railroaded fabric options.