Velvet/Nap question

[65Buick]

When selecting a velvet, I need the nap to go the same direction - down the piece, correct?

When looking at velvets, or napped fabrics, am I better selecting one that is railroaded?

This is in consideration for this piece.

http://gdurl.com/gR1a

[SteveA]

It looks to me that the love seat in your photo is railroad but the light color doesn't highlight the shading as much -
I'd rather have the one continues piece
SA

[sofadoc]

On some low nap velvets like that one, I sometimes run the nap left to right to avoid seaming.

[65Buick]

Sofa, you're right. What am I thinking. The fabric would have to run right to left to be one continuous piece. That definitely helps narrow the fabric search.

[kodydog]

We've had to run the nap sideways several times. Just make sure it all runs the same way.

[MinUph]

When running a velvet sideways (RR) the cushion will walk in the direction of the nap. I don't see that in the picture. Is it possible the loveseat pictured is less than 54" wide at the cushion? I don't like to RR velvet it never works out well in the field.

[65Buick]

You're right Paul. It's 50". Though when I looked and felt really closely, the nap does appear to be L to R (RR)

[gene]

Good points.

When a customer wants a velvet or similar high nap fabric I tell them to get RR fabric if the piece is big so we can avoid seams.

I have seen brand new furniture where the nap on the seat cushions was upside down. Every time a person 'slid' off the seat cushion to get up, the nap was bent backwards, instead of closing. After a few months you could see the difference in the nap that was bend backwards and the rest of the fabric that was not.

I've noticed that a lot of velvet fabric that is seamed has welt cord between the seam. I always thought this was to cover up the unevenness that can be seen at the seam from a high nap.

gene

[MinUph]

I've noticed that a lot of velvet fabric that is seamed has welt cord between the seam. I always thought this was to cover up the unevenness that can be seen at the seam from a high nap.

gene

I think this is from the old days and may even be that some machines will sew heavier fabrics tighter and the welt hides the seam. I for one don't like the look of the welt especially in a seat.