Easy Flex Drapery System by Forest Group

Helser How-To: Measuring for Easy Flex

• August 10, 2020
• News & Events

Few things in life are as satisfying as symmetrical pattern. Recognizing and appreciating patterns is hardwired into our brains, and used for everything from scientific breakthroughs down to our basic survival. Also, drapes.

When you attempt to use a bold pattern in your drapes, it can be disconcerting when said pattern lacks the symmetry we crave. It creates a focal point that may actually detract from the rest of the room, rather than compliment it, a concern that has lead to many opting for blandness out of fear of wasted time and frustration.

But be concerned no more! The innovative Easyflex system makes patterning a breeze. It allows the designer to choose where their carriers fall on the pattern, rather than the other way around, and uses the ripplefold system to ensure that the pleating remains consistent. This creates a perpetual pattern that is pleasing to the eye and adds to, rather than detracts from, its surroundings.

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Above: Patterned drapes before (left) and after (right) applying Easyflex. Courtesy of Sheri Stouffer from Finishing Touches.

To start your Easyflex journey, use this handy guide to figure out how much fabric and how long of a rod you will need for your treatment. Then stay tuned for the next installment, where you will learn how to assemble your Easyflex drapery.

Step 1

Use the Ripplefold Chart below to figure the fullness of your drapery below. A few things to consider when figuring your fullness:

1. STACKBACK – The smaller the fullness, the more the coverage per ripple. Consider a smaller fullness factor if space or view is important.
2. PRIVACY – 120% is the most common fullness for sheers for privacy.
3. BUDGET – As the fullness increases, coverage decreases. This will increase the amount of fabric needed. If budget is important, consider a smaller fullness factor.

Step 2

Determine the width of your rod in one of two ways:

1. If there is unlimited space and you want the draperies to stack completely off of the glass, multiply the width of the glass by the stack back percentage shown on the Ripplefold chart.

2. If there is limited space, you know what the width of the rod will have to be. As noted below, you may adjust the fullness factor to manage the stack back.

Example 1:

Using 120% fullness factor, 100" glass

100 x .36 = 36 extra inches –> 136" total rod length

Stackback is determined based on the Draw:

• A One-Way draw would require a 36" stack on the Left or Right;
• A Center-Split draw would require an 18" stack on each side.

Step 3

There are two ways to figure your cloth yardage for Easyflex:

1. Matching a Pattern. You will need to know your Rod Length, Draw, and Carrier Spacing based on Fullness, and the Horizontal Pattern Match of your fabric.

Example 1:

66" rod, Center-Draw, 80% Fullness (2 3/8"), 7.09" Horizontal Pattern Match

Because it is a Center-Draw, Divide the rod in half
66 ÷ 2 = 33"

Divide one side by the Carrier Spacing
33 ÷ 2 3/8" (2.375) = 13.89 –> 14

Finally, Multiply the resulting carriers by the Horizontal Pattern Match
14 x 7.09 = 99.26" of fabric –> 100".

This comes out to 2 widths of 54" fabric.

2. Adjusting the fullness for limited fabric. You will need to know your Rod Length, Draw, Fullness, and Widths of fabric available.

Example 1:

90" rod, Center-Draw, 60% Fullness (2 5/8"), 2 widths/100" of Fabric

Because it is a Center-Draw, Divide the rod by 2
90 ÷ 2 = 45

Divide one side by the Carrier Spacing
45 ÷ 2 5/8" (2.625) = 17.1 –> 18

Finally, Divide the Length of fabric by the number of Carriers
100 ÷ 18 = 5.555 –> 5 1/2".

This comes out to 1 carrier every 5 1/2" of Fabric.

NOTE: Round the carrier results up or down, whichever results in an even number on both sides.

Step 4

Determine the amount of Easyflex Tape you will need. You will need your Rod Length and Rod Width Multiplier.

Example:

Using 120% fullness factor (2.2 multiplier), 100" glass

(100 x 2.2) ÷ 36" + 1 yd –> 7 total yards

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Source: https://www.helserbrothers.com/helser-how-to-measuring-for-easy-flex/

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