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Pattern Match Worksheet

Questions to ask:

  1. Record the amount of carpet ordered. Typically a pattern will require 20 to 30 percent more carpet than the given yardage of the floor plan. It will depend upon the size of the match. The larger the pattern, the bigger this percentage.
  2. Note the direction of the pattern and record who decided that the carpet should go that direction. This could play a big part of how much carpet will be needed.
  3. Note any specifications from the manufacturer that pertain to the carpet. Manufacturer will not normally guarantee a pattern match, the responsibility belong to installer. If there are none note that too.

Description and observations to be made:

Note how the pattern is made: Different colored yarns, texture, rows; is it lines or graphic designs. In addition, not the panel widths and whether the problem is along just the edge of the carpet.

  1. Different colored yarns pattern miss-match could have something to do with skewness. Skewness would be where widthwise lines are not bowed, but are angled so that they do not match on side-by-side panels. Measurements can be given in inches per 12 feet or in percentages or as a percentage of the width of the fabric at the point of the measurement.
  2. Trueness of edge is likely skewness, but occurs on the edge where side-by-side panels do not match, because the edges are not at right angles with the ends.   Measurements can be given in inches per 12 feet or in percentages or as a percentage of the length of the fabric at the point of the measurement.
  3. A vertical bow does not need any kind of pattern and would occur where side edge of the carpet has a curve. Measurements can be given in inches per 12 feet or in percentages.
  4. A horizontal bow will show  where lengthwise panels have patterns that do not match because the pattern is curved. Measurements can be given in inches per 12 feet or in percentages or as a percentage of the length of the fabric at the point of the measurement.

Testing methods

A white chalk line marker is needed to measure pattern match plus steel tape measurers.

The Issues

Either the manufacturer, installer, specifier, or a combination of these three parties could responsible party.

Rules and  Guidelines

Carpet manufacturers occasionally give tolerances on patterns, but there are no convening authorities setting standards such as ASTM. Professional opinions by many experts is that two inches in twelve feet for Skewness or Bias and for Trueness of Edge. For Vertical or Horizontal Bow, one inch in twelve feet.

Pattern match text from the CRI104-1996 -- (Note the methods of installation.)
8. DIRECT GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION In direct glue-down installations the carpet is adhered directly to the subfloor.

8.2 Layout - Carpet should be unrolled in the area in which it is to be installed 24 hours prior to actual installation, with room temperature between 65° F and 95° F (18° C - 35° C). Carpet should be cut 3-4 inches longer than the area measurement. If the carpet is patterned, allow for pattern repeat. Align all breadths, or sections of carpet, in their proper position, and trim the edges to be seamed.

8.2.1 Pattern Matching - Direct glue installation of patterned carpet may require specialized procedures to obtain an acceptable match. Consult the manufacturer for specific installation requirements and possible warranty conditions.

9. DOUBLE GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION Site, environmental, and ventilation conditions become even more important when performing double glue-down installations. In double glue-down installation, a separate cushion is adhered to the floor, and the carpet is glued to the cushion.

9.3 Carpet Layout - After the cushion has been secured, cut the carpet to the proper length and spread out in the area to be carpeted. The carpet should be cut 3 - 4 inches (75 - 100 mm) longer than the area measurement. Where applicable, allow for pattern repeat. Carpet seams should be at a right angle to cushion seams or offset at least 6 inches (150 mm) to either side. Align all carpet breadths to their proper position and trim seams. Care must be taken to avoid cutting into the cushion under the seam.

10. ATTACHED CUSHION INSTALLATION Carpet with high density polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or latex gel cushion permanently bonded to the carpet back should be installed as follows:

10.3.4 Installation Procedures: Cut seam edges with appropriate tools according to the carpet manufacturer's recommendations. To eliminate possible height variation at the seam, a sufficient amount of the factory edge or selvage must be trimmed. Seal seam edges with proper seam adhesive applied as recommended by the carpet or adhesive manufacture Roll installed carpet according to manufacturer's recommendations.

11. STRETCH-IN INSTALLATION This method requires fastening the carpet under tension onto tackless strip around the perimeter of the area to be carpeted. A separate cushion shall be used. (See Section 6 regarding site conditions.)

11.5 Carpet Layout and Cutting - Following the seaming diagram, cut the carpet to a length sufficient to cover the area, plus approximately 3 - 4 inches, to allow for trimming at the wall line. When installing patterned carpet, each cut should be sufficient in length to meet pattern matching and trimming requirements.