Separate the causes
Enough metres, wrong length distribution
Ten short rolls are not equivalent to one long roll for a fixed marker. For each usable interval, count complete lays that fit; never join roll ends inside a garment panel to make the arithmetic work.
Long enough, but incompatible
Keep approved shade groups, face, nap direction and usable width with the allocation. A longer segment from another group cannot automatically replace a shortage. One-way nap and matching constraints belong in the marker itself.
Remnants need a new decision
Record a remnant's roll, shade, width, direction and length. It may support a shorter approved marker or suitable small components; it is not a full coat equivalent until every required piece and size is accounted for.
Steps before deciding
- Confirm size mix, pieces per lay, marker version, required usable width and full lay length including agreed end allowances.
- Create a roll ledger with measured lengths, shade groups, joins and excluded intervals. Use already-net continuous segments, not the label total.
- Assign complete lays within each compatible segment and record output by size; round down per segment, not after summing all metres.
- Map remnants separately and validate any shorter marker. Do not count the same leftover in two cutting plans or deduct the same defect twice.
- Compare the feasible size output with the order target; discuss roll-length distribution, additional metres or revised markers before bulk release.
Worked example
Illustrative plan: four compatible usable segments measure 10, 10, 10 and 30 m, totalling 60 m. One complete lay requires 12 m including end allowances and contains four coats. Only the 30 m segment fits two lays: eight coats under this fixed plan, not 20 from dividing 60 by 12. Shorter markers may recover material but need fresh size and piece checks.
Buyer questions
Should I add a fixed waste percentage?
Not as a substitute for allocation. The segment ledger identifies this constraint; any extra allowance needs its own stated reason and must avoid double counting.
Can I mix rolls in one coat?
Only after approving shade, width, face and direction compatibility. Do not assume different rolls or remnants match because the article code is the same.
Discuss the evidence with Fred Textile
Send Fred Textile the coating article, colour and size quantities, approved marker width and full lay length, plus acceptable roll-length distribution. Ask what can be confirmed for the actual supply; agree shortages and remnant use with your cutting team before ordering.
Reference and limits
The reference explains directional layouts. The roll-allocation method and numbers here are an editorial planning example, not measured Fred Textile roll data, a delivery promise or a guaranteed garment yield.
Sewing & Craft Alliance: napped fabric layouts ↗