Loom width
Loom width is the maximum fabric width a weaving machine can produce, measured across the reed. Most modern rapier and air-jet looms run 63 to 98 inches. Wide looms, which are rarer and more expensive, run to 120, 126 or 140 inches.
Finished fabric width is a little less than loom width after processing shrinkage and selvedge trim. When a product is wider than the available cloth, panels are seamed together, which adds a line of stitching, cutting waste and labour, and a potential weakness or leak path.
When you order from a mill
Our looms run to 140 inches (about 356 cm). For wide sheeting, upholstery base, tent panels, dust sheets and scenic cloth, that removes the centre seam.