This comment, noted on many of our fabric sample swatch labels, identifies the direction you’re viewing the pattern in relation to how it comes off the bolt it’s rolled on. A fabric can be shown two ways – Railroaded (RR) or Up the Roll (UTR). This refers to the direction that a fabric or pattern runs. Every fabric is one or the other, and many can be both (in which case they are referred to as “non-directional”).  Unless stated otherwise, Up the Roll is universally assume to be the direction. Up the roll patterns are those applied in the direction as it appears when it’s unrolled – up/down the bold vertically – with the selvages on the left and right. Railroaded patterns are those applied in the direction as it appears with the selvages on the top and bottom. Fabrics applied in this direction often result in eliminating the requirement of seams on larger items such as sofas and headboards.