Railroaded

When a fabric is run "sideways" on a piece it is said to have been railroaded. The advantage is that a piece that is longer than the standard width of a fabric (147cm) can be upholstered without seams at 147cm. However, depending on the pile or the pattern of the fabric, this may not be advisable. E.G. in railroaded velvet the "nap" will run sideways which is incorrect.