So you have something you want to get upholstered and now you’re on the hunt for fabric. First, let me say that it is always better to order fabric through you upholsterer. We know what weight needs to be used, how the fabric will sit on the furniture getting re-upholstered, how long the color print will last, among many other details, AND it is usually guaranteed. This means that if the fabric doesn’t not hold up like it is supposed to we will either get the fabric replaced or refunded. *Note: this is not a free pass on labor if an issue arises that needs fixin’.*
Abrasion Tests
First, let’s abrasion and lifespan. There are Double Rubs or Martindale Rubs & Wyzenbeek ratings. All of these are abrasion tests done on fabric to try and determine the durability and lifespan of a fabric. According to RMCOCO, one of my favorite textile companies, Double Rubs/Martindale Rubs is literally how many times you can rub on the surface of the fabric before it begins to show wear. This is not determined by someone “sit-testing” fabrics, it is done with discs and sandpaper. Although, I wonder if putting the fabric in a busy household with multiple children wouldn’t give you the same results! The Wyzenbeek rating is the name of the full test run on fabrics whereas the Double Rubs is just one part of that test. It is the part that I look at the most. To go on a deep-dive over this head over to the RMCOC site listed at the bottom of the post.
Weight of Fabric
Moving onto the weight of fabric. This is determined by the type of yarn used, the strength of the weave, and the number of Double Rubs it can withstand. A quick rundown would be:
- the tighter the weave the better it will stand up to pet claws and butt rubs
- anything less than 15,000 double rubs is not strong enough to be put on couches, recliners, easy chairs. These pieces of furniture invite ploppers (vs. sitters) and need something more durable. I, personally, like higher counts, gives me a sense of security. Who knew I needed a security from my fabric?!
- A printed pattern will fade much quicker than a woven one.
- Sun is always the enemy of anything dyed.
- Drapery, pillows, occasional chairs, dining chair, lampshades, etc. These are all great projects for Lightweight fabrics (less than 30,000) and are all considered upholstery. Be careful when you read ‘suitable for upholstery’ on a tag. This does not always mean furniture.
Types of Fabric
Are you cross-eyed yet? Ha! For most upholstery these are the types of fabrics that are normally used. Cotton, linen, silk, leather, wool, polyester, woven, burlap, chenille, velvet damask, and muslin. The burlap and muslin are used heavily in the structure of the furniture before the main fabric goes on. Cotton and linen are pretty self-explanatory. Woven includes an array of fabrics, meaning that fibers have to be woven together to form a fabric. Velvet and Chenille are tufted fibers and come with a high abrasion rating. Damask is a woven blend of natural and/or synthetic fibers creating a lovely pattern. (Reference the above note about pattern fade: printed vs. woven.) Finally, polyester is the houdini of all fabrics. It is a synthetic fiber that is made to mimic the look/feel of most natural fibers. Very durable but not necessarily planet friendly.
Any of the above mentioned fabrics are great for any piece of furniture you can think of. The type of fabric does not matter as much as the abrasion rate and the use for which it is intended. Maybe don’t use a silk fabric on dining chairs if it is for everyday use. Just sayin’. Again, this is where using the knowledge of an upholsterer is a good idea. We will help you along without overwhelming you.
Color & Pattern
This is largely up to your design preferences. If you want to be a little wild and go with a bold color choice but maybe aren’t used to doing that, go with something small. A set of pillows is always a good idea but you could also put it on the back of a chair, or as a welt, or even in a button. Don’t limit yourself to what the furniture looks like now, it can be anything you want!
Pattern comes in two sizes: small and large. If you are a large pattern-lover like myself then make sure the furniture you are putting it on has enough of a base to see the whole pattern. Think wingback, club chair, Parsons chair, or cushions. Smaller patterns look good on smaller pieces or on a piece that has a broken look, i.e.: channel-back or dining chairs.
There ya go! This is my quick rundown on fabrics. When you come in for your fabric consultation we will go over all of this while I curate the best fabrics for you to choose from. It isn’t about the cost so much as the smile it will bring you for years to come. As an upholsterer it is my job is to give your loved piece the extended life it deserves. As a designer I want you to have the look and feel you’ve been wanting but maybe couldn’t put into words.
Until next time!
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