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Polyester is a manufactured fiber that is resistant to stretching and shrinking. It is also quick drying, wrinkle resistant, and strong. Jacquard is an intricate fabric that features a variegated weave or multi-color pattern. Cotton can also be washed. Polyamide is a manufactured fiber that is a type of nylon. Polyamide is known for its exceptional strength, elasticity, and luster. The practice of upholstery originated in Europe, particularly London, in the 18th century. Before that, many chairs featuwred either bare seats or fabric coverings without padding or springs inside for cushioning. Pure Aniline or Full Aniline is the most natural type of leather. Velveteen or Corduroy is similar to velvet. When executed properly, a mix of fabrics can be beautiful. The challenge is to find a few fabrics with a common thread that ties the combination together. Larger rooms can carry larger prints and bolder colors and even combinations of patterns and prints. Chenille is a yarn with a fuzzy pile protruding from all sides. Surface treatments and blending with other fibers often atone for these weaknesses. The natural fabrics are cotton, linen and silk. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of an upholstery fabric; just like you see when you buy linens for the bed. Leather furniture can be rather expensive, although the same look can be achieved with the use of fake leather uphostery fabric. Just like in fashion, you can dramatically change the look of your home by changing the fabrics that surround you. Rarely used alone in upholstery, polyester is blended with other fibers to add wrinkle resistance, eliminate crushing of napped fabrics, and reduce fading. Full grain leather is a top grain leather with all its natural texture (grain) intact. Nylon doesn’t readily soil or wrinkle, but it does tend to fade and pill. Velvet is used in everything from garments and upholstery to bedspreads and drapery. Trevira is a manufactured fiber belonging to the polyester group of fibers. Trevira fabrics are durable, lightfast, and drape well. A special type of Trevira, Trevira CS, is inherently and permanently flame retardant. Denim is a durable cotton fabric usually characterized by diagonal (twill) lines. Traditionally denim was indigo blue; however, today it is available in a wide range of colors. Jacquard is a heavier fabric that tends to be multicolored and used for upholstery, as well as drapery. Silk has a very soft hand and can be woven into nubby informal textures and shimmering paper-thin sheets. Sturdy and durable, wool and wool blends offer good resistance to pilling, fading, wrinkling, and soil. Wool is a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep, lamb, Angora goat, or Cashmere goat. Specialty wool fibers are obtained from the camel, alpaca, llama, or vicuna. Wools are characterized by their fine, soft, wavy appearance. Chenille uphostery fabric is a soft tufted cord of silk, cotton, or worsted used in embroidery or for fringing. Generally, wool is blended with a synthetic fiber to make it easier to clean and to reduce the possibility of felting the fibers (causing them to bond together until they resemble felt). Durability and use depend on the weave and finish. Damask weaves are formal; canvas (duck and sailcloth) is more casual and more durable. Acetate is a manufactured fiber made of cellulose acetate obtained from wood pulp. Acetate has a soft feel, a luxurious appearance, and drapes well. It resists shrinking, moths, and mildew. Dye Lot is a batch of fabric or yarn that has been dyed at the same time. There may be some color variation from lot to lot. This tough material can be gently vacuumed, wiped with a damp cloth and cleaned with leather conditioner or saddle soap. The attractiveness of the napped suede look has lead to microsuede gaining in popularity in upholstery fabric applications, replicating the feel of real suede and adding stain resistance and durability, in addition to lower costs. Spandex is a manufactured fiber known for its high elasticity.