Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Cotton is a fiber that grows out of a plant and is woven in many forms. Latex is a substance often used as a back coating on fabrics to make them easier to upholster. It is a milky white liquid that is extracted from the rubber tree, milkweed plant, or the poppy family. Cotton is a fabric or yarn made from cotton fibers that have been obtained from the seed pod of the cotton plant. It is soft, breathable, and the most widely used natural fiber. High-quality acrylics are manufactured to pill significantly less. Chenille uphostery fabric is a soft tufted cord of silk, cotton, or worsted used in embroidery or for fringing. 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. Polyurethane is a manmade organic polymer with high elongation and strength. Polyurethane is often used in elastic and plastic or vinyl like textiles. Silk is a delicate fabric and only suitable for adult areas, such as formal living rooms and must be professionally cleaned if soiled. Nylon doesn’t readily soil or wrinkle, but it does tend to fade and pill. Wool is obtained from sheep fleece and the term "virgin wool" denotes new, not recycled wool. There are natural fabrics such as mohair, wools and cashmeres, which are made from sheered and woven animal fur. Rarely used alone in upholstery, polyester is blended with other fibers to add wrinkle resistance, eliminate crushing of napped fabrics, and reduce fading. Cotton can also be washed. Silk is derived from silk worms and has been a symbol of luxury since forever. Developed as an imitation silk, linen, and cotton, rayon is durable, yet wrinkles easily. Recent developments have made high-quality rayon very practical. Choosing an upholstery fabric's color is the single biggest factor in fabric selection. Unless you happen to really like them, try to avoid trendy colors. Color trends come and go so be careful. What if you don't consider the upholstery fabric color attractive in the first place? There is more chance you'll hate it when the fabric color is not popular? Up the Bolt is a fabric that is up the bolt is applied to furniture exactly the way it is made on the roll. This is often necessary to keep designs in the proper direction. Up the bolt fabrics may result in seams on some styles. Boucle can be identified by its curled or looped surface, this material is heavier than many other upholstery fabrics. Acrylic resists wear, wrinkling, soiling, and fading. Washable is a fabric that is washable resists fading and shrinking during the laundering process, using cold water or dry cleaning method. Polypropylene is a manufactured fiber that is a type of Olefin. Polypropylene is quick drying, stain resistant, and exceptionally strong. Color is the most important reason people choose an upholstery fabric, so make sure your color choice is appropriate. Marine furniture requires a significant amount of heat and water resistance, resulting in heavy uses of vinyl and polyester. We also offer a complete line of indoor-outdoor upholstery fabrics which is perfect for upholstering furniture that will be used every day and perfect if you have kids or pets. Faux Suede is a fabric woven with a nap to resemble suede. Today’s faux suede is primarily made of microdenier polyester. The natural fabrics are cotton, linen and silk. Silk is so delicate that although it can be hand-washed it is best sent to the dry-cleaners. Microfiber upholstery fabric, which has increased in popularity over the years, is a blend of polyester and polyamide. 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. Linen is a very strong and sturdy fabric, even more so than cotton. Is your furniture in a traditionally themed living room that is only used on occasion? Velveteen or Corduroy is similar to velvet. For the ultimate in spill and stain resistance, however, synthetic fibers such as vinyl are used extensively for uphostery fabric. 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. Determine where your upholstered pieces will be used in the home before buying your upholstery fabric. Matelasse is a heavy fabric with a soft hand. Matelasse has the appearance of being puffy or quilted. Our broad assortment of jacquards, florals, stripes, damasks, chenilles, velvets, tapestries, faux sueded and solid textured upholstery fabrics will help you create fabulous furniture and great pillows! Rayon is a manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose which is processed from wood pulp. Rayon is characterized by it high absorbency, soft hand, and drapability. It can imitate the feel and texture of silk, wool, cotton, or linen.