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Polypropylene is a manufactured fiber that is a type of Olefin. Polypropylene is quick drying, stain resistant, and exceptionally strong. For the ultimate in spill and stain resistance, however, synthetic fibers such as vinyl are used extensively for uphostery fabric. Chenille is also used for bedspreads and garments. Vinyl (Poly Vinyl Chloride) is a manufactured thermoplastic fiber. Vinyl is noted for its strength and ability to resist weathering. Acrylic is a manufactured fiber made with synthetic materials. Acrylic may have the look of wool, cotton, or other fabric blends. It is colorfast, moth resistant, quick drying, and retains shape. Larger rooms can carry larger prints and bolder colors and even combinations of patterns and prints. Upholstery fabrics are sometimes light enough for window treatments and slipcovers. Viscose is a manufactured fiber belonging to the rayon family, composed of regenerated cellulose. Viscose is characterized by its soft hand and drapability. 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. Leather is a very popular choice as an upholstery fabric, as it is delightfully soft yet resistant to spills and stains. Upholstery fabrics are designed to take more wear as they're usually a little more heavy and more durable than multi-purpose or drapery and curtain weight fabrics. Pure Aniline or Full Aniline is the most natural type of leather. Upholstery fabrics are designed to take more wear. 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. Chenille is soft to the touch and very popular as an upholstery fabric for sofas and chairs. Sofas, chairs, and ottomans receiving only moderate amounts of wear will do fine with less durable upholstery fabric. Today velvet is available in both silk and cotton. Consider the style of your furniture as well as its function to help when choosing the type of upholstery fabric. Sturdy and durable, wool and wool blends offer good resistance to pilling, fading, wrinkling, and soil. Wool blends can be spot-cleaned when necessary. Chenille uphostery fabric is a soft tufted cord of silk, cotton, or worsted used in embroidery or for fringing. Chambray is a lightweight plain weave cotton fabric similar to denim. Chambray is woven on a colored warp with white fill yarns. For a slightly retro or timelessly Scottish look, tartan plaid is another superb choice for seat or couch coverings. Velveteen or Corduroy is similar to velvet. Acetate is not a good choice for furniture that will get tough everyday use. Chenille is made from woven yard loops that are then cut to expose a tuft. Upholstery fabrics can be used for arts and crafts. Jacquard is a heavier fabric that tends to be multicolored and used for upholstery, as well as drapery. Acrylic fibers are also man made and include such brand names as Orlon, Acrilan, Dolan and Dralon. Damask can be made of cotton, silk or synthetic fabrics and is commonly used for drapery and upholstery. The nap (or hand) of chenille lasts forever. Low-quality acrylic may pill excessively in areas that receive high degrees of abrasion. Linen is a delicate fabric and does not withstand heavy wear; however, linen does resist pilling and fading. Cotton can also be washed. Silk is derived from silk worms and has been a symbol of luxury since forever. Cotton is quite popular because like any natural fiber, it’s inherently strong and comfortable. Acetate is a synthetic fiber made from cellulose acetate. Widely used for upholstery, drapery and garments. To set the mood, take the color temperature into consideration. Since warm and cool colors affect the mood of the room, try choosing the right upholstery fabric for the right mood. This natural fiber provides good resistance to wear, fading, and pilling. It is less resistant to soil, wrinkling, and fire. Durability and use depend on the weave and finish. Damask weaves are formal; canvas (duck and sailcloth) is more casual and more durable. Linen is best suited for formal living rooms or adult areas because it soils and wrinkles easily. Acrylic resists wear, wrinkling, soiling, and fading. Consider higher thread counts when purchasing a designer upholstery fabric. Wool is obtained from sheep fleece and the term "virgin wool" denotes new, not recycled wool. Developed as imitation silk, acetate can withstand mildew, pilling, and shrinking. Nylon doesn’t readily soil or wrinkle, but it does tend to fade and pill. Silks are manufactured by worms. Chenille is a yarn with a fuzzy pile protruding from all sides. Acetate offers only fair resistance to soil and tends to wear, wrinkle, and fade in the sun. Matelasse is a heavy fabric with a soft hand. Matelasse has the appearance of being puffy or quilted.