Monday, May 19, 2025
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. What type of upholstery fabric should you choose? Boucle can be identified by its curled or looped surface, this material is heavier than many other upholstery fabrics. Upholstery in high traffic areas or pieces subjected to daily heavy wear need to be covered in tough, durable, tightly woven upholstery fabrics. Choose an upholstery fabric based on who will be using that piece of furniture. Nylon doesn’t readily soil or wrinkle, but it does tend to fade and pill. Faux Suede is a fabric woven with a nap to resemble suede. Today’s faux suede is primarily made of microdenier polyester. Cotton is quite popular because like any natural fiber, it’s inherently strong and comfortable. Today’s consumer is looking for “natural fabrics” and lots of textural interest. Upholstery fabrics can be used for arts and crafts. Full grain leather is a top grain leather with all its natural texture (grain) intact. Linen is best suited for formal living rooms or adult areas because it soils and wrinkles easily. Toile is a cotton or linen fabric with a printed design depicting figures or landscapes in a single color. For the ultimate in spill and stain resistance, however, synthetic fibers such as vinyl are used extensively for uphostery fabric. Although it requires an investment, having an extra set of drapery, slipcovers and pillow covers allows you to adapt your interior design to the changing seasons. Because leather is a natural product, it absorbs dyes and reacts differently to treatments from hide to hide. Boucle is a fabric or yarn with a looped surface. Mohair is a very desirable fabric or yarn made from the long silky hair of the Angora goat. Mohair is characterized by its luster and exceptional strength. Cotton is a popular plant based fiber that is used extensively for many kinds of upholstery fabric. Chenille is soft to the touch and very popular as an upholstery fabric for sofas and chairs. Linen is a very strong and sturdy fabric, even more so than cotton.