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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. Toile de Jouy dates back to 18th century France, and is a cotton print. Linen is a very strong and sturdy fabric, even more so than cotton. Polypropylene is a manufactured fiber that is a type of Olefin. Polypropylene is quick drying, stain resistant, and exceptionally strong. Leather is a very popular choice as an upholstery fabric, as it is delightfully soft yet resistant to spills and stains. All leathers display a variety of unique natural markings and variations in color. Velvet was originally made from silk for royalty. Railroaded is a fabric that is railroaded is applied to furniture at a 90 degree angle from the way it appears on the roll. Chenille is French for “caterpillar,” chenille has a thick, soft pile and is one of today’s most popular fabrics. It was originally used in the 1800’s to block drafts at doors and windows. If comfort is at the top of your priority list, then chenille is the upholstery fabric for you. 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. 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? Acrylic is a synthetic fiber and was developed as imitation wool. Nylon is a manufactured fiber that is exceptionally strong, elastic, and lustrous. Soiled linen upholstery must be professionally cleaned to avoid shrinking. Matelasse is a heavy fabric with a soft hand. Matelasse has the appearance of being puffy or quilted. Developed as imitation silk, acetate can withstand mildew, pilling, and shrinking. Boucle can be identified by its curled or looped surface, this material is heavier than many other upholstery fabrics. Upholstery fabrics are usually a little heavier and more durable than multi-purpose or drapery-weight fabrics. Because leather is a natural product, it absorbs dyes and reacts differently to treatments from hide to hide. 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. 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. Velveteen is made from thick woven cotton and is available with ridges known as corduroy. There are natural fabrics such as mohair, wools and cashmeres, which are made from sheered and woven animal fur. Wool blends can be spot-cleaned when necessary. Full grain leather is a top grain leather with all its natural texture (grain) intact. 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. Depending on the weave, cotton blends can be sturdy, family-friendly fabrics. A stain-resistant finish should be applied for everyday use. The natural fabrics are cotton, linen and silk. Is your furniture in a traditionally themed living room that is only used on occasion? It may make more sense to avoid a very bold upholstery fabric color for a smaller room, especially if your furniture piece is also large. Nylon is very resilient; in a blend, it helps eliminate the crushing of napped fabrics such as velvet. Larger rooms can carry larger prints and bolder colors and even combinations of patterns and prints. Cotton is a fiber that grows out of a plant and is woven in many forms.