Myths to Selecting an Upholstery Fabric

Myth – Large patterns means double yardage.

Patterns in general call for more fabric than a solid however, what matters more is the repeat, the drop and the particular piece being upholstered.  A good upholsterer will look at the piece of furniture and do the required math while figuring pattern placement to achieve the appropriate amount of yardage required.

Myth – Yardage charts are accurate.

See above answer.  There is no absolute standard.  It all depends on the piece being upholstered.   A chart usually equals buying too much fabric.  Now on a $50 per/yd. fabric this may not be a big deal but when we are talking a $300 a yard this is HUGE.

Myth – Fabrics can be treated or made to hold up to any stain.

Fact: No fabric is 100% child or pet proof. Period.  However, most spills can be eliminated with simple cleaning methods.  (No scrubbing.)  Most of the time it comes out.  Mustard belongs in the kitchen not the living room.

Myth – Cotton and silk are too flimsy for upholstery.

Silk is one of the strongest fabrics available.  What it is not, is light fast.  Sunlight can and will “eat” silk.  But to call it whimpy wouldn’t be accurate.  Silk is used in rugs and like wool it has held up to foot traffic for hundreds of years.

Cotton is a very durable fiber but it’s durability for upholstery is dependent on its weave.  Cotton velvet is very, very durable though it can crush or wrinkle.  Think of blue jeans and how long those hold up.  Thin light weight cottons are often perfect for light duty (occasional chair nobody sits in) pieces or drapery.  Cotton is a workhorse which has stood the test of time.

Myth – Chenille is a great upholstery fabric.

This is not always true.  Depending on the weave chenille is often the worst for kids and pets.  Little kids pick and pets snag their claws.  Interior designers and upholsterers often consider chenille a bad choice for daily use furniture.

Not a Myth: Good quality upholstery fabric is generally 53″+ and not the same as clothing fabric.  Quality upholstery fabric companies like, Scalamandre, Kravet, Designer’s Guild, Robert Allen and others invest in product testing.  This is vital information.  These companies will test for the proper use and even light-fastness of their textiles.  If used for seating, if is very helpful to know the double rubs a fabric will handle.

Photo via DesignCalendar.com